A Dog Gone Good Place

It's interesting to read through the varied reviews of ADDGP. Some with 5 stars say it's the best place ever for your dog, others with 1 star have varied complaints. more

I had been using ADGGP for daycare for 2 dogs for the last two weeks of work days, but I stopped today. Reading all the negative reviews here now, it all rings so true from what I have seen and experienced in just 9 days. I am a laid-back dog owner with fairly low expectations and I ignored my initial misgivings about the facility, but whoever is running the front desk now (manager?) at ADGGP is unprofessional, condescending, incompetent, seems to know or care little about dogs and eventually removed any remaining confidence I had. I was going to go into detail, but I see now it's just more of the same as the other negative reviews. If the location is so convenient and your need for pet care is so great you feel you have to give them a try, please at least be prepared for dealing with the recurring negative themes detailed in the other reviews, pay as little in advance as possible, and have a backup plan for if and when you get fed up ADGGP. more

I used them for a regular period of time. I believe they have too many dogs in a small space, and I think the dogs *may* have too much play time. Which can make them grumpy. I don't know, I didn't sit there for 8 hours. And there is probably a reason they oppose a live cam! Just saying. Other dog cares have them. I can see exactly how the dogs are treated and what they are doing. And the observation room, kind of a joke. You can't see anything. The owner was at times a grump and not professional. It seems to run down the line to some others in higher command being snarfy. The owner will in fact belittle people just like someone else posted. I just don't get it. I paid good money here, talk to me like an adult and in a professional manner. It was as if she was bothered by someone coming there. I noticed high turn over of employees and most likely customers. Just my observation. The when my dog no longer got excited about going here (complete switch) and even cowered and came running back to me on several occasions! That told me something was *possibly* happening with her well being. I can't prove anything, but something or someone clearly made her stressed. Dogs say a lot. Bottom line without a long story, I personally lost trust in this place from my experience. It all kept adding up to negatives - one after another. Make your own decision. Maybe it will work out better for others. Pros: Outside court yard for play time. Cons: Too many dogs, maybe too much play time, owner is a GRUMP! more

My husband and I started taking our 2 small dogs to A Dog Gone Good Place about 7 months ago. We had tried another doggy daycare in the area and weren?t thrilled with it, plus ADGGP offers a month-long membership for dogs that includes unlimited days of playcare. They now go daily for playcare and they LOVE it. As we get close to the facility in the morning, one of our dogs starts making excited noises and moving around in the car. We use their boarding, grooming, and training services as well and have nothing but good things to say about all of the services and staff ? especially the management team and the owner! Pros: Staff, facilities, services offered Cons: None! more

I board my dog at A Dog Gone Good Place for a few reasons: 1. They have that nap break in the middle of the day. I've taken my pup to kennels that don't have a nap break, and sure, she comes back tired. But she also comes back skinny, wild-eyed and stressed out--just like you would be, if you were forced to party for eight hours a day without a rest. 2. They vet the dogs. I would never, ever take my dog to a place where everyone isn't checked out first. And they separate them by size and energy level. 3. When she stays overnight, she can have a toy and bed from home. I've checked out places where you're not allowed to bring a bed or toys because the staff just doesn't feel like cleaning them or watching them to make sure they don't choke. My pup isn't going to choke on a rope and an old T-shirt, and if you're not watching her, then who is? 4. Pictures. If your dog doesn't look happy or is being mistreated, you can always look online and find out. The one time I was like, eh, one of the staff brought my pup out and kept referring to her as a ""him."" I realize that my dog has an androgynous name, but if you work with animals daily, I would expect you to notice the conspicuous lack of a penis. It makes it a little hard for me to take your ""agility training"" recommendations seriously. Pros: Their policies make sense Cons: Some of the staff seems a little undertrained more

