Essential Canine offers both indoors, outdoors, and private classes. I met Hitchcock…read moreserendipitously through her family, who still live in Forest Park, where I also reside. I was walking my vivacious puppy, Duke, and noticed that the woman passing by had a really calm dog, who happened to also be around Duke's age. The woman turned out to be Hitchcock's daughter; I mentioned I was looking for puppy training; and the rest is history! Duke and I first took private lessons with Hitchcock at our home, to learn the basics of loose-leash walking. The first couple of weeks after adopting Duke, I was about to go crazy, because he was such a puller while walking. Within the first lesson, I started to regain my sanity--and dignity! I knew Essential Canine was going to be my new best friend in training Duke to be a good little pup. Since then, we've taken multiple training sessions, both indoor and outdoors, with Essential Canine. I recommend graduating from private lessons at home, where there is less distraction, to basic obedience classes hosted in the training ring at Dave's Soda and Pet Food City in Agawam. Going to a foreign location to your dog increases distraction--shoppers, toys, new scents, and even Hitchcock's own dog--offer up new challenges to overcome. This summer, Duke and I also graduated from Essential Canine's Group Obedience Class, which takes place in the picturesque Hilltop Farm in Suffield, CT. We joined a class of similarly-aged puppies who were in need of group distraction, like us. Duke, per usual, was an energy ball, but Hitchcock gave me specific techniques for working with his high energy. "You've gotta be more exciting than everything else around" was one of the nuggets I've taken with me. If he's excited by the other dogs, I just act a buffoon and redirect his attention! I also learned that he's highly treat-motivated and will do just about anything for chicken or cheese. The thing that stands out about Essential Canine, and Hitchcock as a canine massage therapist and trainer, is that she really works to customize the training experience for each dog/human team.

Amazing trainer!! She is so experienced, and deeply understands dogs. She gave me great practical…read moretips to train my rescue :) I love that she was able to tailor her training to approach my dog.

We were a client. We choose not to be identified. I felt it important to report our experience with…read morethis trainer. We attempted to discuss our issues but didn't get anywhere.

Great experience for us with our two dogs. It has taken some time, but we have been able to…read morecorrect many behaviors with Ashley's help. She taught us the proper way to use collars safely as well as other equipment for our walks. With her help we have learned to become the alpha in the household. Their reactivity is so much better now. I can feel confident I can control them in any situation.

This is by far the best place to bring your dog. Not only are they experts on dog behavior and…read moretraining, but they will truly go an extra mile to prioritize your dog's specific needs. Sergio's love and passion for animals is very evident, as well as the staff that accompany him at K-9 & Pets Training Center. They are creative in their programming and will take the time to know you and your dog's needs to ensure their success. I am impressed with their professionalism and generosity. We love the family of staff at K-9 & Pets! - Carissa, Milo & Morchella

If you are looking for quality dog training or doggy daycare this is absolutely the best place to…read morego! Sergio and Rocio and their team are second to none! I call it my girl Ivy's home away from home, she loves them and being there! She started with them when she was about 13 weeks old doing puppy boot camp then daycare. They care for each pup as if they were their own. Go check them out you will love them too and so will your pup.

Sarah is an amazing trainer!!!! She took the time to demonstrate each skill and helped us at every…read morestep. She was so patient with us and our two puppies. We highly recommend her for anyone looking for dog training.

Our family was impressed with the training we received from Sarah at K9Elite! She was timely,…read morethorough, and more than patient with both our puppy as well as us human clients! She delicately showed us that we had as much to learn as our newly adopted puppy Bubba did! She informs you exactly what to expect before each lesson, asks if there are any particular struggles you'd like to work on and happily fits them in the course. We were given paper copies of each lesson with detailed items to work on as "homework", which was fantastic given our families' opposite schedules, we all had something concrete to read and see where exactly Bubba was at in his training if one of us was not able to attend class. We went from having an overly hyper, semi-destructive puppy with no boundaries to a playful, mentally and physically challenged pup who is now understanding that there are rules and rewards for following them. Highly recommend!

I was looking for a cat, and right from the beginning the staff was very helpful and professional…read more I picked out a 10 year old tuxedo cat but he needed teeth and gum worK. I was able to pick him up three days later, and the surgery had been done at no charge. The staff was incredibly nice. The woman that went over the paperwork with me was very helpful, and answered all of my questions. If I ever need another pet, I will absolutely use Dakin.

