Dogwood Cage-Free Daycare Ctr

We've been bringing Champ to Dogwood for three months and couldn't be happier! Champ is a profoundly deaf, very high energy aussie puppy who's also afraid of dogs. We were very concerned to find a place where Champ would get loving attention and feel safe and happy. Dogwood is just that place. There's plenty for Champ to do -- a big partially-covered outdoor play area where the dogs romp and play, but plenty of calm indoor space as well, where he can nap, watch tv, and take a break. This is great for Champ who loves to watch other dogs, but needs some downtime on his own.

We found Dogwood when we were in a pinch for a 10-day visit --after two days of "day care" at Dogwood, we felt very confident leaving Champ with Kate and Mick. Kate checked in with us during the trip to reassure us that Champ was doing well and to put our minds at ease (he is our baby!). Ever since then, Champ has been going to Dogwood a couple times a week for day care, or as we call it, "camp". Mick or Kate greets him (and us) by name in the morning and he leaps towards them happily. At the end of the day, he is happy and tired. It's clear to us that Champ is well taken care of and loved at Dogwood!
I should add that the review below makes me think they are speaking about another place... Kate and Mick really make personal connections with your dog. As I said above, taking care of Champ is not so easy - but they happily agreed to "speak" to Champ with our hand signals, and are very supportive of his progress. We've asked to go to the back to peek at Champ with his 'friends' at play and there has been no problem! It's clean and tidy, the dogs are happy, and there's no "overcrowding" or filth.

Posted 10/22/08 | Report Abuse

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There are so many warning signs, don't ignore them. First of all they really hate it when you try to peek into their kennel. The guy gets very very angry and cusses at you. They only allow certain days and certain time slots for open house where you can see the actual kennel. Why? Because they're hiding something you don't want to see-- overcrowding, filth, everything. Secondly, I really hated how Kate kept making me guilty that my puppy is too full of ** and needs obedience training. Her obedience training is a rip off and doesn't do jack. Even Petsmart classes are better, and they're not that great in the first place. They're the only place that takes cash or check only, no credit card. Hmm, sounds pretty convenient when Uncle Sam audits, since technically on paper they only have less than 10 dogs instead of 50-80 in reality, eh? This Kate woman is so tired the end of the day she snaps at everyone, even her assistant and her customers. The only reason they have businesses is because there's no competition in the area. Trust me, Dogwood is not really what it looks like. Do your research.

Posted 10/07/08 | Report Abuse

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This place used to be good, really really good. A few years ago, it was nice, clean, and Kate was very helpful. It's been around for a few years, but Kate and her companion really needs a vacation. She's gotten so rude to the point that I think she doesn't want to run the daycare anymore. I think she's pretty much lost it. The place is no longer clean, and let me tell ya, the place is so heavily guarded that they freak out whenever I tell them I want to see the backyard. Something fishy's going on, but I think they only clean up the place whenever people have appointments with them. Also I think they really abuse some of the dogs to "train" them because my dog's been having behavioral problems. In addition I think she must have some family problems of her own because she says the most unflattering things, and her companion cusses at me, a long time customer. I can hardly believe it. Maybe she needs a shrink. Maybe that sort of attitude is acceptable where Kate and her companion came from, but it's totally unacceptable here in civilized world.

The place used to be good, but it's gotten downhill, really really downhill. Avoid at all cost.

Posted 09/22/08 | Report Abuse

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When I first took my dog there they were nice and attentive to me and my dog. Once I went a few time they were rude. They do take good care of your dog though. If you can get past the rudeness you will like it. Would I go back. Yes

Posted 04/30/08 | Report Abuse

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Lots of people mentioned that the staff is rude. Yes! They are very very rude. The first time I took my puppy in I felt rushed by Kate and her helper. Another time I tried to calm my puppy at the front gate but the man was very impatience and said he has things to do. Basically they're very busy and just want to minimize interacting with the customers. Keep in mind that I also tried other kennels besides Dogwood as well (Doggie Central, Club Fido, etc) and they're very noisy. You see, I tried very very hard to teach my puppy to not jump on people and to not bark, but everytime I go to these other kennels, he'd end up "untrained" and start jumping on people and bark. The reason is that the workers in the other kennels actually pet and praise jumpy and noisy dogs! I was soooo ticked off with the other kennels that I sware I'd never go to them. A lot of dog lovers here complain about how tough Kate is to their dogs. Well, let me just say that this is not a place for your dog to get pampered and loved. This is a place where your dog is trained and educated to be calm and quiet. I personally believe that if you truly love your dog, you would provide your dog the best training and EDUCATION a dog can have, instead of spoiling your dog. A well trained dog can go to more places, is less annoying to other people, and is more loved. Hence, that is why I prefer Dogwood, where they use tough love to encourage calm and quiet behavior. For all of these reasons, I'm giving 3 stars to Dogwood despite their apparent rudeness.

Posted 03/26/08 | Report Abuse

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We have been a customer since Dogwood opened in 2001. I had visited other day cares and left one in tears because I couldn't leave him in unsupervised squalor. The yard and playrooms at Dogwood are spotless, he never smells like a kennel. Their indoor/outdoor setup is the best. Dogs should be outside running, playing and doing what they do. At another daycare, I can hearing barking from my car. A barking dog is not happy. Dogwood is bark free because dogs are content. If the staff doesn't feel a dog is suited to day care, theyll give up a client rather than have unhappy dogs. I appreciate their interview process. All dogs are tested for compatibility and updated vaccinations are mandatory. I like knowing my dog is happy and well cared for.

Posted 08/20/07 | Report Abuse

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