How-to
How-to: care, grooming and training at home
The methods our groomers and trainers use, written for a kitchen floor and a Cape Ann sidewalk. Each guide says where the job is easier to hand to us.
Getting ready
How to prepare your dog for the first daycare day
The week-before plan: records, a city license, a leash, seven small rehearsals and a handoff without a speech.
Read The overnight bagHow to pack for your dog's overnight stay (and what to leave home)
Food by the meal, medication with a note, one comfort item, and a table of what stays home or needs asking about.
Read Van and carHow to get your dog used to the Pup Van and car rides
Engine off, engine on, the end of the street, then somewhere good: two weeks of car work before the first $10 van ride.
Read Choosing a daycareHow to choose a dog daycare
The MSPCA checklist turned into seven steps: groups, ratio, license, injuries, cameras and a trial day.
Read Choosing a groomerHow to choose a dog groomer
Handling, drying, waiting, cats on site and the price list: what to ask a groomer before you book.
Read Getting a cat readyHow to prepare a cat for grooming
A two-week carrier and car plan, what to do about breakfast, and the note your cat's groomer needs.
Read Kennel cough noticesHow to handle a kennel cough notice from daycare
What a kennel cough notice means, a 14-day watch plan, when to call the vet, and how to plan the return.
Read Vaccine recordsHow to gather vaccine records for daycare
What counts as proof, the one email to your vet, and the Massachusetts rabies rule behind every town license.
ReadTraining at home
How to stop puppy biting without punishment
Freeze, step away, come back with a toy, enforce the nap: puppy biting without yelps, nose taps or punishment.
Read Car mannersHow to teach car manners for the Pup Van and beyond
Wait at the door, load on a cue, ride secured and exit on a word: the four habits behind a calm Pup Van ride.
Read Cooperative careHow to teach cooperative care for nail trims
A chin rest as the start button, toes handled one at a time and clippers introduced before a single nail is cut.
Read Leash mannersHow to stop a dog biting the leash
Calm the start of the walk, carry a tug toy and keep the leash slack: a force-free fix for adolescent leash biting.
ReadNext step
Ready for a tail-wagging day?
Book online in a few taps, send the customer inquiry, or come see the facility for yourself. Every dog starts with a free evaluation. No evaluation needed for grooming.
- 01Free evaluationWeekdays 6:30 – 9:30 AM
- 02Book a dayOnline, in the app or by phone
- 03Play, rest, repeatReport card at pick-up
