Every time we walk our bullmastiff, Ned, down the hill near our house, he picks up the pace because he knows we're going to Great Dog Shoppe! Great Dog is a well-rounded shop that does everything right. They not only have obedience classes, but also have a Saturday play-time for puppies and adults alike. An employee is always in the room to facilitate and it's a great way to wear Ned out on the weekends. Most large chains have grooming departments that are hidden from the public eye, which has always concerned me. What are they doing back there? How clean is it? Is my dog being soothed or scolded? Great Dog is the opposite: their gromming area and retail area are separated only by a hip-high gate, so you can see all of the nail-cutting and fur-trimming for yourself. They even cut Ned's nails for free the first time, and when I cut too deep they told me they had Quikstop, but that I could also use flour - they made sure my puppy was comfortable quickly, instead of trying to get a quick sale. Other awesome things Great Dog has done for us: 1. When our vet failed to catch a recalled dog food, Great Dog stayed open late so we could come in and go over new food options. We were led around the store, given multiple food options, refered to a different vet, and even given a discount on the food we purchased. 2. Their 'fun runs' and 'puppy play time' are monitored, and a sense of community is encouraged. Misbehaving, agressive dogs are not allowed at the fun runs, but when my puppy developed a jumping habit, they didn't make me feel like a 'bad parent' - instead, they offered to help with positive reinforcement. He stopped jumping the same day. 3. A few days after we had him groomed, I voiced my concerns about cleaning Ned's ears myself. The groomer took me back, put Ned on the table, and showed me what to use, how to use it, and the easiest vs. more experienced way of doing it...for free. I can't give Great Dog a better recommendation, and after owning, training and showing my entire life, that says something! read more

We have been going do greatdog for years for our two pomeranians. After trying a ton of places that were all super overpriced we finally found greatdog and haven't left. We typically get our dogs groomed 2-3 times a year and they always come back looking awesome. We will usually try and book with Lisa, but she is always booked far out so have been trying others and they all seem really good. We have had some horror stories with other groomers so were super happy that we found these guys. read more

Great Dog is all around fantastic. I take my girl there for day care, grooming and boarding and they are amazing with it all. But what I really want to tell you about is the work that owner Judith Anderson-Wright did with my dog and kids. My dog was uncertain about children, and on 2 occasions had barked and rushed at them. My sister was coming to visit with her 3 young boys. Something needed to be done. I had a session with Judith and she lined me out on exactly what I needed to do and what the boys needed to do. She gave me detailed instructions, we practiced with the dog and with one of her staff members playing the part of the boys and then she gave me her cell phone number so I could call her (on her day off) if things didn't go well!! Everything went as Judith said it would, and within an hour my dog was following the boys around dotingly. Since then she has been totally fine with kids. While there's no guarantee that this would be the case for every dog, I was really impressed with Judith's knowledge, experience and compassion. She really wants the best for dogs and their people and uses all her many talents to set you up for success. read more

Awesome. I take my large exuberant dog here for her nail trimmings. You dont need an appointment. Friendly staff. Also great dog training classes. Including indivual ones. She loved those and looked forward to them eagerly. Great Dog is a Great Place but parking is the only problem read more

I have only been for quick doggie pedicures and they have always been quick, thorough and friendly. I am always a walk-in and they squeeze us in and we are in and out within 15min. The grooming area always looks clean and the other dogs happy! The shop also seems to have a great selection and the staff is knowledgeable of their treats/products. read more

It took 3 months but it finally happened. My return visit to Lisa and as I'd hoped she is still "Five Star" worthy !!! I have tried other groomers, most recently Kristi's, and Great Dog ran circles around them for service and more important the actual grooming. My Westies look like Westies and not a different breed. Five Stars and Five Woofs to Lisa !!! read more

I've been taking my dogs to great dog for over 3 years and have always been happy with their grooming services--until now--the last time I took my dogs in, the groomer seemed very confused--even though she has been grooming our dogs for 3 years! On return, they had my golden mix crated in a kennel 1/2 his size and had my peke in a pen with 2 aggressive large dogs ???? and my peke had a cut on her! I understand that happens but, just tell me! and they promise a walk during their grooming stay--both my dogs ran out the door and had the longest pees--not so great--great dog- read more

Great with the dogs... not so much with humans. I keep going back because my dogs like it and my dogs are treated well, but don't expect great customer service for yourself!!!! read more

Extremely unprofessional. Extraordinarily poor customer service. Take your business elsewhere.

