Play Dog Excellent

Monica Pauly

2023-07

We bring our dog here for classes and we love it! Obviously we get a lot from the classes on both ends of the leash, but the trainers are also very willing to meet your dog where they’re at. No adverse training and no harmful recommendations - all behavior work has been done through positive reinforcement. Anna is our favorite trainer and has helped us do a lot more with our dog than the immediate class descriptions! We’ve taken basic obedience, tricks and techniques and do more with your dog. The obedience class and do more with your dog were awesome for commands and fun tricks!

Andreas Bruhwiler

2022-05

In 2008 with the first one and now in April 2022 with our fourth Sloughi, all our dogs have always enjoyed the classes for puppies and adult dogs.And, we love the very professional and friendly people at PDX.

Gilbert Gann

2024-01

It is our go to for boarding two dogs. They offer shared accommodations, which we always opt for. Their services go far and beyond what we normally take advantage of, but the staff is amazing.

Patti “ShowMyDog” Groover

2018-05

Had a great time at the Obedience Club of Chattanooga AKC Obedience show last weekend held at Play Dog Excellent. The training and boarding facility is very nice and convenient to downtown Chattanooga.

Rebecca Hamby

2022-05

Play Dog Excellent is home away from home for my pup, Sophie. She is always excited to go to daycare and exhausted at pick up. Sophie LOVES the PDX team and I can’t blame her. They are patient, kind, and knowledgeable. Be it general questions, class training, or one on ones, the team consistently provides great training and support for both of us. Sophie wants to be a therapy dog when she grows up - I have no doubt with PDX’s continued support, her dreams will come true.

katie bailey

2024-02

We are big fans of PDX. We have had 4 dogs there and are very happy with the quality and service. Love PDX!!

Katie House

2023-05

We have been taking our puppy to daycare for over a month now and he loves it! He cannot wait to run in the door in the morning and comes home exhausted each day he goes. Since he has been attending his overall manners have been much better, like walking on a leash, not biting, etc. One of the trainers let us know when they thought he might be sick, which ended up being nothing but I was happy to know he is well looked after. PDX seems to take very good care of our boy and we are thrilled he is so happy here.

Sierra Stair

2023-06

This is one of the best places to learn how to train your dog in ways that are scientifically and psychologically backed.Instead of taking your dog and training it for you they train you how to train your dog so that way they will be more likely to listen to -you-.We completed the puppy plus course over the course of a couple months and they have noticed significant difference with how obedient and respectful our puppy has become as a result.

Angie Wiggins

2023-05

We have trained here with various members of our "pack," through the years. They KNOW DOGS!!! Great staff, very knowledgeable and if they don't, they'll reach out to find the answer. Really caring and kind to the pups and their people. Reuben, our 4 month old Yorkshire Terrier just completed Puppy Head Start, thank you, Nancy Miller!!💗 See y'all soon for our next class.

Amy P

2024-04

The absolute best place ever!!!I would give 1 million stars if I could.

Sydnei Kelly

2023-05

They have taken such good care of our puppy here.The first time we brought him, he had complications from his neuter and hernia surgery. We were gone for 10 days and they made sure our boy got his med and his rest to heal.We just took him back a second time for a weekend trip. He played so hard and came home pooped out.We will be bringing him here for all of our kenneling needs.

Kristopher Riemer

2023-05

Play Dog Excellent was recommended to me by multiple sources, so I had high hopes when bringing my rescued Foxhound here. I have had 6 dogs throughout my lifetime, she is my 7th, so I am generally pretty capable with basic training. However she is very stubborn, a trait none of my other dogs had. If she doesn't feel like following a command, even one she knows well, she will simply ignore me.I tried their basic obedience class hoping to get some assistance. This was the mistake on my part, as I already know how to do basic command training. However I hoped I could get some tips on how to help her respond to me even when in situations where she would rather focus her attention elsewhere. The class was too basic and the trainer made no attempt to help with individual issues with the dogs in the class, it was simply "Tell your dog sit, give them a treat when they do." That was fine, my mistake on the class choice. However the issue with Play Dog Excellent arose when the trainer used the fact that my dog had trouble focusing because of a lack of socialization with other dogs, to openly mock my dog.She made multiple jokes at me and my dog's expense to get laughs from other members of the class. I had already explained to her my dog was 4 years old and I had had her for less than 3 months, time which had been focused on house breaking her and getting her through food aggression as when she was found she was almost dead from starvation. I took her from snarling, snapping and charging whenever she was around food to letting me take food directly from her mouth with no protest on her part.I attempted to keep a positive attitude and asked if the trainer had any recommendations on how to socialize my dog. Her response was, "There is no way to socialize an adult dog, that has to be done when they are a puppy. Any RESPONSIBLE owner knows that." With her emphasizing responsible to elicit more laughs from other people in the class. Yet another jab at me and my dog. Btw, perhaps that is Play Dog's official stance, but I have to disagree. I have had 2 other rescue dogs in my life, both of whom I was able to socialize successfully despite them already being 7 years old.The extremely unprofessional and insulting attitude of the trainer, combined with a complete lack of hands on help, made me decide not to return for any of the further class sessions I had paid for. Another major warning sign to me was that fully half of the dogs in the class were repeating the basic obedience course as they had "failed" it their first times. I have trouble believing that that many owners who were willing to seek out help, pay for classes and show up every week with their dogs were solely at fault. That level of "failures" leads me to feel the class itself has to be at least partially to blame.Edit: I have shifted my review from 1 stars to 2, because while what I said here is true, I was impressed by Play Dog Excellent reaching out to me after this review. They said that they were sorry that was the experience that me and my dog had and not how they wanted their customers to feel. They also said they had checked the records and saw that I really didn't shown up for any future classes and they don't want to charge people for a class they didn't receive, so they were sending me a refund check. I received the full refund and, more importantly to me, they never pressured me to change my review. I waited some time before editing this to make sure. I am now truly convinced that the refund was not designed to pressure me to change my review and so am now comfortable editing it.

