I highly recommend this facility. I was having on leash issues with my rescue. I worked with Nicole and within minutes we had the issue under control. I also tried a protection class and while my dog wasn't into it, although the methods were top notch. Robin and her team certainly know what they are doing. So if your looking for a no nonsense trainer that excels in their field, look no further!!

Robin, Nicole, Charlotte, and the rest of the Runchkin hill staff are exceptional at what they do. We adopted our 6 month old puppy, Gene from a shelter where he came to us as a very disregulated, anxious, destructive, and feral puppy with no prior training. From the very first day of Runchkin meeting him, they gave me helpful advice and tips on how to best manage his destructive behaviors and answered a long list of my questions on their training methodology to ensure Gene would be in a safe environment. Gene attended the day school for half day training classes and we began to notice a huge difference in his obedience and regulation after the first 2 weeks of attending. They also offer weekend parent training classes to go over the skills learned which were very helpful. After his initial 20 days of training classes, I can confidently say Gene learned all of the important and necessary safety commands and skills he needed. We chose to continue with his training for an additional 20 classes to work on perfecting his learned skills but also because he truly loved being with the Runchkin staff who took the very best care of him when he was with them. Gene is now a happy, obedient, well regulated, MUCH less anxious puppy than he was just 3 months ago and it’s because of Runchkins training program and the time/effort the staff put into helping him. Thank you Robin, Nicole + Charlotte for your expertise and for helping Gene to be the very best he can be, 5 stars are not enough to recommend this group!!

When we brought Cadence, our Belgian Malinois, home from Runchkin Hill Farm, we weren’t just getting a puppy — we were gaining a lifelong support system. Robin Desmond sets the standard for responsible breeding and working-dog training. Cadence is a product of thoughtful pairing, intentional early socialization, and a breeder who truly understands drive, structure, and temperament. You can see the foundation in her confidence and clarity every single day. What made our experience even more special was Robin’s incredible support in helping us prepare Cadence as a Christmas surprise for our son — a Marine Corps veteran who has long wanted to train and compete in PSA. Robin didn’t just send us home with a puppy. She helped us thoughtfully plan the entire surprise, guiding us in selecting the perfect leash, collar, Ruffland crate, bully sticks, treats, and even enrolling Cadence in training classes to give her the perfect head start. Her guidance made the moment unforgettable and set our son up for success from day one. From the beginning, Robin has been generous with her time, knowledge, and encouragement — and that support didn’t stop after pickup day. Cadence attends training at Runchkin Hill, and the structure, standards, and clarity Robin brings to every session are exceptional. She understands working breeds. She understands intensity. And more importantly, she understands how to channel it productively. You can tell this isn’t just breeding or training to her — it’s stewardship of the breed. And let’s be honest… when you willingly bring a “Maligator” into your home, you need someone who knows how to manage both the chomp and the charm. Robin absolutely does. If you are looking for a breeder and trainer who prioritizes temperament, health, structure, and long-term success, Runchkin Hill Farm is it. We are beyond grateful for Robin and the foundation she has given Cadence — and for the continued guidance as she grows. 🐾

Robin and her team are top notch trainers. Our lab puppy is on his way to being the best version of himself with their training approach. He loves his classes and his animal friends! Top notch!

We recently welcomed an amazing puppy from Runchkin Hill K9 Training and Breeding Facility, and the experience truly exceeded our expectations. Robin is knowledgeable, deeply experienced, and truly passionate about breeding healthy, well-tempered dogs — a reputation that’s backed up by many positive reviews from others who have gotten puppies here. Keep up the amazing work Runchkin Hill!

We have a high-drive working dog, and we knew he needed an experienced training facility who truly understood how to channel that energy properly. The team here absolutely delivered. They are confident, patient, and clearly very experienced with working breeds. Instead of trying to suppress his drive, they helped him and us learn how to harness it in a productive and structured way. Robin, Nicole and Tom are extremely knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about working with dogs. They took the time to understand my dog’s personality, strengths, and challenges creating a structured training plan for him. The facility is clean, and spacious which made us feel confident that our dog was in a safe and professional environment. We appreciate how they focused not only on teaching our dog but also on educating us so we could reinforce the lessons effectively. They are always available to answer our questions and offer guidance. We can’t say enough great things about Runchkin Hill Farm and Kennel and are very happy we found them.

I cannot recommend Runchkin Hill K9 highly enough! From the very first inquiry to the day I brought my dog home, the entire experience was nothing short of amazing. The team’s knowledge and genuine care for their dogs are evident in everything they do. They walked me through the process with so much patience and professionalism, making what can be an overwhelming decision feel completely seamless. As for my dog! They have exceeded every single one of my expectations and then some. You can tell the dogs here are raised with love and expert attention because my pup’s temperament and health are outstanding. He is simply amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. If you want a stress-free experience with a knowledgeable team, Runchkin Hill K9 is the place to go. The level of care they provide to their dogs is world-class, and it shows. I also have my boy enrolled in the board and train program/Protection club which has been OUTSTANDING and just so good for him! I can’t even put into words how amazing all of the staff is and the level of care that they provide. The ongoing support makes you feel like you have a lifelong connection to the kennel and the best part is that you become family here versus just another client. I am so incredibly happy with my decision! If you’re looking for a breeder that truly cares about their animals and their clients, look no further!

I moved to West Newbury a month ago and came across Runchkin when looking for dog trainers in the area. I adopted my puppy from a rescue in November and after a DNA test I learned she has half Siberian husky half cattle dog. This explained the stubborn, sassy, naughty behaviors she quickly developed at home (and admittedly what I was not prepared for). She has been going to Runchkin for 3-4 weeks now and it is unbelievable how much progress she has made in such a small amount of time. I came to Runchkin with major concerns over her aggressive resource guarding, pulling on the leash, biting, and obsessive barking. Now I have a completely different dog and she’s still only 6 months old. I can’t wait to see how much more she will learn and develop as she continues her training here. Thank you to Robin, Nicole and the rest of the team!!

Robin and her team at Runchkin Hill K9 Training and Breeding are amazing! Our puppy has been going to training at Runchkin Hill regularly for @ 6 months now. His skills, obedience and recall have improved immensely. They train with expertise and use firm, effective methods while also loving each dog for their individual personality. The team also works with the owner to help reinforce the training at home. I highly recommend Runchkin Hill for anyone who is seeking the best training for their dog(s).

Runchkin Hill K9 Training and Breeding Facility is a 10/10 in our family's book! Robin is absolutely amazing and very knowledgable in her trade. If you are unsure of which direction to go when it comes to training your pup or adding a pup to your family, she is definitely the one you want to speak to. My husband and I recently purchased two pups from Robin at Runchkin Hill and we could not be happier. Her breeding programs produce highly intelligent pups with a wonderful temperament. With our first Runchkin Hill pup, my husband and I decided to board him with robin for a week and our boy came back home as an elegant man, we were also provided with the tools and tricks to progress in his training at home. It is an art to see what Robin is capable of when it comes to your doggo(s). We live 6.5 hours away from her and plan to visit frequently for in person training to keep our boys well maintained and on the right track to unlock their truest potential. Whether you are looking for a new family member with 4 paws and a big heart, or to train your fur baby to be on their best behavior at all times, Runchkin Hill K9 Training and Boarding Facility is the way to go. 100% worth traveling if you are a distance away from them. Robin, we are so happy to be apart of your Runchkin Family and are looking forward to continue working with you in the future with our handsome boys!