About Main Street Dogs

Main Street Dogs sits in Smithfield, on the Isle of Wight side of the metro, and sums itself up in one line: "Where your pet is family! We offer dog training, one on one lessons, and board & train services."

Residential programs in three lengths

"For those seeking effective training, our 2, 3 or 4 week Board & Train Programs are ideal." Alongside them sit private sessions and one specialist strand: "We also offer one on one private lessons as well as specialized training for ESD Dogs." Note the term – ESD is an emotional support dog, which is a different thing from a task-trained service dog, so if you need the latter, establish which one is meant before booking.

Testing in house

The credential here is a practical one: "Trainer James is an AKC evaluator offering K9 Good Citizen and Star Puppy certifications." An evaluator can run and sign off the AKC tests, so a dog can train and be tested in the same place rather than hunting for a test date elsewhere.

Grooming, through sister operations

Grooming is part of the offer but is delivered by named affiliated businesses rather than in the training room. The salon option is described as "Rub A Dub Dog Care & Grooming on Bridge Rd in Harborview provides full-service grooming and dog washes by appointment. For those who prefer a hands-on experience, our self-service dog washes are available for walk-ins at our Bridge Rd. location only." The mobile option "comes right to your driveway with an elite grooming truck equipped with everything needed for your pup's wash or groom", with pricing that "varies based on weight, breed, and temperament".

Where it is

The business publishes "Smithfield Virginia, United States" and sells "Quality Pet Training & Grooming Services in and around Smithfield". Its street address is in a nearby rural town, while the business itself gives Smithfield.

What to ask

Ask about behavior or aggression work, group classes, the training method and prices for the training side.