DFW Doodle Resources --

[HeatherA]

I thought we could try to get a list going of trainers we like, groomers we like, vets we like, etc in the DFW area.

I really like out Vet and emergency vet.

Tara Animal Hospital 

http://taraanimalhospital.aahavet.org/web2/index.aspx

I prefer Dr. Sims.  She is very approachable, I don't feel like she pushes you to over test, she's got a nurturing quality.

Emergency Vet - Airport Freeway Animal Emergency Clinic

http://www.afaec.com/

They are one emergency vet that doesn't price gouge you.  A visit is 72.00, they don't charge ANYTHING over that without your approval.  They work up what treatment they recommend and clearly let you know what every piece costs.  They give you options and don't use your worry and emotions as a way to make more money off of you.  

Trainers:

Anne @ Speciality Pet Training

http://www.specialtypettraining.com/

She is an animal behaviorist.  She doesn't use force or coercion in training.  She is treat based, and understanding your dog.  Essentially, her puppy basics she points out how you may inadvertently be rewarding your dogs negative behavior.  -- I've only taken her puppy class.  I don't have much trainer experience.  I like her, I have considered trying other trainers though to see what else is out there?  I do like that you can email her if you're having an issue and you're in her class... she offers assistance.  She's very approachable.  I'm just curious how she compares to others.  I'd love to know if others have tried her and can offer comparisons.  She could be the best thing out there and I would have no idea, because she is the only professional trainer I've ever gone to.  

Groomers:

No luck on that front yet.  Hoping for suggestions.

Miscellaneous:

Tractor Supply Company -- Okay, I know it's weird.  I love this place.  They have affordable dog food storage containers, they carry Taste of the Wild - I pay $42.99 for the largest size bag, they also have a couple of large bags of treats by Red Barn (a brand PETCO and Petsmart carries) for very reasonable prices.

[Robin Evenson]

I live in Ft Worth and have been using the Hulen Hills Animal clinic (Hulen and I30), they also have an emergency service to on the same site, can't remember what the name of that part of the business. My vet is Dr Nigliasso, and I like him very much. They are pricy however.

I have been using Pets West in Aledo Tx for training. They sell dog/cat supplies and have a large indoor facility for training. The ladies that do the saturday beginner and intermediate obedience are great. They also have an outdoor agility training area and they also train therapy dogs.

The Grand Pet resort and Spa at Hulen Hills is where Bella gets groomed. I didn't care too much for her first cut, but then I took them the doodle grooming guide the next time and they have improved every time. This past week I think they did the best job ever.

[HeatherA]

Maybe I should try the guide and give the one I didn't HATE another chance. She was such a know it all though.. and she insisted on shaving Veruca shorter to remove her puppy coat -- even though Veruca hadn't started changing coats and the only little bit of matting she had was behind her ears. (Which oddly she GOT those out and left her ears longer) Her cut wasn't awful, like the one Veruca has now... it was just really frustrating she didn't listen to me at all and did what she wanted. Maddening.

[MARY, SCARLETT AND BO]

I didn't know there was a DFW group, so glad I found it today.   I've got a trainer that I like and Scarlett loves,  Her name is Micki Schufman http://www.4pawsdogs.com/index.html

We did private in home training working on the basics with Scarlett and I for a reasonable price (can't remember now what though).    She is also a Nosework trainer at WAGD http://www.whatagreatdog.com/ in Frisco.   We also did the level 2 Pet Manners class at WAGD which is more or less a prep class for the CGC test and passed her CGC there. 

I've got to get Bo enrolled there after the first of the year. 

 

If anyone has any info on good doodle groomer I'd really LOVE to hear about them.  Have tried several groomers who all look at me like I've lost my mind when I talk about Bo's coat change.

We do daycare once a week or so at Barneys Ranch (Carrollton - off I-35)  http://barneysranch.com/ and hit Railroad Dog Park http://www.cityoflewisville.com/index.aspx?page=525 at least once a week.   Railroad is not the most scenic park around; however, it is big and lighted.  Any one else?