Unprofessional and inconsiderate with poor organization that allows others to adopt the pets you're…read moretrying to adopt

We had our first session with Scot today and it was extremely helpful and informative. We saw our…read moreAmerican Bully respond positive to his direction right away and we addressed some issues that have been very concerning for us. He taught us how to effectively communicate with our dog and I feel very optimistic that we will have an even better relationship with our dog now.

Scott was good to work with. He put things into terms that we humans can understand and he…read moreconnected very easily with my Neuro divergent son, which I had some concerns, about if someone was going to be able to,..... but my son picked it up beautifully. Scott in very matter of fact, very black-and-white terms, which was very helpfu! And our dog is kind of scary. She's a biter and I think with Scott's help we may be able to end that and repair the way we look at our dog and our dog looks at us. I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress with our dog. Thanks for the help Scott.

Getting my cats nails trimmed here forever. Quick in and out. Clean and organized and efficient.read more

Very pleasant people. And that's about all I have to say that is positive about this establishment…read more I don't like to write negative reviews. If u look at my my history, you will see that is true. I'm incredibly disappointed with my experience at this establishment. We brought our labradoodle to a location in CT after months of no grooming due to covid -19. If you know labradoodles, u know they have very long hair which easily Gets matted, deep under the furry exterior. That location wound up having to shave very low to the base of the fur, but our dog still came out handsome as can be; fluffy tail and face, but low shave on the body. (As shown in the image provided) After waiting a few months for dog works to open, because it is much closer...our dog once again needed a groom desperately. We brush him daily - but we're advised by dog works that, that is not enough. (Due to the information they provided and friendliness, I gave them two stars) however our dog once again needed to be cut short. The problem is, when we saw our dog after already paying and generously tipping, he didn't even look like himself. My family owns a alpaca farm, I would much relate the shaving job to that of how we shave our alpacas once a year; uneven and rushed. All that is left fluffy on our dog is a portion of his tail. Our dog is still the most handsome boy but they took away his character. Will not be returning.

Absolutely love the staff at the dog shop!…read more I bring 3 of my dogs here. One for grooming and the others for daycare! All the staff has been extremely nice and loving the 2 years I have been bringing them here! Haircuts always come out exactly the way I want them too and I always have happy tired pups when I pick them up from daycare! I always recommend them to friends, family, even strangers who are looking for these services! Thank you guys for always treating my guys like your own!

Sent this is an email to The Dog Shop. No response. Does not speak well to their customer response:…read more "Sad to say I had an unpleasant experience at The Dog Shop Wednesday morning around 10. It had been a while since our four-year-old dachshund had been there for daycare, and I wanted to see how she would react. No worries there. She was thrilled to be back and obviously remembered it. The unpleasant part? The young woman at the desk was curt and uninformative. She reluctantly answered questions. Said she did not know how many pups were in the small dog room. Finally, without a smile, she did say coldly she'd put us on the list. Cheesch!" I would also add they are very hard to reach by phone during the day.

My mom has a Yorkie and I like to get him groomed when I'm in town and this is where I always bring…read morehim. This particular Petco location came highly recommended by his vet who said that they do a good job at this location, and I have to say she was totally right. I can't speak to other Petco locations and since I already know what I'm going to get here I don't need to bring him anywhere else.

First time dog owner Went to Vetco…read moreWas told heartworm Script would be emailed Never got it Called them and they said they'd email it. They sent a text with a link.. Didn't print the script fast enough Link disappeared Now o havta call back again Wtf!!!!!!!

We have two large mixed breed dogs who have separation anxiety and the owner and her staff have…read morebeen beyond wonderful in working with us to make the grooming experience easier on all of us. They are the only groomers that we have ever used who I feel truly make the well being of the dogs the priority. Ours are truly "Lucky Dogs" and I cannot recommend Lucky Dog enough!

They did a great job with my Pomeranian who was badly overdue for a grooming and cut his ears…read morerounded just the way I asked for. He was so soft and fluffy when I picked him up, I couldn't have asked for a better job! He looks amazing. Will definitely be going back and the price was more than fair.