I boarded my three dogs at ADGGP for extended stays several times, but after a couple horrific experiences, I will not go back. The owner is blatantly rude and hostile. The second to last time my dogs were boarded there, I was informed by a staff member that one of my dogs had urinated in one of the condo units while being boarded. I apologized and asked if there was anything I could do. While I was paying at the counter, the owner came out to the reception area and very angrily told me that my dog had urinated in the condo and that it was disgusting and that she almost threw up because she had to clean it up. Then she berated me for having a dog that would mark in the condo. I understand that it was not an ideal situation, but I hardly believe that having a dog mark on something is unrealistic or unexpected. Instead, I was treated as if I had gone into the condo and marked on the furniture myself. The last time I boarded my dogs there, one of my dogs ended up injured and needed a great deal of medical attention. My dogs are Lhasa Apsos. They are groomed every four weeks with a very short haircut. I boarded the dogs with ADGGP three weeks after their last grooming, so they were a little shaggy, but certainly did not need another haircut while they were there. When I arrived to pick up the dogs, I was informed that one of my dogs had a problem with fecal matter getting on his butt and had to be shaved. The owner stated that he was difficult to shave. My dog was returned to me with what appeared to be horrible razor burn and cuts to his entire back end. I immediately took my dog to the vet, who said my dog had severe chemical burns from having fecal matter left on his skin for an extended amount of time. My dog needed antibiotics, skin medication, and continued treatment. He was miserable and crying for a week. When I called ADGGP to ask about what had happened, the owner said it was my fault because my dog had diarrhea while he was there and his fur was too long. She said if I wasn't such an irresponsible owner who left a dog there that needed a groom, it wouldn't have happened. I had approved any necessary treatment to be done while I was out of the country, so they could have groomed him immediately if it was necessary. Over the course of the next week, we had several conversations where her story about what happened changed. At first she said no one noticed. Then the story was that my dog needed a couple baths. Then the story was that my dog needed to be shaved but that she had done all the work herself. And the days on which the events happened changed with each explanation. I looked at the online pictures of the dogs at daycare and there is a clear picture of my dog from three days before I picked him up where his entire back end is covered in diarrhea. The experience was exacerbated by the fact that the owner was hostile, angry and defensive. She attacked me and ""built her case"" against my concerns. Her treatment of my dogs was bad enough, but then her verbal abuse of me was unacceptable behavior. My dog was neglected and injured while at ADGGP, and the owner was not only unapologetic, but she verbally attacked me and would not take any responsibility for my dog's injury. This incident occurred several months ago, and I am amazed that ADGGP is still in business. Please, for the sake of your pet, do not go to ADGGP. Pros: None - if they can't keep my dog safe, why go? Cons: Poor supervision, low level of care, horrible customer care. more

I brought my dog there a while ago. They were great at first but the 2nd day I brought her there my dog broke one of her little toes. They called me and said something is wrong with your dog and she has been in isolation all day. They decided to call me at 4:30 pm but she suffered for 5 hours before they decided to call me. She actually got her toe nail stuck in one of the dog ramps they said. First of all they blamed my dog by saying she was ""too high energy"" and said they were not going to pay any medical bills. I quickly told them that they were responsible and that I would file a civil suit and hire an attorney to reclaim any medical costs. After 2 days of waiting I received a letter from their office saying they would pay all the medical costs but that I was to never bring my dog back again. They noted my dog was too high of a risk. Cons: Uptight Staff, Uprofessional, More Visual Than Substance more

Your dog will come home tired from this place, but it is understandable that ALL dogs need to have a certain set of manners to attend. I would be appalled if they had let my dog into the pool if it wasn?t safe because she wouldn't control herself! I do understand that everyone judges on different criteria but I do not feel that coupons, a past groomer or even customer service should be the tipping point for a responsible dog owner. It should be how comfortable you feel with the staff, the facility and the ideals the company has. I do know that this is the cleanest facility in the area and anything different is just trying to dig up dirt but coming up unsuccessful. Highly recommended and worth a look at, for those that are not just looking for a dog park. Pros: The staff is educated!! They actually make an effort to inform you Cons: they aren't hiring! more

I am writing on the review that was dated 8/11/07 titled ""Awsome Place"". In the review the person said Goody was fired and Mandi quit. Well, I am Goody and I did not get fired. I took employment elsewhere do to a medical condition. I am still very much involved with A Dog Gone Good Place and still work there. Mandi quit because she wanted to spend more time with her kids. The gal that has said ADGGP is awsome was a client with a couple of therapy dogs that came in every two weeks to have them groomed by Mandi. The owner of the therapy dogs comments that the staff is rude and I am the one she had contact with for her dogs grooming needs. I never saw anyone rude to this client and we gave her about 50% off her dogs grooms, plus she never paid for the service. The dental office she did therapy work through paid for her dogs grooms. This client use to have her dogs groomed at another facility and always commented to me about how nice I and everyone at ADDGP was. more

