iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%95+51.8Reliability 24%90+21.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%69+4.9Craft & service penalty84−1.6Experts Score= 91Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#14 of 64 pet boarding facilitiesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 79%
4.9★★★★★154 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy 4.9 out of 5 based on 154 reviews, highlighting effective board and train programs for reactive or aggressive dogs, as well as responsible breeding services. Customers frequently praise the facility's communication, including frequent updates and in-person lessons, and mention financing options for training fees. However, low-star reviews cite concerns about high pricing and a lack of responsiveness or reliability from the business.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 154 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 154 Google reviews (144 with written comments, 29 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 11% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 6, 2026.
Service: Pet Boarding Facility serving Iowa City, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet boarding facilities
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyPet Boarding Facilities median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
95
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 78.A
90
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
84
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 42.B
69
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
154 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars15097%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star32%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 144 written reviews
94%praise
Praise20494%
Complaints136%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price542%
Reasonable758%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5023%
Would recommend4521%
Quality & results3315%
Speed & response2913%
Communication2612%
Honesty & trust199%
Price & value157%
What customers talk about
We read 144 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They also offer flexible payment options, which was incredibly helpful for me.”
“…with, especially a dog with reactivity or behavioral issues, I would absolutely recommend talking to Chelsey and her team before giving up hope.…”
“I cannot recommend Knallhart Kennels and Training Academy enough.”
“The communication, care, transparency, and dedication throughout the entire process truly exceeded our expectations.”
“My wife and I got a Standard Poodle at quite possibly the worst time.”
“Chelsey responded quickly and instantly put me at ease.”
“Not responsive, unreliable”
“He now understands clear, consistent expectations, and I finally have the tools to communicate those expectations with him.”
“I genuinely cannot recommend Knallhart Training Academy enough.”
“…ho cried like a baby dropping her dog off… Knallhart Kennels is WELL worth it.…”
“Way to pricey”
People customers mention
Chelsey85 reviews
Chelsea18 reviews
Newfoundland12 reviews
Shepherd10 reviews
Montgomery6 reviews
Dog4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy for 2 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Jill2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I having nothing but excellent things to say about the team at Knallhart. I first reached out looking for options to add a therapy dog to our family. Max was being fostered by knallhart so we set up a meet and greet to see how he would interact. Love at first sight! During max’s eight weeks of training he was able…
Dog boardingDog training
adilynn5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I adopted my dog through Knallhart. I couldn’t be more happy with Chelsey and Jenny’s assistance in picking out a dog that fits my needs. My dog went through 8 weeks of training with them before I adopted her, their foster program is phenomenal. She’s incredibly intelligent and they knew exactly what to do with all…
Reasonable priceService not listed
mike4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Working with Chelsey and her team has been great for us and Remi! Their training program and was exactly when we needed! Remi also loves being down on the property for overnights.
Dog boardingDog training
Lilli4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We did an 8 week board and train after our dog became reactive towards other dogs. Chelsey was incredibly supportive during the process and he’s a completely changed dog. He can finally be around other dogs and his general obedience around the house is so much better. Highly recommend especially for difficult,…
Dog boardingDog training
Julie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Having a responsible breeder if Newfoundland’s is of utmost importance to me and Knallhart is absolutely dedicated to the preservation of the breed. Chelsey’s standards and thoroughness produced a litter that has made many families happy including mine. Not only did she work extensively ensuring the puppies were…
CeCe2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Chelsea runs a very organized and caring kennel. Can’t wait to see her completed addition, state of the art!!! Keep up the great work!!!
I having nothing but excellent things to say about the team at Knallhart. I first reached out looking for options to add a therapy dog to our family. Max was being fostered by knallhart so we set up a meet and greet to see how he would interact. Love at first sight! During max’s eight weeks of training he was able to come to our house on the weekends so we could not only get him accustomed to our home with our family, but it also allowed for us to know exactly what areas he needed to continue to focus on. Max came home on the 2nd. He is by far best friends with our 3 year old. He sleeps with him and has helped be not be afraid to go to sleep at night. Max is gentle with him and I no worries about him walking Max or doing anything he wants with him. Max is an amazing fit to our crazy house of boys and I look forward to continuing our relationship while max continues to grow and learn.
