C.F. Pawsitive Packleader Doggie Daycare & Training

They provide a variety of training levels and types including Group Classes, One on One training, Pack Walks, Mini Classes, In Home Training, Enrichment, Field Trips, and Board and Trains.

Level 1, the Puppy class, focuses on building a strong relationship, engagement, games, enrichment, beginner’s obedience (leash manners, thresholds, stay, leave it), and social skills. Homework sheets are provided weekly, and 15 minutes of each class is dedicated to teaching a trick.

Level 2 builds on foundation skills with increased distraction, preparing dogs for public situations. It strengthens listening and communication, teaches good manners, and desensitizes dogs to real-world distractions like walkers, bikers, crowds, and traffic. Skills covered include obedience (sit, down), impulse control (stay, leave it), on and off-leash heel, loose leash walking, calm greetings, and calming skills. The fourth week is a field trip.

Level 3 reinforces basic obedience in new, real-world situations, focusing on polite public behavior. This class is based on the Canine Good Citizenship test, covering skills like sit/down on cue, recall, proper leash walking, heel, place, leash skills in crowds, reaction to distractions, accepting friendly strangers, polite petting, and addressing jumping/barking. All four classes are field trips held in different locations.

Mini Classes are two-week programs targeting specific areas. Field Trips are offered to locations like LL Beans, Bradbury Mountain, dog-friendly pubs, and Lowes. Specialized classes include AKC STAR PUPPY, a 5-week program with two classes a week focusing on socialization, basic commands, activity, and responsible ownership, culminating in an AKC test. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class is a 3-week program run by certified CGC Evaluators, preparing dogs for the CGC test. E-Collar Training is a 4-week class at different locations, teaching proper e-collar use, recommending Dogtra or Educator collars. Confident Canine Training is a 4-week class for rescue dogs or those needing confidence building, focusing on building confidence. Nosework & Agility is a 4-week class covering nose work, jumps, tunnels, weave polls, and A-frame.

Pricing Summary

Some services, such as “home room” sleeping, long walks, administering medications, and a bath after an overnight stay, are provided at no extra fee. For overnight care, there is a 72-hour cancellation policy, with a 25% fee for late cancellations or no-shows.

Policies

For overnight care, there is a 72-hour cancellation policy, with a 25% fee for late cancellations or no-shows.

All pups must be up to date on Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella vaccinations, and have an annual clean fecal test. Pups must be free of fleas, and regular flea and tick preventative is recommended year-round.

C.F. Pawsitive Packleader Doggie Daycare & Training, also known as Charlies Friends, is a dog care and training business established in April of 2000. Their philosophy centers on meeting customers’ needs, resulting in a high percentage of repeat business and referrals. They aim to be a place where dogs want to be, whether for daycare or overnight care.

The facility offers three outside play areas and five inside play rooms, matching dogs with friends based on similar play styles, age, and size. A highlight of their day is walks, ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, in the 100 acres of woods adjacent to the kennel, tailored to each dog’s ability. For overnight stays, pups can sleep in 5’x6′ heated indoor kennels or in “home room” atmospheres like the quiet room at no extra fee.

What sets them apart includes their rural location surrounded by trees and grass, over 40 years of combined experience among managers and staff, and small playgroups. They offer cage-free sleeping options, a commitment to always having room for “Charlies Friends” members, and a drop-off and pick-up service from Freeport to Portland. They are privately owned, allowing them to make the best decisions for each individual pup. Their walks are a significant differentiator, offering three levels in fields or woods for no extra fee.

They provide various training levels and types to foster a stronger relationship and better communication between pups and owners. Services include daycare, overnight care, dog walking, and a valet service in the greater Portland area, Cumberland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Freeport.

Accomplishments

Nikolle Storey, the trainer, found her passion for dogs at a young age, starting work at her mom’s dog daycare at twelve. She earned a degree in Animal Care and completed an online course through Penn Foster. She has trained under several different trainers with various styles, gaining knowledge on tools from slip collars to e-collars. The business has three certified CGC Evaluators on staff.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are required to come in for an interview and a tour of the facilities. This allows the business to match pups with appropriate friends and allows clients to ask questions. To sign up for classes, clients are instructed to email PAWSITIVEPACKLEADER2020@GMAIL.COM.