Dog Wellness Club - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Stephanie D.

DWC is our dog's second home. I swear they love him as much as we do. We always feel so secure leaving him with them. They truly treat every dog like family! I appreciate that they separate dogs by personality rather than size, because our big dog is a big baby. Whenever we leave for a long time they check in with us and let us know he's doing well. If you trust their process, you will end up with a very well trained and happy dog!

Kathryn L.

Hi! I have a 2 year old frenchie that I brought to DWC for about 2 months. I was really excited about the indoor/outdoor facility and the appeal of a different approach or method the offered to traditional daycare.

My dog has been to other daycares, but I decided to switch to DWC because my dog loves being outdoors, and I thought he would enjoy this aspect of the facility.

At first, my dog seemed to enjoy daycare at DWC. However, after the first week or two of bringing my dog, he started exhibiting concerning behaviors. I noticed in the car on the way to the facility he looked anxious, to the point where he would start shaking when we parked out front of the facility. When I would get him out of the car, he would plant himself and cower, refusing to go in.

My dog has never exhibited behavior like this so I mentioned it to someone. I was assured that he has fun once he gets in, and that it’s probably just getting used to the new environment and the non-traditional methods use at their facility. The recommended I keep bringing him in, and that it would likely improve with time.

Unfortunately, things only got worse. One day, my dog peed in the car outside of DWC, before bringing him in. I carried him in the facility that day, and the person that greeted me (female, Asian) was not at all empathetic and firmly told me to put down my dog. I responded saying that he was nervous, that the last several times I had brought him he would shake violently and cower, so that I was trying to calm him down. Instead of being understanding, this person told me, rather insensitively, “I need you to put your dog down”. I complied and responded saying “I was carrying him because he peed in my car and has been shaking and cowering the last several times I bring him in”. This person said “well, what’s your demeanor like when you bring him in? If you’re anxious I’m sure that’s why he’s anxious”. I responded saying “that’s not the case”. This person then said “well, you need to instill confidence in him. Carrying him in is not helping him. It’s probably that he’s just getting used to our facility and the other dogs”. I responded saying, somewhat frustrated at this point, that “my dog has been to other daycares and he goes to Unleashed next door, and has never had this reaction or hesitation before. He usually runs in with excitement, but here he’s scared—so why?”. Instead of answering the question, this person asked “well, why did you stop bringing him to the other places?” To which I said “because he likes being outdoors, and your facility has an outdoor space”. This person seemed caught off guard by my response. They said “well, I don’t know what to tell you. He does fine once he gets in with the dogs. Our facility isn’t for everyone though, so maybe your dog isn’t a good fit”. At this point, I was ready to turn around and walk away—but I needed to get to work and didn’t have a back up plan, so I left him for the day.

Apart from this one individual, everyone is really kind, understanding, and empathetic at DWC. I would pick up my dog and they would show me pictures of him and tell me how he did that day. However, there’s really no way to know if he’s really doing okay or not given that they don’t have any cameras.

Fast forward to now, and my dog is back at another daycare facility that has indoor/outdoor space, and cameras. My dog’s anxiety is no longer present and he’s back to running into daycare with excitement! It’s a shame things didn’t work with DWC, since the prices are great and the location worked well for me. While this facility may work for some dogs, I should have listened to the person who told me that it may not be a good fit for my dog. Perhaps if there are cameras added to the facility I’d reconsider bringing him again. Until then, I’ll be keeping him at a daycare where my feelings aren’t invalidated or questioned, and where my dog runs into the facility with excitement rather than fear.

Juel J.

Love it here! Every morning Bonnie sits by the door waiting to go to daycare and she’s all tuckered out when I bring her home. Glad I found this place when she was a puppy, it’s grown into her home away from home <3

R D. K.

Didn't board my dog here as just passing on my way to the farmers market. But I did stop and watch the dogs happily romping around on the nice green artificial grass. The dogs all were getting along and having a grand time. They were roaming freely in and out from inside the building which looked very clean from what I could see.

Emma W.

I couldn't suggest a better place for your pup!! My little buddy was just very shy, and not comfortable with other dogs. He's been spending time with the staff and other daycare pups and it's been a night and day change! Not only does he get to learn how to interact with other dogs, but he also learns good manners in general! I love The Dog Wellness club and by proxy the training part of this group, Your Dogs Best Friend. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and I am comforted knowing my pup is having an enriching social experience.

Kate B. M.

Our dachshund loves it here! We did puppy training through Your Dog's Best Friend (we learned a ton, it was great), and then as soon as he was vaccinated started bringing him for daycare and boarding. He's happy every time we drop him off and sleeps a whole lot when we pick him up.

Everyone who works here seems to genuinely care about, know how to interact with, and love working with dogs. I know he will be kept safe and have fun here.

I know this place has been instrumental in our dog being comfortable around other animals and humans. He's the life of the party and buddies with anyone.

It's also nice to see all the Instagram posts and keep tabs on him when he's boarding and we miss him 🙂

Kevin O.

We have been taking our dog Achilles here since he was four months old. He has gotten excellent socialization with other dogs and always comes home ready for a nap. He loves daycare and is excited to go every time.

Membership is nice because we have flexibility on what days to drop him off which is great when plans or work changes.

Tricia M.

Cage free daycare and boarding. Our little high-energy French Bulldog, Peanut, loves this place. All the dogs have to meet specific behavioral requirements to join, which means the “pack” is a safe and healthy place to be, play, sleep, and learn without having to be separated with kennels. She lives her best life here, then comes home and sleeps the whole next day, making it easier to work from home. The staff is very attentive, does a great job reinforcing good behaviors (without treats) and loves our pups. The facility isn’t pretty inside (no murals, the dogs don’t care) and they don’t provide video access like some other daycares do. The “pretty” aspect would be just for us, pretty sure the dogs don’t care. They do post lots of cute photos on Face Book and Instagram to check out. The dogs have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, they have pools and hoses outside during the hot summer. Because it is a club we don’t have to make reservations, just drop off when we want. Highly recommend!