Fantastic! My husband and I have REALLY enjoyed our puppy classes at Great Dog and our 5mo old puppy has learned so much. The employees in the shoppe and obedience center are really knowledgeable and friendly. Our puppy classes were taught by Judi, one of the owners, and she was incredible with each dog (and their parents). The classes have also been diverse in dog size, which is nice. We actually started in the Sunday afternoon Puppy Steps class and REALLY didn't like the teacher. So we transfered into Judi's class and have been thrilled. We've also used the grooming salon and were equally impressed. The groomer only trimmed my pup's nails, but remembered him by name a few weeks later as we were walking through the shoppe. Amazing! Thank goodness we found this place, because we feel like we have a great community and "home" for our puppy! read more

I couldn't stop looking at my cutie-pie after her grooming session with Lisa--She did such a great job! My dog has separation anxiety so I was a little nervous to leave her there for 5 hours, but I really liked the place and the people and felt comfortable about it. She looked great and smelled great! A lot is included in the grooming--nail clipping, tweezing the ears, anal gland expression...I'm not sure what this would cost at other places, but with tip I paid $62. read more

I've only gone for pet supplies, but this place seems great! They have a huge selection of goodies! I've never been able to find the products I'm looking for on my own (Cat supplies must not be their big seller), but I've always asked and they've ran into the back and got me what I need. Having mentioned that I am a cat person, I'm giving it 4 stars because pet stores never really have much for the cat person, this one included. I saw a sign that said they do work for the seattle animal shelter and I find that to be a amazing thing! read more

I love taking my boys (I have two big rottweilers) here for grooming, the groomers are professional and always remember their names. Prices are good, service is great! read more

Don't expect a response to an appointment request from these people. I have been a client in the past and maybe they don't like our sweet gentle dogs. I called twice and left a message to request a grooming appointment and they have not returned phone calls. Anyone have a reliable groomer to recommend? read more

Great Dog is wonderful. Tis is the only place I will take my dogs for daycare or grooming. They are so caring and helpful, no matter how busy they are the staff will take time to listen. We especially love Tim and Sarah and Gesira but I can say that everyone here is top notch and they give a lot of helpful hints about caring for dogs. read more

Took my little English bulldog for a nail trim and he loved the service! Customer service is great, products are awesome and I always find what I'm looking for. Reasonable price too! I've also taken another pup of mine there for training courses which so much fun! Highly recommend! read more

We rescued a loveable but a little wild adolescent yellow lab pup and have taken him to several of their classes, including the drop in Saturday classes. Initially the Sat classes were just a play group and now they are related to a specific training topic. All of them have been great and my dog is so excited when we get close to the building. We are also attending the adolescent class. Both my dog and I have learned so much from all the staff at Great Dog. All the staff are true dog lovers. There are so many staff at each class that both the dog and I learn a lot. My dog is totally transformed, much better socialized and way better self-control. I really would recommend this place. I have also gone to Canine Behavior Center classes but I far prefer Great Dog. I think that Great Dog has great methods that really work read more

