Dog training death allegations have left a Los Angeles couple searching for answers about their Bernese Mountain Dog.
Los Angeles DJ Andrew Fedyk says his 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Dunkin, died less than 48 hours after entering a paid board-and-train program.
Fedyk and his wife, influencer Madeleine White, had recently welcomed a baby and wanted help with leash and behavior training for their two dogs, according to KTLA reporting republished by AOL.
Couple Paid $10,000 For Training
Fedyk said the couple researched trainers online, met with the trainer several times and paid $10,000 for both dogs to take part in a roughly four-week program.
KTLA reported that the business was Smart Dogs Training Academy in Studio City. The company had not responded to KTLA’s request for comment at the time of that report.
Parade also reported that Smart Dogs Training had not responded to its request for comment.
Owner Says Dog Died In Transit
Fedyk told KTLA that staff said Dunkin had been at a park before they decided it was too hot and began driving the dogs to a kennel in Hollywood.
He said he had not been told the dogs would be moved to another facility.
According to Fedyk, Dunkin died during the car ride. He also said staff told him the dog was not taken to a veterinarian during the incident.
Cause Of Death Not Yet Confirmed
Fedyk said he plans to have a necropsy performed to determine Dunkin’s cause of death.
A necropsy is an animal autopsy. It can help identify whether heat, illness, injury or another factor contributed to an animal’s death.
At this stage, the cause of Dunkin’s death has not been independently confirmed.
Family Says Dunkin Was Gentle
Fedyk described Dunkin as his best friend and called him “the most friendly dog on the planet.”
He said he shared the story to warn other pet owners to carefully research trainers, boarding facilities and staff before leaving animals in their care.
Parade reported that White also posted about the death and claimed the couple still had unanswered questions about where the dogs were and what happened in Dunkin’s final hours.
Other Claims Remain Unverified
Fedyk later alleged that other families had contacted him with concerns about dogs that died while in the same company’s care, according to Parade.
Those claims have not been independently verified, and no public findings have established wrongdoing by the trainer or company.
KTLA reported that Fedyk wants Los Angeles Animal Services to investigate. The LA Animal Services Field Team says its officers respond to and investigate incidents involving animal cruelty, neglect and local animal law violations.
Heat Risk For Dogs
The case has also raised concern about heat safety for pets in training and boarding programs.
The ASPCA warns that pets can dehydrate quickly in hot or humid weather and should have fresh water, shade and limited exercise during extreme heat.
The group also says signs of overheating can include heavy panting, trouble breathing, drooling, weakness, collapse, vomiting or seizures.
Fedyk said he is still waiting for answers. Until the necropsy is complete or officials release findings, the circumstances of Dunkin’s death remain unclear.