Maureen Barker

Review of Happy Hound Play & Daycare

Happy Hound,you are truly the best. You saved my l...

Happy Hound,you are truly the best. You saved my life. I called Suzanne Golter,the owner,one day is August. I needed help with our Old English Bulldog puppy Dozzer ,who was almost one year and weighing 60 # plus. Suzanne said come in and bring Dozzer to be evaluated. Well, Suzanne and I knew I was in trouble when I came the next day and Dozzer was dragging me into her office with his leach attached. Suzanne spent lots of time with us and mentioned all the Training options. The best option was to have him enroll in the 21 day Celebrity,Rehab,and Socialization package. I was asked to fill our a questioner and to mention what I really wanted out of Dozzer's training. What was important to me was being able to take walks with him and he not leading me on the walks. This theme of what was important to me has come up many times. It was addressed when I picked Dozzer up after him training, and it was also mentioned when Emily had come to our house for additional training. Tom, Emily, and Jacob are the 3 trainers and they all worked close together the get Dozzer to a much better behaved and obedient dog. During the 3 weeks of Dozzer's training I got a call at least once a week from one of the trainers to keep me informed on Dozzer's progress. They were very specific on what their program of training was entailing that week and how Dozzer was testing them. Also I was encouraged to call in at any time with questions and I could talked to the trainers .. I did do that when I was just missing him and wondering how his training was going. I liked how specific and detailed the trainers were when calling and giving me updates. On graduation day, I met with Jacob. I had to attend a meeting, which was excellent to make sure I knew what was expected from me to make this training a success for both Dozzer and myself. Jacob gave a packet of information on how they trained him and how to follow through. Jacob also took me outside with Dozzer and instructed me with Dozzer on how to practice all the training moves that he was now accustomed to. Jacob watched me repeat this training and made suggestions to me to improve my technique with handling Dozzer. Since I was not very assertive with Dozzer,I had to learn a new way of being in charge of him and he not being in charge of me. This has been a work in progress for me. Jacob also reiterated that I could call the trainers anytime and they would also come to my home to help me out with any issues that were a challenge for me. I did call and Emily came over to our home in Alameda and she helped me with getting him into his crate with no treats and with walking with him. We went for a walk outside and she showed me how to correct the problem of his leading me instead of me leading him. I have also called and emailed Emily on a couple of occasions when I was having a repeated problem, like Dozzer running through the house. She has always responded very fast to my challenges. I really like the idea that the trainers are there to assist me on my journey to make it successful for Dozzer and myself.
I take Dozzer to Happy Hound for boarding and I really like the friendliness that all the staff projects all the time, even when they are really busy with the telephone ringing and dogs barking and dogs and owners coming and going all the time. When I take Dozzer in, if I see Tom, Emily, or Jacob, they are always asking me how it is going and answer any concerns I have about his training..
I cannot say enough great things about Happy Hound and all the staff. Even 10++++++stars is not enough to say what a super job they have done with Our Dozzer. Also thank you for giving me the tools and encouragement to train Dozzer into a better dog. Thank You Maureen
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