Our dog....our great, great dog was trying to tell us that he had fears. He wanted us to understand that he had worries and that he was very anxious in certain situations. We know this guy well and, of course, we knew he was having problems but we never would have guessed that he was fearful since his behavior wasn't at all cringing in nature. His behavior looked aggressive to us and it was getting worse. I think that he was desperate for us to understand but we just didn't know how TO LISTEN!!!! This is a five star review so you know there is a good ending. Great Dog has been a second home to us for a few months now. We have traveled there from Mount Vernon several times a week. If you are looking for a review of Great Dog, they get all of five stars and more from me. This place has you and your best friend covered....great staff, wonderful groomers, very safe daycare. We've used most of their services and have spent a lot of time at Bark Café where there is always somebody to talk to and people and dogs to watch....good food, good coffee and friendly service. I wish we lived in the neighborhood. So does our dog Obi... Judi Anderson-Wright. If you have a dog with behavioral problems that you don't understand, call her. You know your dog well but you are not sure what to make of his behavior.....how many of us know this feeling? We've worked hard with Judi and with Laurie Hardman and Susan Harper, the other wonderful trainers on "Project Obi". They are the best! Two months after we started, we are out in the world with our dog again. He is comfortable under the table at an outside café like he used to be. I am so happy to write this review. I'm happy that if you are reading this and need someone to help you with a doggy behavioral issue, you are so close to a solution. The interesting part is that it was very easy. You make a small time commitment and do exactly what you are told to do....no slinking by the required reading and, yes, there may be a video to watch and questions to answer. This lady doesn't overwhelm you with a lot of lecturing or dry information in the training room. What we discovered in the small amount of reading that we did was a wealth of information about our dog's behavior. The questions were meant to make us think. We discussed how the information applied to Obi. We were learning about our dog at home. We were observing him and starting to LISTEN to him. You can't skip this part. It's a package deal. You and your dog have a lot to learn. He learns to trust you because you've learned to listen. It was step by step slow and easy. We practiced what we learned in controlled situations using the wonderful staff and their great dogs. Eventually, we graduated to the real world. We did field trips into the real world until we were comfortable and we are. I have to say this was fun and I've never enjoyed dog training before. We are done and we don't really want to be done! read more

I had been taking my dog here for grooming for about a year, until the last time I took him in for grooming the job was terrible. The groomer seemed completely stressed out, rushed, and negative. She blew through the grooming very rushed and the hair had not even been trimmed on my dogs paws or legs. It was long & raggedy on his chest & underside. I told her it was too long, I needed to come back the next day for it to be fixed. She cut it shorter but still in years of having my dog groomed this was the worst hair cut I've ever payed for. Also, when I picked him up at the initial hair cut she told me he had a hard time coping with the grooming and being left there. He's been groomed for years and this is the first I've ever heard of him being stressed or not doing well. I have to wonder if he was affected by her own anxious and rushed presentation. She told me she would give me a 10% discount for next visit, but I never took him back there for grooming. Even with 2 trips it was the worst haircut he's ever had. I thought I would still be able to do the drop in nail clippings, since they are convenient and no appointment required. Something must be wrong with the training of the technicians. It was a tech I've not seen before, but still everyone who works there should have a basic level of training. she trimmed both my dogs nails extremely short, and they were shortest at the top portion of the nail - with the way a dogs nails curve you obviously need them shortest at the inside curve so they sit flat on the ground - not angled so the bottom edge is longest. They were so short that she must have quicked every last one of his nails. That's it, I will never take my dogs back here again. read more

Friendly staff and owner! These people love dogs and it shows. Also feed stray cats at the counter. Prices are better then most and I usually call in my order ahead of time and they have ready for me to pick up. Used to take my dog to the doggie playtime in the huge warehouse connected to a smaller outdoor space where my BT had a great time. Still intend to bring both our dogs to try out their other playdates on a colder day. Call in first to check the hours. Besides doggie merchandise, they have pet grooming and great advice. read more

So I tried out Great Dog's boarding this past weekend as my uncle who usually watches my dog was out of town. My dog had a great time - he was happy and in great physical condition when I picked him up. I will most certainly use this service again. read more

