All Things Pawssible Training Ctr

My fur-​amily and I have been customers of ATP since early 2015. We’ve brought both our adult dog and puppy here for both the beginner and intermediate obedience classes, as well as doggy day care. During the obedience classes we were taught different ways to communicate with our dogs and in turn, build rapport with our animals. One of the most valuable lessons being in getting our dogs to attend to us while other distractions are occurring around them. In many ways, this class was as much educational as it was important for the socialization of both dogs and dog owners.
What I appreciated was Karen’s keen observation of the idiosyncratic behavior of the dogs. Our oldest dog is a bit sensitive around other dogs and she was quick to tell us that doggy day care was not a viable option for our older dog. While this was a bit of a disappointment, we also understood that it was not simply for the well being of our dog but others. On the other hand, our younger dog loves doggy daycare and is a welcome guest.
The customer service has been an interesting experience. From what I’ve noticed the people at ATP are wonderful with dogs and it’s demonstrated in the warmth they exude around the animals from check in (during doggy care) to retrieval at the end of the day. On the other hand, we sometimes encounter brusque conversation on the phone. While that can be ruff (pun intended here), we appreciate the care in which they provide our dog (s).
From my experience with ATP I can say that our dogs, specifically our youngest loves this place. Every morning that is an «ATP» day is one that our dog loves which is clearly indicated by the enthusiasm in which he leaps out of the car and rushes inside the facility.

Daycare and boarding review: our Puppy is our four legged furry child (needless to say spoiled). He LOVES All Things Pawssible; it’s the only place he’s ever left us without saying goodbye ;-). Wonderful, friendly and caring staff!

I have been taking my 12 year old miniature pinscher to ATP since he was 8 weeks old. We started with training classes with Karen and Sean and daycare. I moved outside of the area temporarily, so his visits became a lot less frequent, but I tried to bring him to daycare when I could. I started using them for boarding a couple years ago.
My dog has never boarded anywhere else. I would not trust anyone to keep him like I do ATP. I love how he gets to go to daycare during the day so he isn’t just in a kennel all day. I honestly feel like they know and love my dog. I really appreciate it and it puts me at ease.
He has always loved going to daycare. I think the new facility is awesome but it is further away from us and much less convenient. As he has gotten older, he has gotten more lazy. But he still enjoys going, even if it is just to play periodically and lay around the rest of the time.
I love ATP and would not take my dog anywhere else.

We have been bringing our dog, Sarge, here since he was 8 weeks old – he is now 4 years old. The training classes have been very helpful to learn how to manage a high-​energy, work-​driven dog. I love that they focus on positive reinforcement and allowing your dog to have a personality.
Note: Sarge asked me to type this for him.
I love this place because I get to see all my human and doggie friends. All I do is play and play all day at doggie day care. The minute I sense we are making the turn for ATP, I start whining with excitement. Then my mommy opens the door for me and I quickly break free to sit by the door so the fun can begin. I get to see all my cool friends and swim in the pool. I am little upset that they take the pools away in the afternoon – I would stay wet all day and soak mom’s car on the way home. All the staff love me and take care of me while my mommy and daddy work. At the end of the day, I’m happy to go home nice and tired. I usually fall asleep during the car ride home.

I took the introductory training class with my two year old lab mix. The training was in a group setting with knowledgeable staff that offered insight and great suggestion in each class. Treats were conveniently provided for each training session, and the class was held weeknights. Class size was large but did offer individual attention despite the size. Overall the training has worked — it is over a year later and I still receive complements on my dog’s behavior when we are in public. Highly recommended.

Really enjoyed the thoughtful and caring attitude of everyone at All Things Pawssible-​Karen and the staff were all really great. I have a hyper but lovable mini poodle and appreciated the thought and effort put into her basic obedience class. They make you feel comfortable and I appreciated their positive reinforcement training techniques. Highly recommended. Plan to go back for day care if she ever needs it and further training, my dog is my child I would feel very comfortable leaving my baby with them.

I’ve been taking Clover to ATP’s daycare once a week for about 4 months. She loves it and most of the staff know her by name now. They’ve watched her grow from a small pup in the Tots room to a bigger pup in the big dogs room. I feel like they have a personal relationship with Clover and that they care for her almost as much as I do. I’d happy recommend this place.

Mediocre place at best. Facilities are not clean, way too many dogs in such small place. Beware of illnesses as well. My dog got sick there twice, total vet bills of over $ 600

The staff at the training area are very friendly and very good with all kinds of dogs. The only thing I hope is that they can raise the money to get a new facility because they need one. Another suggestion is to use a more natural, healthy treat instead of hot dogs. There are lots of high value, natural treats out there!

I have been taking my dog to All Things Pawssible for three years now, and I can’t say enough good things about the place! We’ve done daycare, boarding and training at ATP, and all of those experiences have been pawsitive.
DAYCARE: The first time we went after the eval, my dog (large, scary-​looking GSDx) was a little shy/​timid going into the big dog area. The staff was really patient in encouraging him to go play and were just genuinely caring. The only time my dog got a tiny cut on his nose from playing too rough with the other pups, the staff actually noticed it and told me about it — I was definitely impressed with that. The facility is indoor/​outdoor and fairly large, so plenty of room for the dogs to run around and expend energy all day.
BOARDING: ATP is a tad bit more expensive than other boarding options in town, but it’s totally worth it to make sure that my dog is in good hands and gets to have fun while I’m out of town. The dogs all get their own kennels at night, and in the daytime they get to play with the other dogs. You just bring your own food and bedding, and they will take care of the rest. Make sure you book ahead for boarding — I usually try to call 2 weeks in advance and haven’t had any problems getting a space.
TRAINING: My dog completed the Intermediate/​Adolescent course at ATP. No, taking a four-​week course does not magically turn your dog into Lassie, but I did learn a lot about how to better communicate with my dog. During the course, the trainer (Karen) said that our goal should not be to have a dog who behaves perfectly all the time, but a dog who is fun to be around and not a danger to people or other dogs (sorry for the rough paraphrasing). I think that sums up the training philosophy at ATP fairly well, and that was very much in line with what I was looking for. I definitely noticed better communication with my dog after the course.
All in all, a great place to go for doggie needs! I recommend ATP to any dog owner friends in Charlottesville. I am moving away soon and will be sad to leave ATP, and I hope that I’ll be able to find a place half as good in my next city!

My dog went to a basic obedience class here, and we both had a good experience. Karen was really helpful and would address any individual problems we were having with our dogs or general questions before class each week. Also, the larger dogs got to go outside and play together during the break, which helped my lab burn off some of her extra energy!

My puppy went to two grades of puppy school here and the training stuck. Karen (the owner) truly loves all dogs and can be a little bit of a tough love lady but will train some sense into your dog (and you — as many times we are the problems not the dog). I have had a few friends complain about their dogs failing puppy school but I doubt it was all the dog’s fault. Karen is willing to work with you privately before and after class or other times to help you and your pup have a harmonious life together.
My English Bulldog also went to doggie day care here a few times a week and all the staff are very loving and attentive. My dog is very heat-​sensitive and in the summer she got lots of «pool time» in the kiddie pool and always came home happy and exhausted — which is what you’re paying for :)