Close To Home
Service area: Serves the Mobile, Alabama area, with transportation provided to and from clients’ homes within the local region.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Barking Excessively
- Recall
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Training is integrated into luxury boarding programs, with daily socialization, structured play, individualized attention, and behavior support. Dogs are introduced to other dogs in a non-threatening manner, receive emotional support, and are monitored for progress. Daily photo and text updates are provided to owners. Medication and special dietary needs are accommodated.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is available upon request by phone. No public pricing is listed. Boarding includes two walks per day, minimal kennel time, lots of cuddles, gourmet meals, and transportation during morning (6 am–9 am) and afternoon (4 pm–7 pm) windows.
Policies
Boarding requires up-to-date vaccination certificates and that dogs be spayed or neutered. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.
Testimonials
Christi @ Close to Home Luxury Pet Boarding is just that….LUXURIOUS (at great prices)! Her set up is extremely safe and excellent for all pups of all ages!! Christi puts your pets needs first and she is diligent at making sure it’s a great experience for your fur babies and for the owners! From making sure that your pets are introduced to other fur friends in a non threatening, non aggressive manner to sending you pics from their fun filled play days. We never worried while on our trip about our pups! We have definitely found the prime puppy vacay spot!! Thanks so much!!! See you again soon!
– Christi
Close to home was fabulous. Kristi is very professional, but also gave my Gracie the emotional support she needed. I feel certain she does that for all the dogs there. I couldn’t have been happier that my Gracie felt loved, and had fun being there. She truly was happy. She even made a friend. They have a super nice area to play in on the inside, and a fenced in plush green yard on the outside. The owner is always watching them, and spoiling them. I would recommend Close to home to anyone who wants a better experience for their dog .
– Client
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Close to Home Pet Boarding! Kristy was absolutely amazing with my fur babies, Gidget and Finn. From the moment we dropped them off, I knew they were in good hands. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming–just the kind of place you want your pets to stay when you’re away.
Kristy truly treated Gidget and Finn like they were her own, showering them with love and attention every single day. What made it even better was the daily updates–I received pictures and texts every day while I was gone, which gave me so much peace of mind. It’s clear Kristy loves what she does, and it shows in the care she provides.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, caring, and professional place for your pets, Close to Home Pet Boarding is it! We’ll definitely be back.
– Client
About the Trainer
Close To Home is a luxury pet boarding facility owned by Kristy Givhan that offers in-home boarding for dogs of all sizes, with transportation services to and from the client’s home. While primarily a boarding service, the business is listed under the niche of dog trainer and includes testimonials highlighting behavior modification, socialization, and training outcomes such as reducing reactivity, improving recall, and helping timid dogs integrate into a pack. Kristy provides daily updates with photos, individualized attention, and emotional support tailored to each dog’s needs. The facility includes indoor play areas, a fenced outdoor yard, gourmet meals, medication administration, and structured play sessions. Although not explicitly marketed as a training business, the consistent praise for behavior improvement and socialization suggests training is integrated into the boarding experience.
Clients report that dogs leave more confident, well-socialized, and better behaved, with specific mention of success with German Shepherds, fearful dogs, and dogs with separation anxiety. The owner’s hands-on approach and emphasis on emotional well-being indicate a training philosophy centered on positive, individualized care.
Additional services include pet boarding, transportation, and daily activity monitoring, making it a comprehensive option for owners seeking both care and behavioral support during boarding.
Accomplishments
Owner Kristy Givhan is praised by multiple clients for her ability to transform timid and reactive dogs into confident, well-adjusted companions. Clients note her exceptional attention to detail, emotional intelligence with dogs, and consistent communication. No formal credentials are listed.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call to schedule a visit to tour the facility and meet the owner. Transportation and boarding services are arranged by phone call.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Dog walker
- Kennel
Location
30849 Driftwood Ln, Spanish Fort, AL 36527Listing Tools for Trainers
For Close To Home Only
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