About In the Dog House

Grooming, daycare and training in Northfield

In The Dog House is a Northfield grooming, doggy daycare, training and retail shop on Division Street. Training is led by Jacob, who has managed the daycare for over 7 years, working all day with dogs of every breed and temperament.

Method

Jacob's approach rests on clear communication, proper handling and balanced leadership. Treats are kept for very young or highly stressed dogs, following his view that "Your only goal in using treats for training should be to stop using treats for training." Tools include a slip lead, which Jacob makes from recycled rope, and an e-collar set to the lowest level a dog barely perceives.

Program and price

The typical program is four 1-hour sessions a week apart, at $55 each. About 85% of each session coaches the owner. Work covers puppy foundations, heel, place and recall, jumping, nipping and barking, and reactivity, aggression and behavior modification. Sessions are held after hours in the daycare playroom and then outside, with Jacob's own formerly aggressive dog assisting, and families are welcome.

What owners say

One client wrote, "Excellent doggy daycare. Leon loves Jacob!!!"

What to ask

Ask about scheduling and daycare pricing.