DUNCAN

Duncan is a very shy, high-strung and extremely energetic dog who is also frightened of almost everything and suffers from extreme separation anxiety – and we adore him and would do anything for him. So that's why I'm thrilled that he's been so transformed since coming to Metro Dog. He is less shy around dogs at the dog park and doesn't try to bolt when too many dogs approach him at once. He is better on the leash and doesn't growl at every passing dog. He approaches men a little easier and has recently been described as "down-right social". The best part is that Duncan is actually tired when he comes home from Metro Dog – Amazing!

RUBY PEARL

I have been sending my dachshund, Ruby Pearl, to Metro Dog for about 11 months now and I couldn't be happier!  When we first brought Ruby Pearl home at age 7 weeks, my husband and I had forgotten how demanding a puppy could be. When we had our last dachshund puppy 18 years ago, we were obviously younger and had young children at home to play with the puppy and run down her energy spring.  With Ruby we were really at our wits end because we would come home tired from work and she just wanted to play, play, play!  When we decided to try daycare for dogs I looked into other centers around the East Bay and I was not pleased with the techniques used or the facilities in general.  I was very discouraged and almost ready to take our little girl back to the breeder because we just couldn't keep up with her energy level.

When Metro Dog opened (which is right on my way to work) I checked them out and was immediately impressed with Diane and Alison and their approach to socializing the dogs and training. Even though the facility wasn't finished when I first visited, I could tell they had great plans and those plans have become reality.  They made me feel comfortable about leaving "my baby" with them right away. Something I had never felt with the other day care centers.

Bringing Ruby Pearl to Metro Dog has been the BEST thing that ever happened for all of us.  She LOVES her daycare days and waits by the door when she knows it's her day to go.  She literally jumps out of my arms into the waiting and loving arms of any one of the handlers at Metro Dog.  She get lots of socialization and lots of exercise so that when I pick her up she is one tired, happy pooch!  Her experience at Metro Dog has made her a much happier, calmer, and very social little pup.  I'm not sure we could have kept Ruby if we hadn't discovered Metro Dog.

Thank you Diane, Allison, and the entire staff at Metro Dog for helping to "raise" Ruby Pearl to be the wonderful, loving dog that she is.  It truly does "take a village to raise a pet"!!

KIVA

Last fall, Diane was walking my dog, Kiva, once or twice a week.  When Metro Dog opened in December she invited Kiva and me to check it out. Kiva has been enjoying Day Care (and occasional overnites) ever since. Kiva is young (almost 2 yrs), very social and loves her days playing with her dog peers.  On days when I work or otherwise have a busy schedule, I know she is in good hands and having a great time with her "friends" - both canine and human.  The staff is terrific and the hours easily accommodate most any schedule.  When I pick up Kiva at the end of a day at Metro Dog, she is happily exhausted from a full and fun day. I highly recommend  Metro Dog as a caring, safe, well run and wonderful place for Dog Day Care and Boarding.

Thank you Diane and Alison!!

Elizabeth Arnold

Alison Smith, the trainer and behaviorist, at Metro Dog is fabulous. She knows her dogs.  We have used her services several times.  We have worked with Alison both in her training classes and one-on-one consultations.  Ten years ago, Alison helped us with our adult dog who had a barking problem.  She gave us strategies on how to alleviate the problem.  Recently, we got a new puppy and we’ve taken her basic classes.  

We especially liked her Basic 3 class.  It was invaluable.
 It teaches you how to be with your dog in the real world and takes you out into a shopping mall, trail, and other places.  Alison works with you to build a relationship with your dog.

Alison is knowledgeable.  She easily assesses the problems and gives you concrete advice about how to train or modify the behavior.  Alison is also accessible.  If you have a follow-up question, she will help
you because she cares about her clients.  We’ve recommended her services to several friends.  Use her services, she’s great.

Elaine and Mike Penzer