I love Great Dog! I have two very sweet rescues, who are worlds apart in their personalities and age. But Great Dog spoils them like I do. They are my one stop shop for all my doggie needs. They take care of grooming, daily dog walks, and house them when I am away on extended trips. I am worse than a nervous mother of human children when it comes to my dogs, and the staff is great with me and my girls! I just love how much their staff cares not just about my dogs, but about me too. They have full access to my house, so they can take the dogs out, and they are just the best in being completely respectful about it. I cannot say enough about how great the entire staff is here. Check out their site - and then go in and take a look around - they really undersell themselves on their website. When it comes to grooming, Victoria is just the best, she always welcomes the puppies by name - upon the second visit! The 'kenneling' is great - they are not put in cages, they have sofas to sleep on and toys to play with - just like home! And they are never left alone or put in a cage. They get to play with all the dogs of their size and are even taken for a walk. I cannot say enough about the dog walking. Mariya is the best. She really cares for the puppies, and my home. They always leave great notes with lots of details about how each walk went every day. I have shared many of the little stories of the day with my friends, and they are always impressed. I guess, if I need to sum it up, I'd say Great Dog is great to the dogs, and their owners. read more

Great Dog is an amazing resource for training for dogs of all ages but especially unique in offering so many puppy classes and socialization opportunities and private training sessions. We have taken classes here and received private lessons and have learned so much. Also, for grooming the staff here are professionals who know what they are doing and the shop here offers great food, treats, and toys. read more

If I could give Great Dog six stars, I would. More than just a day care, Great Dog offers obdience, fun runs, adventure park playtime, overnight care, grooming, plus a shop with a huge selection of food and toys for both dogs and cats. They cater to dogs of all sizes and levels of obedience. You can tell that Leslie and Judi truly care about all of the dogs and really try to make the most out of everyone's (and every dog's) experience. read more

My terriers just received the best haircuts I've ever seen. In the past, I always opted for the cheap option, Petco or Petsmart but had always been disappointed with really embarassing haircuts. I told them I wanted breed standard haircuts and not only did they know what that looked like but they executed them perfectly, what a concept! read more

The owner contacted me shortly after my first review and offered a complimentary trim to fix the cut. He looked great. I have since returned to Great Dog for all of his grooming. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I haven't had a bad experience since. read more

The groomers were booked out a month or so, so we just got my dog's nails trimmed. Like most dogs, mine hates having her nails clipped but she doesn't yelp unless you cut the quick. She yelped and I wondered aloud if she's hurt or just scared. The groomer said "It's definitely not hurting her, because I'm not taking much off." Afterwards we looked at her nails and one was bleeding. I understand that it's hard to know where the quick is on dark nails (I used to work at a doggie day care), but I could have just done it myself again instead of paying $14 and leaving with my dog slightly traumatized. read more

I recently, (last five months) got another dog. He is a small breed, only about 5 pounds full grown. He had his first grooming appointment two days ago, at the ripe age of six months. I was so worried that he would freak out and be horrible to the groomers. I was wrong, sort of. He was squirmy, probably not the easiest pup to groom, but the job still got done and he looks so cute. I even got a phone call update about how he was doing because they could tell I was a little worried. I drive across town to take my two babies to Great Dog, and will continue to. read more

WOW! Due to my dogs' aggression issues I never trusted anyone besides our vet but holy smokes Molly did an amazing job trimming my dogs' nails. She suggested that I hold them in a hugging position because it comforts dogs who are nervous and she was right. Molly was quick, professional, compassionate, and friendly. I got such a great vibe from this place. This is now my go-to place for their nail trims...maybe even grooming and boarding? Will update if that happens! read more

Went here for the training classes - highly recommend Judy who worked wonders with our scared, neurotic, adult, puppy-mill rescue dogs and with teaching us how to work with them. Training style is all about positive reinforcement and the dogs love going to see Judy! They also do boarding, grooming and sell quality, organic dog and cat food, as well as various accessories. Oh, and they sell Anti-Icky-Poo which can be hard to find. read more

I stopped by Great Dog looking for an engraveable tag for my cat's collar. They only had the kind you order, and I wanted one that day, so the super friendly staffer actually told me the name of another store where you could get one done right away. That's awesome service, and I will definitely go back there next time I need something for my kitty. They're kind of tucked out of the way, but they are really close to Northgate Mall. read more

