About Pet Galaxy

Pet Galaxy in Spring Branch

Pet Galaxy is a full service pet resort at 13060 US Highway 281 N in Spring Branch, set on 6 acres in the Texas Hill Country about 20 minutes north of San Antonio's Stone Oak area. It offers lodging, grooming, day care and training, and says San Antonio rescue groups refer difficult-to-adopt dogs to it for healing and training. Pet Galaxy describes itself as a lifetime member of PCSA (Pet Care Services Association) and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), and as accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Lodge and Learn

The most popular training program is Lodge and Learn, where a dog stays for an average of about two weeks and works with trainers in multiple one-on-one sessions every day. When the trainers judge the dog ready, the owner comes in to learn how to continue the training at home, and owners are encouraged to keep in touch with questions afterward. The program is billed as a one-time, all-inclusive flat rate.

Method

The training page recommends positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors and proper corrective methods for undesirable ones, with an emphasis on timing. Problems it addresses include leash pulling, jumping, destructive chewing, phobias and aggression toward dogs or people.

The grounds

Play yards, the largest one acre, have natural ground cover, oak trees and in-ground ponds and pools, with staff supervising all activities.

What to ask

Ask for the Lodge and Learn flat rate and whether private lessons are available.