Kim Wilcox

2017-05

Play Dog Excellence is just that Excellent!They are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, and outstanding group.You can see they really love the dogs and are there to help you!Nancy Miller was Awesome with my puppy and gave us great tips and insight to help us with her.We will continue with all the classes!We would recommend them very highly.

Anna Grace Gentile

2022-05

We love Play Dog Excellent! We have two rambunctious Australian Shepards and utilize PDX’s daycare, classes, and boarding! Our dogs literally squeal with joy when we pull into the parking lot. We’ve taken a variety of classes including basic puppy obedience, agility, and even even earned our Intermediate Trick Dog Title at PDX! There’s no one else in town I’d trust more to care for my dogs than PDX. I feel good knowing they’re in good hands when I leave.

Jennifer Edge

2014-05

I did my research before we didn't to take our dog to a training class. I heard nothing but rave reviews about this place and after going for a 6 week Manners Matters class I would agree. Julie took the time to answer all our questions and give us advice on our new dog. It took two classes for Birdie to start participating but by the third week she was sitting, laying, and getting better on the leash! This is a great place to take any dog!

Greg Balint

2021-05

Met with Nancy for individual training with my anxious and sometimes aggressive dog. She immediately zeroed in on the issue and understood it from multiple angles. She's got decades of experience working with dogs and I trust her advice moving forward. We're only on our starting steps, but I already feel like I have a plan to help my dog become the best she can be.

pat johnson

2015-05

They take good care of the dogs, at least they say they do. They have zero people skills. ZERO. If you ever have any problem with how they handle something, they refuse to call you back. I would not take my dog there again. The Ark is much friendlier and they seem to appreciate your business.Some of the dog training classes leave a bit to be desired. They seem to be much more concerned with telling you they know what they are doing than actually showing you how to train your dog. One class I attended, nearly the entire first class was spent with the instructor reading from a pamphlet telling us what we had to do in order for our dogs to get some sort of certificate. PLEASE!! I just want to train my dog, starting with the first class.GO TO THE ARK, you will not be disappointed.

Dakota Fugate

2021-05

When I had my got my puppy this past year I went into multiple daycares looking into options to send my boy to. PDX was super close to my house and seemed perfect. My issue came when I went into the lobby and had to stand there for a good moment without being greeted, once they did great me, they had an attitude to every response to include how they weren’t taking any dogs and to just call back later they were full. Yet when I tried to ask about pricing they wouldn’t say a word. I don’t understand why they try to guard pricing when their competitors in the area are open about it. After seeing reviews about the spray they use towards the dogs, I’m glad I decided against wasting my time and calling back.

Anthony Carrell

2019-05

The staff at PDX are expert dog handlers and trainers, and genuinely care about the pets in their care. We have used them for day care, day boarding, overnight boarding, and training, and have been extremely satisfied with their services. They also have reasonable prices on the dog food and treats they carry.

John Brantley

2018-05

Great place to train your pup. Guides and instructors are excellent. Classes fill up quickly so get your name in the list before you are ready to start. Plenty of parking. Dogs love it too!

Debbie Draeger

2017-05

First time for Our dog but we didn't have a choice but to find a dog hotel.We adopted a dog that was neglected. He's doing great, with coming out of his shell.When I called to check on him, he wasn't doing well. She said not too worry, they'd take special attention to him.He stayed three days and two nights.When I picked him up, he was happy as ever.The staff is so nice, loved and took care of him as their own.We will be back

Deborah Beagles

2013-05

I recently had to spend some time in the hospital. When the doctor told me this, I didn't have to think twice about where my pom, Monty, would spend those days. I have used Play Dog Excellent in the past and have found them to be very professional and caring. Monty also goes there occasionally for daycare. All the ladies (and gents) that work there are wonderful. You can trust them with your precious pets.

Thyra DeCicco

2017-05

I was very disappointed at PDX based upon the breed discrimination I experienced & misinformation conveyed during a STAR puppy training class. Upon addressing this discriminatory conduct with the owners, they handled the situation very professionally. Only 3 stars because my overall experience wasn't positive and the trainer clearly lacks canine expertise & knowledge. But a very big thank you to the owners and their response. It is greatly appreciated.

