About Learn Play Stay Doggie Resort

What they do

Learn Play Stay is a multi-service dog care facility at 186 Amy Road in Rustburg, combining boarding, doggie daycare, group and individual training, and full-service pet grooming under one roof.

The class program is published in detail.

**Puppy Class**, six weeks, for dogs aged three to ten months: leash walking, come, sit, socialization, potty training, nutrition, exercise, proper play, grooming and vet exposure, and plenty of play time. Schedule and pricing are listed as to be confirmed.

**Basic Obedience**, seven weeks at $260, for dogs ten months and older: basic house manners, leash walking without pulling, lure, focus, recall, sit, stand, down, potty and crate training, nutrition, exercise, socialization, proper play, vet and grooming exposure, and preventing bad behaviors. The business describes it as the class that "sets the foundation for bonding with your pup."

**Advanced Obedience**, seven weeks, following Basic Obedience or the equivalent: a review of the basic commands, off-leash training, heel, and down from a distance. It is positioned as the next step for owners who want a Canine Good Citizen test or an extremely well-mannered dog.

**Private Lessons** at $120 per hour lesson per dog, for tackling specific behavioral issues.

Method

"Our professional staff follows an interactive, inclusive approach to obedience training with a focus on positive reinforcement and an individualized assessment of your dog's abilities." The business is explicit that owners are part of the process: "We don't just simply take your dogs in, train them, and send them home, but we believe pet parents should be involved in every step of the learning process as well."

Credentials the company publishes

The trainer is described as having 18 years of experience, certified from Animal Behavior College, and an APDT and TDI trainer, having completed extensive schooling, several hours of volunteer work, externships and a final exam to become certified.

Practical detail

Classes require an orientation before the first session. Owners are asked to bring a six-foot lead with a regular collar or back-hook harness and at least 50 soft chew training treats, and to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Retractable leashes, choke and prong collars, open-toe shoes and children under ten are not allowed in class. Dogs must be at least four months old and up to date on rabies, bordetella and parvo/distemper, and on a flea preventative. Classes need at least four dogs signed up to run, and deposits and payments for group or private sessions are non-refundable.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am-12pm and 2pm-7pm, Saturday 8am-12pm and 2pm-7pm, and Sunday 3pm-5pm for pickup only.