Academy
Creating More confident dogs
Let your dog spend their day with us learning important skills and having fun! Small class size, a safe environment, a staff of canine behavior experts plus a thoughtful curriculum makes this program truly What Dogs Want!
Program
Requirements
Tuition
Location
Our Program
At our center, we provide your dogs with fun activities that engage both body and mind. Dogs work on puzzles, games, and activities that build confidence, improve body awareness, teach problem solving and reinforce polite behavior. They learn conflict resolution as they are encouraged to come up with a 'plan B' or 'plan C' if necessary.They sniff, dig, run, jump, hunt, stalk, dissect, socialize, work, and play in safe, fun, appropriate ways.
We practice settling, calm behavior, lowering arousal, and manners including riding politely and safely in cars. Dogs learn to share space with others, are allowed to communicate with other dogs and receive positive reinforcement for working next to or with other dogs. We love exposing the dogs in our care to as many new experiences, smells, tastes, sights, and textures as we can as these opportunities together provide a full spectrum of experiences that will build confidence, enhance their days, expand their minds and strengthen their bodies.
We practice settling, calm behavior, lowering arousal, and manners including riding politely and safely in cars. Dogs learn to share space with others, are allowed to communicate with other dogs and receive positive reinforcement for working next to or with other dogs. We love exposing the dogs in our care to as many new experiences, smells, tastes, sights, and textures as we can as these opportunities together provide a full spectrum of experiences that will build confidence, enhance their days, expand their minds and strengthen their bodies.
What is an enrichment center?
We consider ourselves an "enrichment center" but what IS enrichment? First and foremost, enrichment should enhance life. Be fun. Be chosen. Enrichment is meeting the needs of each individual dog that walks through our door. It means providing opportunity to explore the environment, engage their senses, and choose to participate in activities that appeal to their inner dog. We pride ourselves on dog learning, not dog training. Relationships are a two way street and working with a different species requires special insight, experience, compassion, and ability to communicate. Dogs who attend our program sense we have their best interests at heart because we DO.
Teaching Polite Manners
Along with our unique curriculum of games and activities, what makes us unique and effective is the continual feedback each dog receives throughout their day. We are keen observers and use this to let the dogs know what we LOVE about what they are doing with a thumbs up, ‘good pup!’ or piece of liver treat. We will also redirect dogs that are not choosing desired behaviors towards something a little more constructive and polite.
Socialization
Just like humans, dogs need socialization or with each other. When dogs play or interact with each other, they are supervised 100% and receive continual feedback about their behavior. If their play is mutual, fun and safe they are allowed to continue. If their play or interactions with others is one-sided, bossy or bully-ish they are told that too and are redirected or removed to settle.
What kind of personalities do the dogs have?
We have smart dogs, silly dogs, headstrong dogs, introverted dogs, extroverted dogs, highly sensitive dogs and dogs that do not know they have back feet. We tailor our program to accommodate each dogs’ needs so they get the most out of their day here. Enrichment is only enriching if it is fun and enhances life.
Educational Fun!
After almost 10 years of experience working with groups of dogs in a unique, intimate setting like this, we know what maximizes fun and learning with minimal chaos and stress for all dogs. We do not believe there are “bad” dogs or “good” dogs. There are just dogs whose behavior and personality is a combination of their learning, experiences, genetics, and their individual, unique self. It is our job to understand your dog’s needs, understand what they are trying to communicate to us and the other dogs, ensure your dog is comfortable here, leaves with positive experiences, and receives tailored “educational fun” that helps bring out their best. This is What Dogs Want.
Requirements
We ask that dogs wishing to attend our program first visit for a meet and greet. We want to be sure your dog will be comfortable in this environment and with us! This also gives you a chance to see the campus and meet some of your dog's potential "classmates".
- Vaccines - We do require all dogs to be current on vaccinations and you will need to provide proof upon acceptance of your dog into our program.
- Fixed - Males must be neutered by 7 months and females must be spayed before their first heat. Unfortunately we are unable to make exceptions.
- Bus Behavior - If your dog will be riding on the bus, they must display cooperative behavior toward the other dogs, be able to share a seat and travel in close proximity to other dogs. Dogs are harnessed in for safety. Excessive barking or reactive behavior while riding may be cause to discontinue transportation services.
Pricing
$65
$20
Interested in enrolling?
Schedule a meet and greet and see if your pup
