Virginia Felch

Review of Happy Hound Play & Daycare

We enrolled our standard poodle, Charley (10 mos) ...

We enrolled our standard poodle, Charley (10 mos) in the two week board and train programs. I have waited until we are four or so weeks out of the program to report our progress. Charley graduated and we have already had one house visit. I have one word to describe our experience with Happy Hound. FABULOUS!!

Our entire experience there has gone swimmingly, from our interview with wonderful owner, Suzanne, to our home visit with Darcie. Charley hasn t been fixed yet and so he had become rambunctious and anxious even though we had trained him from the get go. He and his ten year old housemate, Gracie, were playing way too rough and their recall was spotty.

They spent a couple of hours with daycare dogs during the interview and I was pleased with what I saw, as well as how they behaved. We have a pretty quiet life at home without much introduction to other dogs, so that gave me confidence. Suzanne was very reassuring, later spent time on the phone with my husband and myself, helping us to determine what programs would be best for Charley.

Dropping off Charley was a bit traumatic for me. He yelped (he is a REAL talker) and tugged and honestly, even though I felt sad, I was more convinced than ever to release him to their care. Thankfully, I received assurance and support from the team and left with confidence.

We picked up Charley two weeks later at his graduation, which would have been conducted by his actual trainer. Because of a personal emergency, she was unable to be there, but one of the head trainers, Emily, took the lead with us. Even though she had not worked with Charley, Emily was kind, patient, and utterly knowledgeable. We spent well over an hour going through what to expect, how to continue the training, etc. Then our boy met us outside with Emily and we were SO excited to see him. They had advised us quell our excitement upon seeing him, so we did (imagine!) and watched Emily do some training bits with him. Then we each proceeded to do the same. Charley was wired and vocal, but even so, managed to show off his new behavior and training. Very impressive.

Honestly, my husband and I have been very consistent and steadfast with OUR training and we are amazed at how well Charley is doing. His anxiety is nearly gone, he responds beautifully to the few commands (sit, down, come, let s go). Each day our confidence grows. Charley s trainer, Darcie, came to our home for a visit, which was super helpful! She was very friendly, and very fond of Charley. We have continued to ask questions via email and phone during the past month with brilliant results. Naturally there have been ups and downs, but we are deeply learning the value of being calm, confident, and consistent leaders, and that the rewards are forthcoming slowly (sometimes fast) and surely.

This dog training isn t for sissies, but Happy Hounds trainers really know their stuff. We made the RIGHT decision, the RIGHT investment, and are on our way to having very well behaved and polite, happy dogs. This makes an unimaginable difference in OUR lives as dog owners. We love Happy Hounds!