About WannaBea Dogs

WannaBea Dogs is Denise Mencke-Gottlieb's place at 35 N Coleman Road in Centereach – the site says plainly, 'Wannabea Dogs is located in Centereach, NY.' Three things happen on the property: dog training, home boarding and White Shepherd breeding.

Who runs it

The owner's account of herself is the substance of the site: 'My name is Denise Mencke-Gottlieb and I have been in the dog business since 1984. My dogs and I have multiple AKC and UKC titles in obedience and conformation. I have 33 plus years of experience with training dogs to be well adjusted and fun companions.' The competition record is specific – 'we have had numerous champions and advanced obedience titles such as the elusive Utility Dog both AKC and UKC'. Utility is the top level of AKC obedience, and it is a real marker of handling skill rather than a marketing line. The kennel name has a story too: it comes from AKC UD Hoofprint Bea, the White Shepherd she started with in 1984 – 'She is the reason my Kennel name is Wannabea. I will always want another Bea. She taught me the world of obedience. She was a handful to say the least.'

The training

The published stance is that the owner is the one being trained: 'Our training techniques are humane and easy. We will teach you how to train your dog so that you have a happy and well-mannered pet.' The stated goal is dogs that are 'well adjusted and fun companions', and the site describes taking dogs 'from the unruly and jumping to calm'. There is no class schedule or price list published, so format and cost are best settled by phone or email.

The setting

Boarding happens on the same ground, described as 'our family farm where your pet will enjoy a satisfying and safe stay' – 'a beautiful quiet fenced-in 1.75-acre farm-ette that is designed to give your doggies the best experience possible'. For a dog that does not cope in a kennel run, a fenced acre and a half in a private home is a different proposition from a commercial boarding facility. Contact is denise@wannabeadogs.com or 516-607-4484.