K9 Hideaway — Local services in Springfield

Xena came into my life a little over a year ago, by an individual who did not want her anymore because her boyfriend didn't like her. She growled at adults. When my grown children, especially the men, where near her, she would lower her head and tail and growl. She would slink over to them, take a treat out of their hand and then promptly walk behind them and growl. She would not approach if they had an open hand, When I took her for rides in the car, she barked without stop at the car in the lane beside us and at the bank teller. When I took her to the pet store, she would attempt to run though the aisles with her head and tail down, and when someone would approach us in the aisle, she froze with her had lowered and looked at them. When they gave her a treat she would take it and then growl. I kept a muzzle on her anytime anyone else was near. Walks were her dragging me down the road or through the store. After a couple of months I knew I needed help and wondered if Xena was more than I could handle. I reached out to James, and his expertise was amazing. He met us in a public place and was patient and persistent as he worked to get Xena comfortable with him over approximately a 20-minute period. She was still very hesitant. He saw Xena's behaviors as anxiety and a lack of confidence. He helped me to see that my affection (over treats) was Xena's motivation of choice. He helped me to see that Xena's anxiety was fueled by my anxiety of her behavior in public. He gave me ideas of places and activities that we could do to increase her confidence and lessen her anxiety around people, particularly men. It has worked! Today, Xena sits quietly in the passenger seat on car rides with not parking at cars or the bank teller. She holds her head and tail high as we walk through stores with no muzzle and no growls. She can sit, lay down, roll on her side, stay, and shake hands on command. She will sit in the store as people pass by her or walk by with little attention given. When they offer her a treat, she takes it with no growl included. When she sees my grown kids in the driveway, she runs to the car and when they step out to greet her she wags her tail and promptly rolls on her back for a belly rub. What a difference coaching and knowledge can make. ...

K-9 Hideaway has been a lifesaver for my puppy Ava, and myself! After losing my previous dog, I was determined to give Ava the best possible life. Working from home, I showered her with attention, enrichment activities, and training. Despite my efforts, she still struggled with anxiety, shredding toys and exhibiting nervous behaviors. I was hesitant about dog daycare due to horror stories, but K-9 Hideaway caught my eye. I was so relieved to discover they prioritize group play, activities, and enrichment, rather than kenneling dogs all day.

Ava has been going to K-9 Hideaway for over three months now, and the change is remarkable. Her anxiety has significantly decreased. She's now curious and confident in new environments, whereas before she would be visibly shaken with fear. I'm replacing toys less frequently, her leash manners have improved, and the staff has even been working with her on basic obedience. I'm constantly amazed by her progress, and I know it's thanks to the wonderful care she receives at K-9 Hideaway. The staff are incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely care for the dogs. Seeing Ava's happy face in the daycare photos brings me so much joy.

I've used both their daycare and grooming services and have been thrilled with both. I plan to use their boarding services soon, knowing that Ava will be in excellent hands with her K-9 family when I can't be with her. I highly recommend K-9 Hideaway to any pet owner looking for a safe, enriching, and loving environment for their furry friend.

If my words haven't convinced you to visit K-9 Hideaway, let my pictures...

I used to use another daycare facility for my pup but since finding K9, I'll never go anywhere else! My dog has reactivity so we've been working with James, the owner/trainer, to improve his behavior and it's been fantastic! James actually gets into the dog's minds and can read their body language, etc. He's worked with/trained so many dogs, I can't think of a better trainer. Not to mention the K9 facility itself! They have luxury boarding suites that are temp controlled, have TVs, beds and cams so you can watch your pet while you're away! Their play yards are indoor/outdoor, monitored, and separated (bigs, Littles, etc) to maximize play time! They're supper affordable and offer all kinds of daycare packages, on&off-site training and boarding! They share pictures of the pups daily, as well as providing them with enrichment and daily/special activities (ex. Christmas dinner) which they don't charge extra for (which is a plus, compared to other local daycares)! The staff at K9 are absolutely wonderful too! I was worried about my pup staying with them for 2wks (cos we'd never been apart that long before) and they assured me he was in good hands. They had everything ready for him, a whole "team" and plan worked out for his stay as well! I know they must adore every pup that comes through the door (how could you not?) but I absolutely love the extra mile this team goes through to make sure every pup is loved, cared for, and has the best time while they're at daycare...