About Quail Run Kennels

Quail Run Kennels has been at 126 Peconic Avenue in Medford since 1973 – 'a trusted name in dog boarding and training since 1973', on a 2.5-acre property, family-owned and operated, with staff supervision around the clock and 'many of whom have over 30 years in the industry'.

Who trains

The training side is led by the owner: 'Our training programs are led by Don Sterling, a retired K9 unit police officer, bringing years of professional experience and proven techniques to every session.' The kennel explains why that background matters in its own FAQ – 'Don's law enforcement career gave him a deep understanding of canine behavior, obedience, and the bond between handler and dog.' One credential the business cites is concrete rather than decorative: 'we were chosen to train the explosive detection dogs used at the New York Stock Exchange in the two years following 9/11'.

Method

Given the working-dog background, the published method is worth reading carefully, because it is not what an owner might assume: 'Rather than relying on punishment, we focus on building your dog's confidence, good manners, and obedience through positive reinforcement techniques.' The phrase the kennel uses for its overall stance is 'affirmative leadership'. Programs are tailored – 'whether you're looking for basic training or advanced behavior work, we tailor each program to meet your dog's unique needs'.

Boarding, and a detail that matters

Boarding is the larger half of the business: spacious accommodation, secure outdoor areas, regular exercise, competitive rates, $5 off per additional pet for multi-dog households, and a complimentary bath for stays of five or more consecutive days. The training detail worth knowing is that a training collar and leash are included with training, and the kennel explains the reasoning rather than treating it as a freebie: 'Sending your dog home with the proper equipment helps reinforce consistent behavior and keeps the momentum going after training wraps up.' Contact is on 631-475-4573.