02/25/09

Still the best!

by baxtersmom

I?ve been going to Wag the Dog for almost six years now-- since it opened-- and I?ve never been anything but delighted with the service, people and the care of my dogs. We, like many people, have dogs for children and we expect that they are given the very best of care. I know that both of my dogs are better off for having spent so much time in the care of Christine and her staff. My lab mix had all kind of behavioral issues when we first adopted her and Christine and her staff worked with her to change her nipping and occasionally aggressive behavior. I can?t say enough good things about the behavioral work she got while at Wag the Dog. Christine went out of her way to give me a full report each day when I picked her up on a list of things I needed to do to improve her behavior. This was often hard to hear (and frankly if I hadn?t heard it day after day I wouldn?t have believed it. My Princess is perfect?or so I thought!) She has improved incredibly and is much better mannered. We also have an older dog, as well. He has some hip issues and he seems to have much less joint pain playing at Wag the Dog than at the dog park or at other daycares we?ve taken him. I understand the flooring is well-padded and made of recycled materials. He often plays in the puppy room because he can?t handle some of the rough and tumble play in the larger room (with our other ruffian the lab)? and I appreciate that the staff is always looking out for him. They come home happy and a little dirty sometimes but nothing that a bath or a wipe down can?t fix. Thanks for continuing to be the best doggy daycare in Portland, Wag!

• Pros: Dog behavorist on staff, convenient hours, clean, fun!

02/19/09

Not for everyone, but it's for my girl!

by fastjm

While I can see why some pampered little prissy dogs might not like this place, my big girl has been going for years and loves this place. She even likes staying over during the weekends sometimes. I think you've gotta try it out and see if it fits for your dog. And your dog will have lots of fun playmates to roll around with (especially if she or he is a Lab.) Keep up the good work Wag on making a great home away from home for my little Princess.

• Pros: Caring staff, lots of dogs to play with, weekend boarding
• Cons: sometimes she's a little dirty, not always have availability for boarding

01/20/09

not recommended

by bigfootmama

For the few who mentioned that they "fell" for the "Best Doggie Daycare" title that Wag posts on propaganda...it was a Willamette Week's readers poll in 2005...to put it in perspective.

I moved from another part of town where my dog went to a more expensive but superior daycare, in my opinion. They were helpful, friendly, and informative about what my dog had done. My dog came back tired and friends even mentioned how clean she smelled. Then I moved to the SE and tried Wag. My experience there was disappointing to say the least. Christine, I agree, is not a "people" person. As the owner of the place, I would have thought she would put more effort into communicating with her patrons. Not so. My interactions with her were always brief, not only because she was always turning around and walking away from me, but also because what little interaction I did have with her were awkward.

Her staff are a lot more approachable and friendly, though they didn't seem as genuine as the attendants at my previous daycare, who my dog showered with kisses at every opportunity. I think Wag has too many dogs--more than 50 on a given day--that they don't have time to form individual connections. I never saw my dog greet them or show interest in giving kisses.

Finally, I have to confirm what other posters have said about the smell. Yes, my dog came back smelling LIKE URINE, not only on feet, but the entire body. How does that happen...?! I have volunteered at humane society in a few cities, including Portland's, and the shelter dogs do not smell nearly as bad. Of all the negative factors that led me to leave Wag, this was the more egregious. I would have ignored my interactions with the staff if I felt that they were treating my dog well. Having my dog come home smelling like urine showed me that they weren't really paying attention.

If you value the quality of service that your dog receives, you'd be better off paying a couple bucks extra and going elsewhere.

• Pros: location, price
• Cons: poor service, unclean