Southpaws Playschool - Austin, Texas

Mel M.

I first heard about Southpaws Playschool through a friend and decided to check out their free Monday night Puppy Parties—and I’m so glad I did.

From that first visit, I could see just how passionate Sonya and Tim (the amazing owners) are about dogs. The energy, the care, the attention to detail—it was all there. After seeing how much our pup enjoyed those Puppy Parties, enrolling in their Puppy Class and Daycare Program was a no-brainer.

The results have been incredible. Our puppy is more confident, better socialized, and genuinely excited every time we head to Southpaws. The whole team is outstanding—warm, knowledgeable, and clearly devoted to every single dog they care for. You can feel the difference in the way they run things.

Sonya and Tim have built a space that’s not just safe and fun, but truly enriching for pups at every stage. If you’re in Austin and looking for a daycare or training program that’s rooted in love, expertise, and community, Southpaws on South Lamar is the place. We’re so grateful to be part of this wonderful dog-loving family!

Alexa M.

Darcie has been attending Southpaws at least once a week since she was ~5 months old. Prior to Southpaws, Darcie was timid and lacking confidence when meeting new dogs. From our very first visit, Sonya and Tim have been so kind and knowledgeable. The entire staff know Darcie by name, remember details about us, and share photos on Instagram throughout the day. Their attention to detail makes me feel assured as a first time dog owner. Southpaw’s has provided so much enrichment and joy into our lives. These photos are telling of her growth, but the true testament is in Darcie’s excited wiggles whenever we pull in the parking lot 🤍 Thank you Southpaws!

Alison M.

Our energetic pup Marty has gone to Southpaws for almost 4 years now. He loves playing with the other dogs and we love him having social time! He’s even learned manners and we did puppy training with them too. He’s always taken great care of and they inform us of any behavior incidents at the end of the day and the normal scratches that ensue (ours likes to play hard). We had some troubles with Marty getting too excited at the fence, and while they handled it at school they also gave us tips to handle it at home and now it’s not really a problem anymore.

Even after 4 years, he gets SO excited when it’s time to go play. We just say that “it’s time to go to school!” and he races us to the car, butt wiggling. He comes home happy and tired which we love as well 🙂

Ali I.

Southpaws is a fantastic place for doggy daycare and home to a wonderful team devoted to keeping the dogs happy and safe. My senior dog is always relaxed and content in his group - which is a testament to how well the staff understand and balance the energy and personalities of all the pups they have. Everyone at Southpaws - Tim, Sonya and all the staff - is kind and attentive and generous with their time and their love for the dogs. I am so grateful for how well the Southpaws team takes care of my dog and for the peace of mind they give me every day that he is with them. I highly recommend Southpaws!

Payton G.

I can't say enough good things about Southpaws Playschool. Sonya and Tim are dog experts and they love what they do. It's the community's benefit that they put on FREE weekly puppy parties for safe and early socialization. I also attended the 6-week puppy training course. You'll pick up on many dog ownership tips and tricks along with learning essential skills like recall, leave it, and loose leash walking.

Emily K.

Southpaws is the best daycare/training center you could find in Austin! They are very knowledgeable, compassionate, supportive and ultimately FUN! Our dogs come home so happy and tired after long days of playing and look forward to going to “school” in the morning. Southpaws has helped my family with multiple foster dogs and we could not love them more!! Sonya, Tim and their staff are all incredible and love our pups like their own. Thank you for everything yall have done to support our fur family!

Victoria D.

Southpaws Playschool is a amazing place. From inside experience to working one on one with staff. South Paw's makes sure all dogs are safe, loved, and happy. The staff are very educated and dedicated being Canine Specialist. I was trained by the best owners and fellow staff members. This is a wonderful safe place for your pup and If you want to learn more with training, dog behaviors or just want to know the inside mind of a dog this is the right place for the tools you need. I can not be more thankful to South Paws for the wonderful opportunities and support they give to clients and their staff and my fellow pups Zoey and my first rescue from South Paw's Zorro!

If youre looking for a reliable business to support and work for this is a amazing start! Be open minded and willing to learn and this place will have you feeling like you know dogs on a deeper level and the plus side is you are always encouraged to learn more here! Staff will put dogs safety first, at South Paw's clients dogs are treated as if they are our very own. The most important things at South Paw's along with others is communication is very needed, asking questions is a must in order to understand the ropes and the different dog personalities, rules, and the different styles the staff have while safely handling the dogs and more. The ability to problem solve and be self sufficient is well needed while working with the dogs along with keeping the business neat and clean.

Caitlin B.

Southpaws changed our lives for the better!

We rescued our pup Raider with very little knowledge of his past. He was extremely anxious, and terrified of people. Sonya met with us when we inquired about training and sat with our pup for over an hour giving us advice, and tips for dogs like him. She advised we waited a month or two while he got settled, and then check in with her again for training.

When I reached out again, she said she didn’t think he needed training, he just needs to socialize! So we started doggy daycare a few times a week and WOW. He’s a new dog. He is SO happy, and goofy, and playful. He is very trusting with people now. He went from a terrified pup to a confident, charismatic little guy. When we pull up to daycare he is SO excited to play.

This goes to say, they don’t want to take your money. They genuinely want the best for your dog and they take the time to get to know your dog and figure out what’s right for them. Do yourself and your dogs a favor and send them to South Paws Playschool. Thank you South Paws for everything you do! Raider is so happy to have y’all in his life!