Have been a long time client of Pet-Agree, for training classes with several dogs (even a foster dog) and boarding/day care. We don't go as often as we used to, but the staff still remembers us; they've had some long-term people there for as long as we've been going, 11 years.
Owner/Trainer Karen Smith is just a lovely lady. She's extremely good at what she does, and has a good sense of humour (definitely a plus when working with dogs). Though she's all about positive reinforcement, that doesn't mean a dog doesn't learn there's a consequence to a bad/unwanted behavior. She makes the classes interesting and fun and she educates herself, and her staff, on new training methods and things to try with the dogs. That's fabulous for those of us who have taken multiple dogs through the various levels of classes over time. It would get boring if we weren't as enthused as our dogs; they'd pick up on that negativity.
We've done private lessons with a couple dogs who needed more than they could get in a group scenario; one who hadn't been socialized as a puppy and was afraid of a dust bunny never mind people. It took a year working with Karen, but it was glorious to see that dog blossom. Not only did we do basic obedience, behavior modification, lots of desensitizing, but Karen educated me back then on what makes a good dog food, and how some ingredients were thought to affect behavior. And she introduced me to herbal remedies as well. It was a complete, successful, program.
She is a wonderful trouble shooter when you're having a particular issue with your dog. If one thing doesn't work to resolve, she'll suggest something else. And Karen or her assistants, are always available by phone when you have questions between sessions. They would write summary notes of your lesson so you didn't have to try and remember it all. I hope they still do that because those are handy to keep on file to refer back to over time. You just have to be willing to do the homework and then the results speak for themselves when you have a dog that is a pleasure to live with and for people to meet in public. It's been invaluable with our Rottweilers - they've been breed ambassadors and shown people the true nature of the breed - oversized lap dogs!
Our dogs love going to daycare and they don't even mind boarding for a few nights. The staff get to know the dogs and will assess to determine which other dogs might be good playmates. Of course it varies depending on the dogs that come in day to day, but they know the regulars and who might be compatible with whom. They get regular rest periods, and are monitored for stress. Some people criticize the set up of the multiple play yards and what they feel is not enough staff to supervise, or leaving collars on. I understand those criticisms, and know that accidents can happen quickly, but in the time we've been using Pet-Agree, never heard of it happening there. They're doing something right.
The place is looking a little less glossy the last few years, and they don't have webcam abilities, as some trendier places do, but it's always clean and full of lots of friendly smiles - human and canine. :) read more