I tried and tried to give this place a chance! Just not happening. They are way to strict on some of the things that they just should not be. I brought my dog there to drain her energy not to take her to a dog boot camp! I was told almost daily that she was too crazy and rough with the other dogs...hmmm isn't that the point?? No I don't want my dog to be aggressive, but she does get crazy and this was not allowed here. I think they could use some help in the customer service department also! Go to a class on how to deal with customer complaints! They don't try to work it out with you....instead they get into an argument with you! I just don't think that will keep your doors open! So if you want good customer service,and a place where your dog can have a fun time and be able to play hard and get tired....not the place for that. Pros: Cool outdoor area Cons: Terrible customer service more

I am thrilled with the care that my dogs receive at ADGGP! I have been involved in many dog activities( AKC conformation, flyball, agility, tracking) and am impressed with the trainers, daycare and boarding attendants. They not only care about the happiness and well being of the dogs, but have the necessary training to make sure that your dog is safe and happy while in their care. I have read some of the other posts and am surprised by the negative comments. My experience with the reception staff, owner, trainers and attendants has been only positive. When I drop my dogs off, I know they will get the best care. The owner has developed relationships with local vets, has a retail store that sells high quality kibble and is available to any client should we have questions. I was really appalled to read the comment saying that ADGGP was dirty. NOT SO!! Relative to the grooming comment, my dogs continue to have great grooming experiences at ADGGP so the level of service and quality of groom are not dependent on one individual. Pros: Trained staff, outside playcare yards, grooming- all inclusive services offered! Cons: I can't go during the day too! more

If you have a feisty little one like I do, this is the place for you. My little angel comes to ADGGP twice a week & loves to run it all out. I look forward to picking her up in the evening & knowing that she will be tired & ready for some nighttime training (or rest). We have also gained early socialization & training here, which has been key for her. You could not ask for a more caring staff. I can't say enough about the owner, Lynn, she is unbelievable. She treats all of the puppies like her own. In fact my pup likes to jump up to greet her with a kiss on the nose. My husband & I chose this facility after looking at a couple of others, because we really appreciated the down to earth atmosphere. I have nothing but trust in leaving my much adored babe here. more

As a new dog owner, I looked at all (and I do mean all) the dog care facilities in my area. I found A Dog Gone Good Place to be the very best: trained and friendly staff, clean facilities, outdoor play areas, a caring owner, and outstanding training classes. It is well worth the money (and more!). I have been taking my dog to A Dog Gone Good Place for over a year now and he loves it! The staff have taken their time to give him individual attention (he is shy and timid) and care, we have attended several training classes that are run by expert trainers, and everyone has been helpful and supportive when I have questions. The owner is truly a dog expert and has been extremely helpful in teaching me how to best care for my dog. In addition, I appreciate the high standards for health and expected dog behavior they have - I feel safe leaving my dog in their expert care. I have only positive comments about this ""home away from home"" for my dog and have referred several folks - all of whom have told me what a great place it is. Pros: Expert and caring staff; clean facilities, outdoor play area more

I have taken my dog to several daycares, in several different states, and A Dog Gone Good Place tops the list. When we finally landed here in Portland, it was my first priority to find my best friend a place that was special. No ordinary doggie day care would do! I tried a couple and then found ADGGP. No other day care worked with my dog (and me) like they did. We took classes on behavior and manners right there at the facility and the staff reinforces these new skills while he attends day care. That helps out a lot. I feel like they are a part of our family because they care so much for my dog. ALL of my questions have always been answered and I am told the truth about his day. When I have asked about his day at other day cares, I can tell they have NO idea what he's been up to all day, they don't know what to say so ""Oh, he had a good day"" just comes out. These guys actually tell me about his day, even if he had a bad one. We all have bad days and I appreciate knowing about it. That just proves how much they care about what the are doing. The staff works very hard to accomadate my needs as well. They are always there to help in any way needed. I LOVE this place and so does my dog. When I ask him if he wants to ""go to school"", he goes crazy. This place is a gem and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do for us!!! Pros: the outdoor play yard (fresh air), the people, ALL THE FUN HE HAS Cons: zero cons more

