Happy Pup Manor — Local services in Round Lake

Our family has been ecstatic with Gabby and the team at Happy Pup Manor. In the Spring of 2019 we welcomed Goldie (an Australian Labradoodle) into our family. We reached out to Gabby shortly after Goldie was born as we were somewhat overwhelmed…..this was going to be our first pet. We were looking for a training program that was willing to do all of the “hard work” of the first few weeks of having a new puppy….crate training, potty training and teaching basic commands.

We called countless different trainers, but Gabby made herself available to answer all of our questions on the training program, her training approach and what to expect when welcoming a 12 week old puppy into our house after training. We had Goldie in our house for one night before she was picked up for the board and train program. At the conclusion of Goldie’s four week program Gabby spent an hour with our family reviewing Goldie’s training while teaching us how to continue the training at home. As with any puppy, we encountered a few new behaviors along the way and Gabby was always there as a resource to help keep Goldie pointed in the right direction. Goldie has been a well behaved and amazing puppy since training at Happy Pup Manor….no issues with her crate, accidents in the house, etc. We have referred multiple friends welcoming new puppies to Gabby and Happy Pup Manor.

In addition to the board and train program, we have also used Happy Pup Manor for boarding. Katerina and the team make the process seamless with flexible scheduling. The “concierge” pick-up and drop-off service is amazing for a busy family trying to get out of the house for vacation. It is great to get a video or photo of Goldie having fun at the Manor, which sometimes includes special photo shoots like a photo with Santa! There are also “extras” that you can add to boarding like swim lessons…..It was amazing to see the look on Goldie’s face after first time in the pool. Aside from our family knowing the Goldie is engaged and having fun while boarding the return “bath and blowout” ensures she returns home after boarding looking and smelling great.

If you are looking for a training program that can take your new puppy and after four weeks return an amazing well behaved dog then Happy Pup’s program is definitely for you. After Goldie’s amazing training, we know she receives the attention and supervision during boarding and just wait for the photos and videos during her stays. Our family loves...

Our pup went to Happy Pup Manor with some dominant, territorial and jealous behaviors - and a general listening problem. With a baby on the way any day now, my husband and I knew that we had to break our dog of these unbecoming behaviors ... yesterday.

Our 17 month old, F1 Standard Goldendoodle, Whiskey, spent 12 days with Gabby. He left our house a lively, a bit in your face, boisterous dog who wouldn't let you catch him in the dog run/dog park and would hold other dogs toys hostage in a very selfish way. He continually got territorial over any and all toys and balls in play settings. He also pretty much was the king of our castle. He would drag us on the leash to the dog run to play - which turned into us playing - 'catch the dog if you can.'

He came back to us a completely transformed pup. It's like he finally RESPECTS us.

He walks perfectly on a leash with the general leader. He stops when I stop, and he waits to walk until I command it. He goes right to his bed and lays down when told - even if that means someone new walks in the house. He is so much more obedient, patient, and attentive. When he is 'free' to play - he is still very much our fun-loving pup and loves snuggles, hugs, and head/belly scratches. It is just incredible to know how to control him and his energy when needed. He walks right by dogs when commanded to heel (which makes walking him so much easier!!), he stays when commanded, he comes when commanded, he lays down and stays when commanded, and he just overall is such a better behaved dog. Also, Gabby's 'ah-ah-ah' voice that she makes when he is about to mess up - has truly helped me in our household to remind him when he is doing something or about to do something that I disapprove.

Lastly, we now have the tools, tricks, and knowledge of his limitations with other dogs and toys. He has a light training leash that he wears in the dog run that allows me to catch him quickly and continue his training should he 'have a moment of weakness/lapse of judgement.' We know that he still won't be the kind of dog that can be 100% trusted around other dogs he doesn't know and balls. But that's fine, we at least KNOW his limitations and can avoid triggers for him.

Overall - sending Whiskey to Happy Pup Manor for the 10 Day Board and Train was best investment we have made in our dog, our home, and our 'pack'. Thank you Happy...

We brought our golden doodle home when he was 8 weeks old. I had dogs growing up but I never remember the puppy stage like this. Nipping, not listening at all, the dog was basically “in charge” of us. This didn’t work because my two younger daughters were actually scared of him even though he looks like a cute little teddy bear. When we first got him, we thought we could figure it out on our own but we were so wrong. 😂 After talking to our breeder, she highly recommended Happy Puppy Manor. About two weeks later, 12 weeks old, our boy, Eugene, got picked up in the magical black van and headed off to the 4 week board and train program.

We all cried when he left so it was extremely comforting when HPM would send pictures and video of our boy every other day. He made friends while he was there and I could tell he loved it! He even had his first puppy groom while he was there.

When Gabby brought him home, we were in shock at just how much he had learned. When we talked to Gabby initially, we discussed my younger daughter’s fear and Gabby recommended focusing on the “place” command in addition to all of the other basic obedient commands. Boy did she nail it! When he got home, she asked him to go to bed and he stayed there for about 20 min while she started talking to us about his training.

In addition to place, he has learned to stop pulling on his leash, come, stay, sit and down. Most importantly, his nipping and jumping went down significantly which has allowed the fear to be removed from my daughters! He also stays in his crate all night until we are ready to let him out. Prior to his training, he’d be the one walking us up every morning.

Gabby and all the wonderful trainers and staff created such a strong foundation for us to build on. Their communication was great and, although I was hesitant and in disbelief that Eugene could learn that much in just 4 weeks, the entire experience was very positive and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Best money I have ever spent! If I ever get another dog in the future, they will, for sure, be heading to happy puppy manor board and train! Eugene will be heading back for boarding in the future. It’s the only place I’ll trust my little dude! Pic of...