arrived on time for long awaited appt. for my 6 month old puppy's potential daycare drop off spot...and obedience training. it was an exciting morning... A tall young man mid thirties greets sugar and mentions he has trained Samoyed dogs before.... he doesn't really try to prevent my dog from jumping on him and is just enchanted or something..... I waited politely until he was done with fingers in her hair and kissing her etc... I said I would like to visit the area in which they play in. He looked taken aback... and started saying..."oh oh ok ill get someone to take you around the facility"... I said, "well my dog and I and i could get a peek?" He said "OH NO!!" pointing his finger at my dog (lest she hear and understand his words) ..."She cant come in.." So Ill get someone to show you around and Ill keep her here with me." Oh ok I'm waiting for this to happen and I'm asking him about Samoyeds. I said "she was getting into that teenage years, you know a bit too independent......and (almost to myself) in case she goes into her menses, I will come right down and get her" His expression changed. "Oh no....no we don't accept female dogs who aren't fixed." I was kinda stunned. At the advice of my dog's breeder we have opted to hold off until a bit over 1 year..something to do with hormones. I explained this to him however I could see he was now in zone and repeating s policy to me that made no sense. "Oh I don't know why you weren't asked that question! hmmmm... - yeah. no. we don't accept unfixed females over 6 months old!" "And males we do not need to be fixed at all. It had something to do with their hormones" he said. Yes! exactly! their hormones!!" He looked just like he was sticking to this RULE in his head...I left after a second of that... Oh and BTW she wont be coming here for grooming" Oh those people over there treat the dogs real nice they can take good care of her!" These people are a farce. Why would I subject her to this? Obviously they do not feel like they could control a dry humping situation,,, scary When I mentioned Ahimsa he looked a bit shamefaced. "Oh yea but they are only training..." My dog has been playing with male dogs who's owner/trainer are able to command that the dog stop before he gets started... read more

It's always so easy to take my dog here. They are super nice and consistent with her cuts, always asking me what I want done and doing it too, so I don't ever worry! I'm usually able to get an appointment within a week or two. read more

I received an follow up email from the co-owner just wanting check about my experience. I appreciate the concern with customer satisfaction, and will continue to be a Great Dog customer. read more

I L-O-V-E this place. I only wish I had known about them sooner. I took in my Shih Tzu, Rocki, for a poo and a doo with Lisa. It was THE best cut she has ever had, bar none. I highly recommend this place. read more

Strange seeing reviews based on grooming! We use the daycare and overnight boarding services. Davey gets great care and enjoys going during the day (and is in a good mood when he gets home). We are confident he will be well cared for while we are out of town. Staff is friendly and of course great with dogs! read more

I love Great Dog - I've lived in the neighborhood for years and only just discovered them last year. My dog has taken classes (WONDERFUL trainers) and we enjoy getting food and treats in the store. I'm definitely interested in someday taking advantage of their boarding services, and now there is the wonderful espresso shop next door where I can meet with my neighbors and have coffee with my dog at my side! YIPEEEEEE! read more

Great Dog is amazing! My whippet absolutely loves going to daycare there. All of the staff know him and take the absolute best care of him. He is more excited to see them in the morning than he is me at night time! Overnight boarding is also top notch. I love that the dogs get to sleep on couches and beds and that they have human companionship all night. It's great to get a report card when we return and hear how our dog enjoyed his stay. I'm so happy to have found a safe and fun place for my crate shy pup to spend his days! read more

Tried to support a local business, with disappointing results. We did a lot of research before reaching out to this local business. Also, spent a fair amount of time explaining the behavior of dog that we were needing help with. Sent the email and paid the fee over the weekend. Finally on Thursday I sent an email inquiring when we would hear back so we could schedule the private training sessions. Got an email back immediately. No apology, no excuses, just a message that "I will call you this afternoon to schedule." Well, crickets for a few more days. Finally on a Saturday I requested a refund, I felt like this was a scam or at least a business that was not interested in its customers. On Monday I contacted again, was I going to get a refund or should I contact PayPal to start a dispute. Immediately got a response that she would take care of, she finally refunded. Never an apology, gladly taking my business elsewhere. read more

The people here are really nice and they love dogs. I always take my mini schnauzer for a cut here with Liza, he always comes back looking sharp and smells good. They have organic treats and other goodies for the four legged buddy. Definitely a keeper! read more