About Family Dog Club

Family Dog Club is a sport and boarding property rather than a pet-manners school, and it has been one for a long time: "Rita started Family Dog Club in 1997 and is hands-on with all aspects of the business that has a loyal following throughout Hampton Roads."

Agility is the training

The site sums up its own shape in one sentence: "Welcome to Family Dog Club, where your dogs are our family, whether they're boarding while you travel, part of doggie daycare or training in one of our many agility classes." The equipment is serious – "Family Dog Club also includes three rings of regulation agility equipment." – and the calendar runs real events, including a "Tails Up Agility Club NADAC Trial" and a NADAC run day. New class sessions start periodically rather than continuously, and a lure course runs alongside the agility rings. The owner teaches: "Rita also teaches all levels of agility classes and can't wait to introduce the sport to you!"

The property, and how dogs are kept

This is the part that distinguishes it from a commercial kennel, and the about page is blunt about it: "We're located in the Hickory area of Chesapeake, where your dog will have fun romping, playing and chilling on our spacious property. Dogs are NOT kept in cages or crates all day or confined to 10-foot runs." It is set up like a house – "Family Dog Club is a home-like environment with comfy dog beds all around and even TV! Special accommodations made for small dogs if necessary. Dogs can spend time in or out as they please." The owner lives there: "She lives on the premises, so your dogs are never left alone while in her care."

Who runs it

Rita Phoenix is named throughout, and the about page adds a credential and a side project: "Rita is certified in pet first aid and CPR." and "In 2008, Rita founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Beagles to the Rescue , which has since re-homed nearly 1,000 beagles."

Practicalities

There is a trial requirement before boarding or daycare: "Before your dog joins us for daycare or boarding, we ask that you bring him or her for a free trial day." The scale is small and the phone is answered by the owner – "We're a small club so don't be surprised when Rita answers the phone." There is no obedience class, no board and train, and no behavior or aggression program here; if manners are the problem rather than sport, this is not the address.