Pack Leader LLC
Ranked #1 in Hope Hull and #12 in Alabama
Service area: Located in central Hope Hull, Alabama, near major cities such as Montgomery, Prattville, Birmingham, Auburn, Huntsville, and Atlanta.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Jumping on People
- Potty Training
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Board and Train
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ E-Collars
Pack Leader offers three board and train programs, all emphasizing repetition, clear markers, and consistency for optimal results. The Basic Board & Train is a 30-day program for puppies (starting at 10 weeks) focusing on basic obedience commands, crate training, and socialization. The Board & Train is also a 30-day program for dogs over one year old, covering basic obedience and addressing specific issues, including introductory e-collar work.
The Advanced Board & Train is a 6-week program that builds on basic obedience with more advanced e-collar work, recommended for behavioral issues or support animal training. E-collar work is not available for dogs under 6 months of age. All programs include post-training instruction for owners to continue their dog’s training at home, and ongoing support is available via call or visit.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pack Leader offers three distinct board and train programs. The Basic Board & Train, designed for puppies starting at 10 weeks, costs $2,000 for a 30-day stay. The standard Board & Train program, suitable for dogs over one year old, is priced at $2,500 for 30 days and includes initial work with an e-collar. The Advanced Board & Train is a 6-week program costing $3,500, which involves more advanced e-collar work and is recommended for dogs with behavioral issues or those intended to become support animals.
Policies
The minimum training program duration offered is 30 days. All dogs are required to be up to date on vaccinations, and proof of vaccination records must be provided. While they cannot guarantee a dog will not get sick due to group settings, they take daily precautions to clean and disinfect the facility.
Testimonials
“We were very impressed with Pack Leader and the great work they did with our two year old Shepherd/Heeler mix. Steve and Madison were both personal and professional. We really appreciated that they took the time to show us how to keep working with ur dog when we picked her up.”
– Alex Kimber / Zia
“After looking close to home, I couldn’t find the right fit for me and my puppy, Captain Jack Sparrow. So I was really excited to find Steve and Madison in Hope Hull, AL. I knew the first day we met that they were a perfect match for us! Steve’s wisdom and exceptional experience in dog training was very evident in his ability to get the best from my little mini golden doodle, even with all of his busy little “puppy energy.” And Steve’s patience with me in learning how to maintain the things Jack learned in his 4-week stay was great.Steve and Madison complement one another so well. I HIGHLY recommend using them to help you get the best FROM your dog and FOR your dog. They are authentic and are just truly good honest people. Their willingness to support Jack and I in the future is something else that sets them apart. They stand by what they do, which in this day and age isn’t always the case. They truly care, and Jack and I will definitely go back in the future to learn more. Until then, it’s so much fun to have a puppy back home who has manners and who I can communicate with and then actually see him “get it!””
– Kelly Wesley / Jack Sparrow
“I highly recommend Steve and this program. Our 6 mo old Vizsla (Rusty) just recently completed the 30 day board and train. After settling back in his home after 2 weeks, the difference is amazing. Aside from the obedience training with all basic commands (sit, down, stay, heel, etc.) it’s Rusty’s drastic improvement with overall maturity and confidence that’s the most noticeable. He no longer jumps all over “visitors” when meeting new people and is a confident playmate with other dogs. That said, to maximize the program, it’s imperative that you continue to spend the time needed daily with your dog to continue the training techniques that Steve establishes. At the conclusion of the board, Steve thoroughly walks you through this process. Really happy and pleased that we found Pack Leader. Again, I would highly recommend this service.”
– Shawn Headley / Rusty
About the Trainer
Pack Leader LLC is a dog training kennel located in central Hope Hull, Alabama, situated on a private 33-acre property that is fully fenced with two gated entrances. The facility is also the trainers’ home, ensuring someone is on-site most of the time to care for the dogs. The indoor kennels are heated and air-conditioned, featuring vinyl flooring and measuring 4×5′ for both indoor and outdoor access.
The facility also includes crates for potty training, an indoor training area, a 3-acre fully fenced outdoor area for playtime and socialization, and a pole barn for shade. Pack Leader specializes in board and train programs, with a minimum stay of 30 days, which they have found to be the optimal duration for dogs to settle, understand commands, and receive sufficient repetitions. Their training methodology incorporates classical and operant conditioning, with a strong emphasis on marker training and hand-feeding to build a solid foundation.
They aim to foster clear communication between the handler and canine, resulting in obedient and well-adjusted family members. Pack Leader offers programs for basic obedience, advanced skills, and assistance with specific problem behaviors. Socialization is an integral part of their programs, facilitated through playtime in their fenced area and various field trips.
Trainers Steve and Madison Driscoll provide comprehensive post-training support to dog owners, guiding them on how to continue their dog’s training at home, and are available for troubleshooting.
Accomplishments
Steve Driscoll has over 25 years of experience in dog training. He served for 19 years as a canine specialist with the Miami-Dade County Urban Search and Rescue team FLTF1, deploying to major disasters globally, including the Turkey earthquake in 1999 and the Haiti earthquake in 2010. Steve also spent over 10 years as a FEMA evaluator, assessing urban search and rescue dogs, and for two years, he was the lead instructor for the canine specialist course for the state of Florida.
He served with a team of veterinarians as a subject matter expert following Hurricane Katrina, advising on animal rescue procedures. Steve’s expertise spans working dogs, sport dogs, odor detection dogs (including diabetic alert dogs), and USAR dogs, demonstrating experience in all aspects of animal training from household pets to high-level working dogs. Madison Driscoll assists with dog training, scheduling appointments, and administrative duties, and is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club.
How to Get Started!
Clients can schedule a free evaluation to begin the process.
Contact Information
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Kennel
- Pet boarding service