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
Bailey3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bailey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I genuinely cannot recommend Knallhart Training Academy enough. If you have a dog that you feel like you’ve tried everything with, especially a dog with reactivity or behavioral issues, I would absolutely recommend talking to Chelsey and her team before giving up hope. They accomplished things with Bumi that I honestly wasn’t sure were possible, and they gave me the tools to continue building on that progress at home.
Bumi came home yesterday and he is a changed dog. Well, he’s still a Border Collie, so fetch is obviously still life 😂 But he actually listens to me now.
I had tried other trainers in the area, but their approaches just didn’t work for us. A lot of the advice was centered around avoiding stressful situations and not putting him in positions where he might feel uncomfortable or react. I understand the thought behind that, but that just isn’t real life. He is going to encounter things he doesn’t like, and I needed to learn how to help him work through those situations instead of constantly trying to avoid them.
Bumi is a rescue who had a difficult start to life, and I was dealing with a lot of aggression and reactivity. For a long time, I felt like I had to accept his behavior because of everything he had been through. I honestly wasn’t even sure what was realistically achievable for him.
Putting him through the behavioral modification board and train at Knallhart completely changed my perspective. It showed me that there was a better way, and that both Bumi and I deserved that better way.
He is no longer a liability. I can comfortably have him around friends and family. He kennels easily. He actually knows how to settle, which is saying A LOT for a Border Collie 😂 And he still has every bit of his goofy personality that I love.
Dogs like Bumi are sometimes just too smart for their own good, and he had absolutely learned that being a jerk could get him out of doing things. Not anymore! He now understands clear, consistent expectations, and I finally have the tools to communicate those expectations with him.
Chelsey and the other trainers didn’t just train Bumi, they trained me too. They gave me the tools and understanding to continue reinforcing what he learned once he came home. Chelsey also offers continued support after training, which is incredibly reassuring as I continue working with him at home.
Before Knallhart, I felt like I had to plan my life around Bumi’s reactivity. I felt limited by what I could do and who I could have around him. Now I don’t feel like I’m constantly managing a liability. I can actually enjoy my dog.
Bumi will always be Bumi. He’s still goofy, intense, incredibly smart, and absolutely obsessed with fetch. But now he has structure, boundaries, and the skills to be successful, and I finally feel confident in my ability to help him.
I’m so grateful I found Knallhart Training Academy. I felt so limited before, and now I can finally exhale. ❤️
They also offer flexible payment options, which was incredibly helpful for me. Investing in this kind of training can feel overwhelming, so having that flexibility made it much more manageable and allowed me to give Bumi the help he needed.
If you’re struggling with your dog and feel like you’ve run out of options, please don’t give up on them or yourself. Talk to Chelsey and the Knallhart team. I wish I had found them sooner. If they can help Bumi make this kind of progress, I truly believe they can help you and your dog.
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
adilynn iserman5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews adilynn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I adopted my dog through Knallhart. I couldn’t be more happy with Chelsey and Jenny’s assistance in picking out a dog that fits my needs. My dog went through 8 weeks of training with them before I adopted her, their foster program is phenomenal. She’s incredibly intelligent and they knew exactly what to do with all of her brains. Their communication is on point, they answered any and all questions I had, with all of the answers I need. They’re kind, honest, thoughtful individuals and I couldn’t recommend them more. We will be coming back for service dog training!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
mike Saunders4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews mike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working with Chelsey and her team has been great for us and Remi! Their training program and was exactly when we needed! Remi also loves being down on the property for overnights.
