Happy Dogs Boarding and Training listing logo

Happy Dogs Boarding and Training

Laurel Springs, New Jersey

4.8/5· 162 Google reviews

About Happy Dogs Boarding and Training

When your dog doesn’t come to you, you should come to Happy Dogs Boarding and Training. We are a dog training & boarding facility specializing in basic & advanced obedience, behavior modification, and aggressive dog training. With our fully licensed and insured kennel servicing clients in the Philadelphia and Cherry Hill areas, your best friend can enjoy unprecedented services in a calm, clean environment and a staff of professional dog trainers with over 25+ years of experience 🏆.

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
    Program details

    Behavior modification is a type of therapy that seeks to modify unhelpful or problematic behaviors by introducing techniques such as positive reinforcement, shaping, extinction, and balanced reinforcement. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call.

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
    Program details

    The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is designed to reward responsible dog ownership and promote well-mannered pet dogs in the community. Call us today if you are interested in completing this certification with us.

  • Crate training
  • House training
  • Leash training
    Program details

    Leash manners are an important part of dog ownership, and should be taught to puppies from a young age. Properly teaching your pup how to behave on a leash is essential to having a well-mannered K9 companion. To learn more, visit our website.

    Leash pulling is a common behavior problem in dogs, particularly those that have not been trained properly. When walking a dog, simple cues like calling the dog's name or gently tugging on the leash may not be enough to gain control of the situation.

  • Obedience training
    Program details

    Basic dog obedience training is an essential part of any pup's development. Basic obedience can help your pet become a well-mannered and obedient companion. Through balanced reinforcement and consistency, dog owners can help their pup learn basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come" and "heel."

    Off leash obedience is an important skill for all K9s to learn. It requires a solid understanding of commands, reliable recall, and the ability to listen and respond in any situation. To learn more, visit our website today.

    Off Leash Obedience is a professional dog training service that offers the opportunity for your dog to be trained in off leash control and master basic obedience commands in an off-leash environment. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

    Pet obedience training is a great way to instill discipline and build positive relationships with your pet. By teaching your pup how to respond to commands, you can help create a loving and harmonious environment for your furry friend, while having fun too! To learn more, visit our website.

  • Puppy training
    Program details

    Puppies grow incredibly quickly during the first few months of their lives, with an average puppy gaining 5-10% of its body weight each day. During this time, puppies learn important lessons such as how to interact with other animals, develop social skills and commands, and build physical strength.

  • Recall training
  • Socialization
    Program details

    Dog socialization is an important part of the development of any pup, as it helps them to become well-rounded, friendly and confident canine companions. Proper socialization should begin at a young age and be a continuous process. To learn more, visit our website.

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
    Program details

    Aggressive dog control is an important measure to help protect the public and yourself from potentially dangerous K9s. Dogs can become aggressive for a variety of reasons, including fear, territoriality, lack of training and socialization, or in response to being provoked or abused.

  • Chewing
  • Reactivity training
    Program details

    Reactive dogs training can help your dog become better adapted to their environment, while also enabling them to better cope with environmental triggers. To learn more, visit our website.

How training happens

  • Board and train
    Program details

    Our dog boarding with training is the perfect choice for teaching your pup the obedience skills needed for everyday life. Our professional trainers can provide basic to advanced off-leash obedience and our comprehensive program is highly rated. Contact us today to learn more.

  • Group classes
  • Owner coaching Customer-reported
  • Private training

Dog age

  • Puppies

Training level

  • Advanced obedience
  • Advanced training
  • Beginner training
    Program details

    Basic dog training in New Jersey, also known as obedience training, is essential for all puppies and dogs to ensure that they can be good canine citizens. Start early, giving them plenty of reward-based treats as encouragement. To learn more, visit our website.

Support between sessions

  • Follow-up support
  • Personalized training plans
  • Photo updates
  • Progress reports
  • Refresher training

Assistance and working dogs

  • Protection training
  • Service dog training
    Program details

    Service Dog Certification is an important process designed to ensure that a dog is properly trained, vaccinated, and able to safely and effectively assist its human partner. Service Dogs must meet strict criteria set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have passed rigorous tests.

  • Therapy dog training

Dog sports

  • Agility
  • Scent work

Training approach

  • Clicker training
  • Positive reinforcement

Additional services

  • Boarding
    Program details

    Our climate-controlled boarding facility in South Jersey is safe and secure, so you can relax knowing your furry friend is in good hands. Plus, we offer a variety of activities to keep your pup entertained (and tired!) during their stay. To learn more, visit our website.

    Dogs love to play and explore, but they also need a sense of stability and routine. When you board your dog with us, they will have plenty of both – plus all the love and attention they crave! To learn more, visit our website today.