As a previous employee of this business I can't believe what I have read on this website. I only left to further my career in the vet industry and would have stayed here forever if I could. My dog still goes here for daycare and boards here on a regular basis. There are 17 employees working with the dogs, I would encourage anyone looking for a place for their dog to ask any other dog business how many people they employ to work with the dogs- I guarantee you it won't even be close to this number. Every yard is always manned at all times and the employees are required to attend weekly training. Everyone working at this facility is paid by the ownership to attend continuing education classes on dog behavior- again find another establishment that does that. This place is so good that there are numerous parent volunteers that work out in the daycare and boarding facility, there is a waiting list to be a volunteer here, and several parents have come on board to become employees. more

If you truly care about your dog and want the best in care, this is the place. I read the reviews below and wonder how much these people really know about dogs. My dog has been attending this facility for 2 years, we use all of the services and welcome any input the staff might have to help us raise a happy, healthy dog. The ownership cares about every dog, and I haven't seen a dog that doesn't like to be there yet. The facility is very large, and because of it's size it is obvious that there will be differences in how it is ran that the usual small, inside only, smelly doggy daycare. An owner should appreciate that this place is trying to raise the standards of dog facilities and feel blessed that there is a place like this for us owners to take our dogs and cats. When our dog started here he was an out of control puppy and we had to work hard, it didn't mean that the facility was bad, it meant that we needed help and this place was awesome! We certainly could have gotten upset and stormed out when the ownership (who by the way is a dog trainer) told us we needed to get our dog into an obedience class but instead we chose to accept that a dog trainer knows more than us. Most doggy daycares are ran by people that have no idea how to train a dog, this facility not only is owned by a dog trainer but is affiliated with some of the best dog trainers in the area. On top of that we were offered a scholorship for our dog so he could attend daycare 3 times a week and we only could afford 1 day. This way they could work with him more during the week and it didn't break our pocket books. If you truly want to take your dog or cat to a great place that really cares this is it! Pros: Great service, wonderful staff and ownership Cons: my dog comes home wet on most days more

I have always seen the sign to this place and wanted to try it out. I purchased a certificate through a promotion; thought this would allow me the opportunity to try the facility out. Wow, was I wrong about this place! The owner was complaining about the certificates. She was extremely rude. I was NOT impressed by her or this facility AT ALL. I would rather leave my dog with a 5 year old. The place seemed dirty and depressing. I feel sorry for the dogs that were there. I would NEVER leave my dog there. After viewing the facility, I actually decided to take a loss on my certificates I purchased. No one could pay me to leave my dog there. He is too good for that place. If the owner were smart, she would use the promotion as an opportunity to secure new customers. I am very loyal once I like a place. I know a lot of dog owners. I frequent the dog park everyday and word of mouth is everything. Not smart for the owner to leave me unimpressed. I will be sure to tell everyone I know NOT TO USE THIS FACILITY. They look understaffed and the dogs did not appear to be supervised. As far as I am concerned, you are an unfit dog parent if you take your dog here. These are the kind of people that would leave their children with anyone. Save your money. Keep your dog safe. I would look elsewhere for boarding/daycare etc. If I could have rated this place with a negative star I would. Unfortunately, the site forces me to rate at minimum 1 star. Even this is too high. Cons: Depressing, dirty, dogs appear unsupervised, customer service is HORRIBLE. more

There are so many things wrong with this place. Cons: Expensive and not worth it. Terrible service and worst doggie day care ever. more

I brought my 18 month yellow lab for play one day and when I picked her up they told me she had jumped the fence. What did this mean? She had to go into Airlock - not sure what that is, but she was not allowed to be outside in the play area. My whole point of bringing her to daycare is that she will have time to play with other dogs and get fresh air playtime. I really wish they would have called me, as I would have picked her up and taken her home. For $22/day and no play - if you have an active dog, I would recommend finding a different place. more

Don't be fooled by their fancy lobby and their extra services!! If you want the best care for your pet-child, this is not the place for you anymore. When they first started, I truly believe that their heart was in the right place to provide a great place for us to leave our dog. But as they became more popular or demanded, they simply do not care about the quality at all anymore. I chose this place because I wanted a groomer (every 2 weeks), a boarding facility (4-6 times a year), and a day care while we work. This place was a dream come true for us and we were more than happy to pay their outrageous fees as long as they took great care of our dog. They did for a long time but THEY DO NOT CARE anymore. Pros: various services under one roof Cons: How they do those services under one roof more