About Meyer’s Animal House

Lodging, day care, grooming and training on one site

Meyer's Animal House sits at 3953 Highway 19 in DeForest and presents itself as "A Pet Retreat You And Your Dog Will Love." Its four services are lodging, doggy day care, grooming and training, and the home page sums up the record it claims: "We've lodged and trained dogs for 30 years and are in it for the long haul to help you be the best pet parent."

The training pitch

The argument on the training page is about communication rather than commands: "Things can be frustrating and confusing as to why your dog is behaving the way it is. We get that. We also get how dogs speak. When you speak your dog's language, it brings clarity and eliminates chaos, they are drawn to you and want to play with you." It promises small groups or one-to-one work – "Work in small class sizes or personalized, comprehensive one-on-one instruction" – plus "consistent feedback from us letting you know how you and your dog are progressing towards your goals." Three training options are listed by name with links: Private Lessons, Group Classes and Day Training. Owners should note the page also carries the line "Training Options – STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION!", so it is worth confirming what is currently scheduled before planning around it.

Who runs it

The site states: "Meyer's Animal House is piloted by owner Kent Meyer, third generation dog breeder of the Meyer family." It credits his background to family and to outside mentors: "Along with gaining knowledge from his grandmother Lorraine Meyer, esteemed Boxer breeder and AKC obedience judge, for decades Kent, Gwen and team members have trained with the renowned John Rogerson of England and the late Lee Mannix, a world-class canine behaviorist." The home page adds that "Kent has consulted hundreds of dog owners just like you to help them clarify and improve their relationship," and the training page repeats the claim as thousands of owners consulted.

How the process works

The site describes a plan-first intake: time with the team "to really express your desires for your dog's stay, training plan, daycare framework or grooming needs," then "a custom plan for your dog," then feedback on "the groundwork progress that was made for your dog." A separate "Groundwork Plan" appears in the menu as the name for that plan. A 15-minute tour is offered to prospective clients. Kent Meyer's own line on priorities is quoted at the top of the training page: "Teach them to walk on a loose lead and have a great recall. You can teach them the world."