  • Daycare
    Program details

    When you have to leave town and can't take your dog with you, boarding your pup at our facility is the best option. We also offer brush up training options while they are boarding with us. Visit our website to learn more.

  • Dog walking

Consultations

  • Free consultation

Other listed services

View 23 additional details
  • Dog training
    Program details

    Our New Jersey dog training services are an effective way to have your dog trained by a professional trainer and produce lasting results. Dog training includes basic obedience to off leash obedience programs available. To learn more, please visit our website or call us today.

  • Balanced Dog Training
    Program details

    We believe that a balanced approach to dog training is best. Our trainers use a variety of methods to help pets learn, rather than relying on just one technique. We focus on using positive reinforcement and encouragement to create an environment of trust and respect between human and pup.

  • Continuing Education
    Program details

    In addition to providing a safe and comfortable environment, we also offer continuing education opportunities for our staff. This helps us ensure that your pet receives the highest level of care while you are away. To learn more, visit our website.

  • Dog Park
  • Dog Runs
  • Dog Show
  • Dog Sport
  • Dog Trainer Consultation
  • Dog Trainers/Dog Training for Biting
    Program details

    Dog bites can be a serious problem, and if not taken seriously, can lead to complications. Dog bites are the fifth leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States and account for up to 1% of all medical claims paid out by homeowners insurance companies.

  • Dog Trainers/Dog Training for Jumping
    Program details

    Unwanted dog jumping is a common problem for pet owners, especially those with small dogs or puppies. It can be a difficult behavior to manage because the dog may not understand the implications of their actions and simply be reacting to the excitement of seeing someone they know.

  • Dog Trainers/Dog Training for Personal Protection
    Program details

    Personal protection dog training is an important and rewarding endeavor for any K9 owner. This specialized form of obedience focuses on teaching the dog to defend and protect its owner in a variety of potential situations. To learn more, visit our website today.

  • Dog Trainers/Dog Training for Unwanted Chewing
    Program details

    Unwanted chewing can become a major problem for pet owners. Aside from being a nuisance, it can cause significant damage to furniture and other household items. Chewing is an instinctive behavior in many animals, especially puppies who are teething. To learn more, visit our website.

  • Dog Training Academies
  • Dog Training Facility
  • Dog Training Programs
  • Dog's Social
  • Dog's Visit
  • Dogs Exercise
  • Personal Training Programs
  • Pet Therapy
    Program details

    Pet Therapy can be an incredibly effective form of therapeutic treatment for both mental and physical ailments. Through the power of unconditional love, companionship, and non-verbal communication, pet therapy produces positive results. To learn more, please visit our website.

  • School Workshops
  • Training Sessions
  • Work Dog Training

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Questions & answers

From Google

What people have asked about this business.

How long is the Board & Train program?

The length of the program varies from dog to dog. On average, our pup students are with us 2-3 weeks, and the first week is spent getting settled in. We provide our clients progress updates in the form of videos as their pet progresses through the program. There are also dogs who are with us for 4 weeks or more depending on the level of behavior modification required and issues to be addressed.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Do you train aggressive breeds of dogs?

Yes, we specialize in training aggressive breeds of dogs. We have experience working with breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans and German Shepherds that are prone to aggression. We use balanced reinforcement methods to help owners establish a trusting relationship with their dog and teach the dog how to behave appropriately in all situations. In cases where the dog has bitten someone, we can discuss your specific situation during a call with our Head Trainer and make advisement as to the next steps on how we can help you.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What is the cost of the Board & Train program?

The cost of the program is determined by a Pet Evaluation. We treat every dog uniquely, along with the needs of the owners, when building a customized training program for a dog. You're more than welcome to call us and see if our Head Trainer can provide any insights regarding training for your dog in advance of coming to our facility for an evaluation.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How long does it take for a dog to learn basic commands?

Dogs pick up on basic commands quickly, with most breeds being able to learn simple commands such as 'sit' and 'come' within a few days. In fact, even puppies can start to understand these fundamental ideas right away!

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How long does it typically take for a successful board and train program?

Board and train programs are an effective way of training dogs and teaching them good behaviors. Typically, it takes at least two weeks for a successful board and train program to yield the desired results. During this time, the dog is being trained intensively by a professional trainer in order to develop the required skills and behaviors.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What commands should I teach my dog first?

When introducing a puppy or adult dog to basic obedience commands, it is important to begin with simple commands such as “sit”, “down”, “ok”, and “come”. These commands can be reinforced with treats as rewards for desired behavior to help the dog understand what is expected of them.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Are there any special tips for training an older dog?

It’s also important to remember that older dogs may have developed some bad habits over the years - especially if they weren’t trained when they were younger. Be patient with them as you work on these habits, and remember to reward them when they do something right - even if it’s just a small improvement.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Does every breed of dog have different training needs and challenges?

