Testimonials

If I were to choose one word to describe what Dances with Dogs provides for my dog, it would be "enrichment."  I know that the highly trained and qualified staff at Dances With Dogs truly care about my dog's welfare--they not only keep him physically active, they also reinforce his good manners through clicker training and stimulate his mind through a variety of games and toys.  My dog has been going once a week to Dances With Dogs for the last 3-4 months, and I have seen a remarkable improvement in his socialization with other dogs and with humans--he's more outgoing around both species and calmer in his demeanor.  I also know that he is safe at Dances With Dogs because they have sufficient caring and motivated staff to monitor the behavior of all the animals, and I like the fact that there are trainers on site.  I have recommended Dances With Dogs to all of my dog-owning friends.

Nancy Board

"Our first Cocker Spaniel, Carson, was perfectly behaved, stayed right with us when off leash and was pretty indifferent to other dogs. After he died we rescued Max, cute as a button, but a total mess. He was fearful from abuse in his previous life and in need of constant supervision and intervention. Let him off leash and he runs out of site – call him and he ignores you.

We never considered doggy day care because we knew that they can be unsafe and that dogs can learn negative behaviors from other dogs if not supervised properly. In addition we had put such long and hard work into constant, consistent and vigilant training – we did not want Max going somewhere with completely different rules and no reinforcement. Plus it seemed silly to spend on what we “should” be doing ourselves.

We decided Max needed exercise and we put him in a playgroup for one hour a week. We quickly realized the playgroup was the only place where Max really got to be a dog. As a dog who can’t safely be off leash he got more exercise in an hour than he usually got in a week and he had so much fun! He was exhausted, happy and more confident. Also as a fearful dog he started to trust strangers more.

We decided to enroll Max in day care after talking with the staff and an outside trainer about our concerns regarding training and potential behavioral issues. What we learned is that Dances With Dogs is staffed by dog trainers who understand dog behavior and they work on training, recall, sit, leave it, polite greetings, etc. throughout the day. It is not anarchy and Max comes back the same or better behaved.

We are so relieved there is a place he can just be a dog that makes him so happy and tired. We are very appreciative of the valuable service Dances With Dogs provides and that it has helped our little guy so much."

Jen Gallant and Nancy Doby

At first we were hesitant to bring our puppy, Violette, to day care, but bringing her to Dances With Dogs has been a totally wonderful experience for all of us. Violette was shy with other dogs when we first got her, but now she is very well socialized and ready to play with just about anyone. Debbie and the rest of the staff are responsible, caring, and fun-loving. We feel very comfortable leaving Violette in their care. Violette gets very excited when we ask if she wants to go to "school," and she comes home happy and pleasantly exhausted.

Meryl Cohn

“Molly delights in her days at Dances With Dogs. She jumps from the car and if there were a way to get me to open the door quicker, she would find it. Not only does she enjoy the company of the other dogs, but the interaction of the staff with the dogs is outstanding! Since she started going to Dances With Dogs, Molly is more content and relaxed at home. She socializes appropriately with other dogs during her outings to the park and elsewhere. Molly is quite compliant with verbal commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “come” which I attribute to the positive reinforcement that she receives at Dances With Dogs. Molly’s experience at Dances With Dogs has been very good. I can leave her knowing that she is going to have a fun, stimulating day and come home to me happy and tired and ready to relax. What more could I want for my beloved pet?”

Lois Ann Lachtara

When we first discovered Dances with Dogs, Violette was our timid 11-week old standard poodle pup in desperate need of socialization. She started out afraid of umbrellas, loud noises, other dogs, and just about everything. But the wonderful staff at Dances with Dogs have helped her to become a well-adjusted, easygoing puppy who at 6 months now loves people, dogs, the entire staff at Dances and playing with new canine friends. Violette has definitely found her comfort zone at Dances with Dogs and in the world at large. When we pull up to Dances with Dogs for a day of daycare (we call it "school"), she can't wait for her to get in the building and see all her friends!

The staff at Dances with Dogs are smart, canine-savvy professionals who know how to set limits, reinforce obedience, and have fun. On her daily report cards (complete with two photographs from the day), there is always a report that she has received "extra cuddle time," so we know she is getting ample attention. At Dances, the staff recognizes each dog's personality and individual needs. They clearly think about what combination of dogs will work, and they love what they do. Also, the dogs clearly love them! Violette comes home from a day at doggie day care feeling very happy and well-exercised, with her obedience training reinforced from a day of activities and play; she is always ready for a quiet evening and a good night's rest.

We are so confident with the staff at Dances with Dogs that we have had Violette take advantage of overnight care when we have had to be out of town. Far from having to stay in a kennel, the experience included daytimes of play and sleeping with Debbie on her bed. We couldn't have been happier with the arrangement!

Sometimes we say a little prayer of thanks for the women at Dances with Dogs! They have made Violette's puppyhood, and our training and care for her, that much easier.

Mary Beth Caschetta

I have been bringing my Goldendoodle, Harper, to Dances with Dogs since the week they opened.  Harper was a mere pup then.  She has grown up over the past year at Dances with Dogs.  Harper (and her mom) absolutely LOVE Dances with Dogs.  Anyone can see the evidence of how much Harper loves doggie day care every time we pull in as she begins her "Dances with Dogs dance of joy".  The staff at Dances With Dogs take excellent care of Harper and I appreciate the way they make a fuss over her.  It gives me great peace of mind to know she is well cared for there, she gets the exercise she needs and you have to love the daily pictures and report cards!  Dances With Dogs truly gives Harper something to look forward to.

Thanks for taking such good care of my baby!  Today was her first birthday! 

Sally Masters