Deb Godfrey

2019-05

Have asked several times for staff to return a call of concern. During our dog’s second daycare time, staff sprayed our dog with citronella causing our dog to return home with immense allergies along with increased anxiety...overall, this caused our dog to have a huge vet bill! Not only was our dog sprayed, but the citronella got in between our dogs paw pads...and caused a painful allergic reaction. After Researching Citronella... citronella actually HURTS a dogs sense of smell AND Burns like pepper spray or mace! Several vets have encouraged us Not to return our pet to Play Dog Excellent. Please consider doing your research on Citronella used on dogs. We took the word of staff and found out differently by our dogs symptoms on how dangerous citronella truly can be. We have requested a return call... and still after 2 -3 wks we received NO Call. In addition...our dog returned home with a fear to walk on grass. Our family Will not be recommending this facility to any Chattanooga friends/family. Terrible customer service. Has us contemplating the company does not care to receive imperative information from concerned customers.

Jackie Ragan

2022-05

It's has a wonderful staff! My dog and I both learned a lot in a safe and fun environment! I will definitely continue to use their services.

Noraleen Danforth

2019-05

My hound mix doggie started out at PDX by easing into day-boarding, did daycare for a while, and has gone back to day-boarding and staying over for boarding while we go on trips. The communication at PDX is excellent and Nancy Miller has talked through my dog's personality with me on multiple occasions. When the time came that daycare wasn't the best option for him, she was 100% honest with me and told me that they didn't want to give him the opportunity to make choices that weren't in his best interest due to stress and feeling cooped up with many dogs. He prefers being around fewer dogs at a time because of his personality, and that's okay! I will always appreciate her expertise and judgment tremendously, and there is still an option for my dog to enjoy PDX while day-boarding, a lower energy setting than daycare. I have absolute trust in all of the staff that my baby is safe, loved, and cared for while I'm away, and for a pet parent, that's the best feeling there is.

Megan Morris

2015-05

While my husband has had dogs before, I've always been a crazy cat lady. So when we adopted a 6-month-old shepherd/collie mix, I knew I wanted to take her to some obedience classes.First we met with Nancy Miller for a one-hour session to get some help with crate training, leash-walking and house-breaking. We'd only had the puppy for three days before our session but I was crying every day out of frustration. After we met with Nancy, I was ready to cry with joy. She really helped steer us in the right direction as far as crate-training, and gave us some helpful tips for leash-walking and house-breaking, too.Then we signed up for the STAR Puppy class, which lasted six weeks. The cost was very reasonable (it was actually less than what PetSmart had quoted me and from what I've heard their trainers aren't actually certified or anything, they just do a one-week crash course), but I would have been happy even if it cost more.The class was tremendously helpful. Our puppy got a chance to socialize with other dogs before and after class, but during class you're not supposed to let your dog play with the other dogs because it's disruptive (just like a real school, haha). Nancy Cambron was our instructor and she was wonderful. She's very soft-spoken and gentle, but can whip even the most unruly puppy into shape without ever raising her voice. She was also so great about staying after class to answer any questions the owners had about their pups—we got lots of help with leash-walking, since our puppy is pretty crappy about that.The STAR Puppy course is mainly about teaching *you* how to train your puppy, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Since I had never had dogs before I didn't know squat about how to train them, and my husband hadn't ever tried to train any of his. We learned valuable lessons on how to get our puppy to focus on us, how to sit/lay down, how to come when called, and how to walk on a leash. At the end of the six weeks there's a test, and if your puppy passes you get a certificate and can mail off for a plaque and a medal. (Ours passed!)After just the first week I could tell how much the class was helping, and I've already signed up for a three-week focus course on recall (our little girl is crazy and could use some more help focusing on us in strange environments).I was so relieved to find PDX. Everyone with a dog wants to offer advice based on how they trained their dog, but it's nice to have a group of people with legitimate training to provide time-tested advice that really does help.

Elissah McCann

2015-05

We've just finished our second round of 6 week courses and LOVE PDX! We're a bit biased towards Nancy Miller since she's been our teacher for both classes thus far. Both I and my dog love her and she has helped us come SO far in getting ready to show in AKC rally competitions. We will continue to use PDX as our competitive training facility! Even if you are not looking to compete, their classes are great for working on manners and getting a closer bond with your pup!

Yeti Fitzgerald

2022-05

My mom and dad took me to school here back when I was a pup and I had a BLAST! Did I learn anything? Yep. Do I act like I learned anything? Uh, no! I'm a Great Pyrenees! I do what I want, when I want. The good people here warned my mom and dad that GP's are fiercely independent and that we think for ourselves so no harm, no foul on PDE's part. In fact, word is I may be getting a baby sister soon (an Australian Cattle Dog) and apparently mom and dad are gonna enroll her in classes too so she can learn all the commands, and then proceed to do exactly what she wants, when she wants.Consistency is key, people!

Karen Brown

2012-05

Helpful Staff. Not only are my dogs well cared for at PDX, the staff has been very helpful with some special needs for my dogs and my schedule. Can't believe their prices are so very reasonable for the high quality of care they provide. PDX is terrific!!! I highly recommend PDX to anyone who needs day care and/or boarding for the canine members of their families.