Every dog is different and requires tailored training methods to achieve the best results. For example, some breeds may respond better to positive reinforcement techniques like verbal praise or treats, while others may require more structure and discipline in order to learn. Size, age, temperament and breed can all affect a dog's training needs and challenges.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Our dog seems protective. Do we really need our dog trained for protection for the dog to actually protect our home?

An important point to note is that not all dogs are suitable for protection work. While some breeds, such as German Shepherds or Dobermans, may be naturally inclined towards alertness and guarding behaviors, many of these breeds will require extensive training in order to become reliable protection dogs.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What's your favorite breed of dog to train?

Our favorite breed of dog to train is popular breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. These breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and willingness to learn. We also have many years of experience training Dobermans. We love smaller breed dogs, too. We love training a variety of breeds, including Poodles and Goldendoodles.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Is it better to use positive or negative reinforcement when training a dog?

Balanced training is the most effective way to train any dog. Balanced training consists of both positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise and treats, and corrections, such as verbal reprimands or pauses in play. Positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors and helps build a strong bond between the trainer and their pup. Corrections provide clear boundaries that help prevent unwanted behaviors.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?

Potty training a puppy requires patience, consistency and dedication from the pet parent. Depending on the breed, age and individual temperament, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your puppy to be fully potty trained.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Can you train my dog to be a service animal?

It is possible to train a dog to be a service animal, but it depends on the breed of dog and the individual animal's unique personality traits. Before beginning any training for service work, it is essential to conduct an evaluation of the dog's suitability for such a role.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Is it better to use treats or verbal rewards when training dogs?

Balanced training is an important factor to consider when it comes to dog training. We always tailor training to the specific needs of that specific dog and not always one tool entirely over the other.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Where do you conduct pet evaluations for training?

Our two pet evaluation training facilities are located in South Jersey and North Jersey.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2024-09-21

Question on Google
What is the best age to start dog boarding and training?

The best age to start dog boarding and training is 5 months and up. At this stage, puppies have developed enough to understand basic commands, as well as how to interact with humans and other animals. Boarding and training at this age allows puppies to develop a foundation of good behavior that can be built upon in the future.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What is the best way to train a dog?

Our basic obedience program is the ideal way to train a dog because it's tailored to their individual needs. Through our program, dogs learn basic commands such as sit and come, as well as more complex commands like place and heeling. We also address any behavioral issues that may arise, and create a custom plan for each pup that fits its needs.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How can I stop my dog from barking too much?

Excessive barking can be one of the most challenging behaviors for dog owners to manage. It is important to understand why your dog is barking, as there may be a specific underlying trigger causing this behavior. Some of the most common reasons for dogs to bark excessively include boredom, anxiety, pain, fear, and even hunger or thirst.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
I have a one year old Irish setter dog who weighs about eighty five pounds and I was interested in your doggy day care so that he could get some of his energy out of him I don't have a large property . What is your cost

Hi Janet, We recently discontinued our doggy day care program to have an even greater focus on our dog boarding and training programs. Thank you for reaching out to us and have a great day.

Community answer · Happy Dogs Boarding and Training · 2020-09-21

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.8
out of 5162 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Leash pulling 15
  • Initial evaluation 14
  • Board and train program 11
  • Obedience training 11
  • Knowledgeable trainers 8
  • Individualized training 5
All 10 topics
  • Video updates 5
  • Dog behavior expert 4
  • Follow up lessons 4
  • Protection training 3

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Jacklin Guerrier
5/5
I imported a HIGHHH drive Doberman from a working line in Belarus Russia. After extensive research, I selected "Happy Dogs Boarding & Training" for many reasons and it was the BEST decide I ever made for my puppy. 1. Most board and trains are two week but this trainer's program …Read full reviewClose full review

I imported a HIGHHH drive Doberman from a working line in Belarus Russia. After extensive research, I selected "Happy Dogs Boarding & Training" for many reasons and it was the BEST decide I ever made for my puppy. 1. Most board and trains are two week but this trainer's program was 4 weeks long. 2. Aside from Obedience training, he does protection training and IPO...My goal is to compete for an IPO title. So having one trainer that does it all is super helpful because of the familiarity and consistency for the dog. 3. After the training, I have 4 private sessions with the trainer (each a diff day) where he trains me at how to maintain what the dog learned. This was really key for me because it's alot to remember as the dog owner. In summary, my dog is now so well behaved and I owe a debt of gratitude to "Happy Dogs Boarding & Training". I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking well renowned dog training facility.

