About Happy Hounds LLC

What the business does

Happy Hounds pairs daycare with training and describes itself as offering "professional doggie daycare, dog training services" in Germantown, WI. Its home page says that "for more than two decades, Happy Hounds has provided loving doggie daycare and training services that keep pups happy, active, and thriving," serving "pet parents in Germantown and the surrounding communities." Two service cards sit at the top of the home page – Dog Daycare, with "spacious indoor and outoor accommodations" plus "fun play equipment and pools during play group," and Puppy Training.

The training

The training page opens with the owner's case for it: "Are you ready to take that first step to improve your relationship with your dog? Having a dog with manners is a joy and it is welcomed in the community. Dogs do not come with the knowledge of what is acceptable in the human world; it is up to us to educate ourselves and the dog. By using positive reinforcements and basic commands you can obtain the tools necessary to have that well-behaved dog you desire." The home page adds the puppy framing: "Puppy training is more than basic obedience and positive reinforcement – It improves their overall quality of life."

Who founded it

The training page gives the founding story and date: "Happy Hounds was established in June 2004 by Michelle Richards. After working in the corporate world for 12 years, Michelle decided to finally follow her passion – dogs. After touring many doggie daycare facilities and meeting with other daycare owners, Michelle developed what she believed to be the 'best of the best' and opened Happy Hounds." It notes that her two Labrador Retrievers, Carrera and Cayenne, are "both AKC Canine Good Citizens and Delta Society Therapy Dogs," and that the logo is her Rottweiler Jade, who "was also a AKC Canine Good Citizen and a therapy dog."

Credentials the site lists

A block on the training page sets them out together: "Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)," "Michelle is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA)," "American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluators," "Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) Therapy Dog Pet Partners," "American Red Cross Pet First-Aid and CPR Certified," "25 + Years Professional Dog Training Experience," and experience having "worked on staff or volunteered at area humane" societies. The home page separately states "22+ years of experience" for the business.

Daycare, and what it claims for it

The daycare is presented as doing behavioral work in its own right. The site lists "Dedicated and Tender Care," a "Safe and Stimulating Environment" with "clean and supervised spaces," "Socialization Opportunities" where "your dog will learn appropriate play behavior with peers," and "Convenient Hours" opening early and late. Grooming is also mentioned among the things the business keeps pups "happy, active, and loved" with.

Before you book

Ask about the class schedule, session length and training prices.