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
Lilli O'Hara4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lilli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did an 8 week board and train after our dog became reactive towards other dogs. Chelsey was incredibly supportive during the process and he’s a completely changed dog. He can finally be around other dogs and his general obedience around the house is so much better. Highly recommend especially for difficult, aggressive or reactive dogs. If you feel like other training hasn’t worked for you, you should give Knallhart a try!
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
Julie Groos2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Julie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Having a responsible breeder if Newfoundland’s is of utmost importance to me and Knallhart is absolutely dedicated to the preservation of the breed. Chelsey’s standards and thoroughness produced a litter that has made many families happy including mine. Not only did she work extensively ensuring the puppies were healthy but also which home would fit the personality and temperament of each puppy. We couldn’t be more happy with our boy, and he already knows how to sit at 10 weeks! He’s the warmth my heart was missing! Chelsey’s follow up and focus on a happy puppy home gives us comfort that we found a furry friend and breeder for life!
CeCe Guyatt2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews CeCe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I dreamed of having a Newfoundland puppy for years, and from the very first conversation I had with Chelsey, I knew I had found the right breeder. The best part is that she just happened to be right under my nose, only 15 minutes from my home!
Chelsey took the time to truly listen to what I wanted and needed in a puppy and handled every detail with so much care. She matched me with a puppy who fits me perfectly and has all of the characteristics I had hoped and dreamed of having. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better match.
What means the most to me is knowing that choosing Chelsey wasn’t just about bringing home a puppy — it was about gaining lifelong support. Even in the short time I’ve had my puppy home, she has already been there to answer all of my questions, offer advice, and reassure me whenever I need it. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about her puppies and the families they go to long after they leave her home.
I couldn’t be happier with my experience and would wholeheartedly recommend Chelsey and the Knallhart team to anyone looking for a Newfoundland. She made a dream I had for years come true, and I’m so thankful that my puppy ended up with me exactly the way he did. ❤️
Dawn ElliottLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dawn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our experience getting our puppy was absolutely wonderful from beginning to end. From the very start, we felt informed, supported, and genuinely cared for throughout the entire process. The communication was excellent from conception all the way through pick-up, and we always felt like we knew what was happening and what to expect.
One of the things we appreciated most was receiving frequent photos and updates throughout the waiting process. Being able to watch our puppy grow and develop before bringing them home made the experience so special and helped us feel connected from the very beginning.
It was clear that our puppy was thoughtfully bred, well cared for, and given an excellent start in life. We also really appreciated all of the guidance and advice provided for raising our puppy after bringing them home. Having that continued support and knowledge available made the transition so much easier and gave us confidence that we were doing everything we could to give our puppy the best possible start.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience. The communication, care, transparency, and dedication throughout the entire process truly exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-bred, healthy, and well-loved puppy from someone who genuinely cares about both their dogs and the families they go home to. Thank you Chelsey for the most amazing Newfoundland puppy!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Jayne SandlerLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jayne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot recommend Knallhart Kennels and Training Academy enough. We have two Giant Schnauzers, Suki, 11, and Revi, 5. Revi had become so domineering and pushy that Suki was afraid to go outside to potty and sometimes had accidents in the house. We were at our wits’ end.
I was hesitant about sending Revi to “overnight boot camp” for six weeks, but after speaking with Chelsey, the owner, I felt confident giving them a try. She listened, understood our situation, and had a thoughtful plan that addressed our real household dynamic, not just one dog’s behavior.
The results have been incredible. When Revi came home, I felt prepared to handle her, and with the tools and training Knallhart provided, she began behaving beautifully. Almost four months later, things are about 95% better. Revi is calmer with Suki, responds to commands, and can now handle people coming to the door without excessive barking and jumping.
Even our vet was shocked when I brought both dogs in together without any incident. Knallhart helped bring peace back into our home, and I am so grateful to Chelsey and her team. If you feel out of options with difficult dog behavior, contact Knallhart and discuss your situation with Chelsey.