Vincent Gaudio
5/5
Having John train our German shepherd was the best investment we made for our family. The team is great and training has made a tremendous difference in Remi’s behavior and attentiveness. This has really made a great difference that we can continue to make progress and have a do…Read full reviewClose full review

Having John train our German shepherd was the best investment we made for our family. The team is great and training has made a tremendous difference in Remi’s behavior and attentiveness. This has really made a great difference that we can continue to make progress and have a dog that fits in our lives without the stress. Thanks John :) what is most significant is that you can always reach out for advice and John will coach.

Andrew Beck
5/5
After researching multiple trainers that would provide boarding and training services, I finally came across John’s facility and scheduled a visit. I drove an hour to meet with John so that he could evaluate our 8 month old doberman, and of course, for me to evaluate John and hi…Read full reviewClose full review

After researching multiple trainers that would provide boarding and training services, I finally came across John’s facility and scheduled a visit. I drove an hour to meet with John so that he could evaluate our 8 month old doberman, and of course, for me to evaluate John and his facility. You can’t help but initially notice the insane and impressive amount of trophies and awards that fill the waiting area of this man’s facility. When I met John, I felt that he was a kind, calm, and gentle man who seems truly tuned in to dog behavior. He knows what he’s talking about. I instantly felt comfortable and confident in leaving our precious Bella in his care. John and his facility truly helped my wife and I with Bella. She’s always been a good dog, but she is incredibly strong willed and too smart for her own good. Her poor manners and lack of obedience clearly reflect on us as owners, but we were naive in thinking we could juggle a working dog like Bella and our full time jobs. The stress and frustration were definitely starting to wear on my wife and I. When we got Bella back it was a complete game changer. John got her to a point that I could have only dreamt of. He taught her manners, drilled in basic commands and have obedience, and even helped quell her fear of traffic. After bringing her home, I made it a point to continue her training twice a day for 10 mins each time. She is a completely different dog and it has completely changed our lives. It might sound dramatic, but you’d understand if you too had a working dog with the mind of a raptor who is consistently trying to out thwart you. I highly recommend John and his facility. I will be singing their praises for years to come. Thanks John

Torey Doaty
5/5
My experience with Happy Dogs Boarding and Training was amazing. The service that John and his team provided for my 2 year-old Saluki exceeded my expectations. GiGi, my dog, was rescued from Qatar after being shot in the face by a human. She was sent to an adoption center in Penn…Read full reviewClose full review

My experience with Happy Dogs Boarding and Training was amazing. The service that John and his team provided for my 2 year-old Saluki exceeded my expectations. GiGi, my dog, was rescued from Qatar after being shot in the face by a human. She was sent to an adoption center in Pennsylvania where I adopted her shortly after. I wanted to send her to a board and train that had a trainer with experience dealing with street dogs from the Middle East. I found Happy Dogs Boarding and Training on Google, saw the amazing reviews and scheduled a consultation with John immediately. The consultation went very well and John really helped me understand GiGi and how she thinks. A few weeks later, I sent GiGi to training for about 4 weeks, and the difference in her behavior was night and day. She was still the happy and friendly dog that she was before, but she was also very obedient and confident. It was great seeing her so happy. I also had four follow-up training sessions where John taught me everything that they did during the training, and how to correct unwanted behaviors such as jumping or leash pulling. Prior to the training, GiGi only listened to me in the house, and now she walks extremely well and is obedient regardless of the setting. John helped strengthen the companionship between GiGi and I, and I definitely recommend working with John! Lastly, John and his staff were extremely friendly along the process.

Ramiro Ordonez
5/5
John Soares is an amazing trainer! I did a lot of research prior finding John. I also made the mistake of hiring the wrong trainer. Not only I wasted my money but that trainer didn’t achieve anything in terms of correcting my dog. Amadeus is a high energy well intentioned GSD. Tr…Read full reviewClose full review

John Soares is an amazing trainer! I did a lot of research prior finding John. I also made the mistake of hiring the wrong trainer. Not only I wasted my money but that trainer didn’t achieve anything in terms of correcting my dog. Amadeus is a high energy well intentioned GSD. Training a dog so smart and with such drive was really hard for us. When I finally found John and after reading all his reviews I brought Amadeus to him. He had an initial consultation with me where we talked about my dog’s temperament and behavior. He walked me through the training process and what to expect once the training was over. After on-boarding Amadeus I felt a sense of comfort in that I knew I have left him in really good hands. John will send me video of my dog every week. Through several weeks I was able to observe the significant changes that were already happening. It was also reassuring seeing Amadeus happy and doing well. After the training was over, the other part of the training started and probably the most difficult - training my wife and I. John took his time and throughout several sessions he showed us how to properly communicate with my German Shepherd. The way Amadeus responded to my commands was incredible. Prior that was only possible in my dreams! I am so grateful to John for what he has done. John Soares is without a doubt one of the best trainers in the country. Thank you John!

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

Explore nearby & related training