Puptagon

Happy Paws DC and Puptagon offer a range of integrated training programs, boarding, and daycare services, focusing on positive reinforcement and play-to-learn activities. Programs are tailored to individual dog needs and personalities.

“Next-Level Training” provides 2- and 4-hour sessions for dogs 5 months and older, with small classes (4 dogs per class, separated by size) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, mixing play and learning. “Reactive Rover” is designed for fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs, consisting of 4 one-hour sessions completed within a month, available at home or Happy Paws. Private sessions, either at home or at their facility, focus on building an effective relationship-focused bond. Specialized walks include “Decompression & Relaxation walks” for scent exploration and “Training Walks” for leash manners, focus, and polite greetings.

For intensive training, “Board & Train” and “Play & Train” programs offer specialized sessions at Puptagon Dog School for dogs staying overnight or for the day, ideal for structured, one-on-one work with a trainer. Puppy programs include “Puppy Socialization” for 8-16 week olds and adolescents (4-8 months) with Saturday classes to build confidence and social skills. “Bringing Your Puppy Home” covers the first month with a new puppy, including home consults, private sessions, and free puppy socials. “Basic Puppy Manners” for puppies 4 months and older includes home consults, daycare with training, and training walks.

Daycare features play groups separated by size and personality, supervised by certified staff, offering games, treat-filled puzzles, and basic skills training like “Come,” “Look at me,” and “Sit.” Boarding provides a fun and relaxed experience with supervised play, walks, 24/7 supervision, individual beds/blankets, nightly snacks, and access to a live feed.

Pricing Summary

A “Meet & Greet” assessment is required for all new clients at $45. Boarding is $90 per night, with a 25% discount for additional dogs from the same family, and an extra $20 per walk. Checkout after 12:00 pm incurs an additional night’s charge. A 50% deposit is required for boarding reservations, with a 5-day cancellation policy for a full refund (14 days during holidays/peak times). Early pick-ups are not refunded.

Daycare offers “Next-Level Training” sessions at $80 for 2 hours and $120 for 4 hours. Full-day packages are $675 for 10 days and $1,210 for 20 days. Hourly service is $375 for 25 hours and $675 for 50 hours. Half-day packages are $495 for 10 days and $875 for 20 days. The first two daycare visits are $45 per day, increasing to $80 per day thereafter. Late pick-up after 7:00 pm incurs a $15 per hour fee. Daycare packages expire in three months for full/half-day and six months for hourly, with a 30-day hold option for illness/surgery with written notification.

Training programs include “Reactive Rover” at $810 for 4 one-hour sessions (10% discount). Private sessions are $225 at home or $180 at Happy Paws. Decompression & Relaxation walks are $60 per walk. Training walks are $410 for 6 walks a month or $75 per walk. Board & Train programs are $1,800 for 7 days and $3,200 for 14 days. Play & Train programs are $1,100 for 5 days and $1,900 for 10 days. Puppy Socialization is $40 for 45 minutes. “Bringing Your Puppy Home” is $580 (10% discount), and “Basic Puppy Manners” is $615 (10% discount). The business emphasizes “No minimums • Fast Pricing • Quick turnaround.”

Policies

For boarding, check-out is by 12:00 pm; late check-outs incur an additional night’s charge. A 50% deposit is required for reservations. Cancellations must be made 5 days prior for a full refund, or 14 days prior during holidays and peak seasons. No refunds are given for early pick-ups.

For daycare, pick-up after 7:00 pm incurs a $15 per hour late fee. Daycare packages have expiration dates: full and half-day packages expire in three months, and hourly packages expire in six months. Packages can be put on hold for 30 days due to a dog’s illness or surgery, provided written notification is given.

Regarding health, dogs should not be brought in if they exhibit symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, warts, skin rash, open wounds, vomiting, or diarrhea. Proof from a veterinarian that a condition is not contagious will be considered, but the business reserves the right to determine if there’s a risk to other dogs. In case of illness during care, clients will be contacted, and dogs may be sent home (for daycare) or a course of action decided together (for overnight stays). In emergencies, dogs will be taken to Friendship Hospital for Animals.

Clients are recommended to bring their dog’s usual food, but house food (Science Diet) and healthy snacks are available. All allergies and food sensitivities should be communicated. The staff is experienced in administering all forms of medication; a detailed written schedule specifying dosage, timing, and medication name, along with home administration methods, is required.

Puptagon, also known as Happy Paws DC, is a dog training business that has been operating since 2007. They are dedicated to creating a fun and stimulating environment where dogs feel safe, secure, and can be themselves.

They offer personalized “play-to-learn” programs based on deep knowledge of pet care and canine behavioral science. These sessions are designed to address each dog’s unique needs and specific concerns, maintaining a low pet-to-people ratio for loving supervision.

Beyond training, they provide boarding and daycare services, integrating training programs across all three services. Their trainers are certified, have at least six years of experience, and continuously update their knowledge by attending workshops and seminars by world-renowned trainers. They aim to transform dogs with even the most challenging behaviors into well-behaved and happy family members.

Happy Paws DC also offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off service for canine clients through Fido Fitness, a DC-based pet transportation company covering NW Washington and Bethesda.

Accomplishments

Happy Paws DC has been operating since 2007. Their trainers are all certified and possess at least six years of experience in the field of animal and dog behavior. They are committed to ongoing education, regularly attending workshops and seminars led by world-renowned trainers such as Ken Ramirez, Sue Sternberg, and Pat Miller. The business prides itself on its ability to transform dogs with even the most challenging behaviors into well-behaved and happy family members. Stefanie is the Founder, and John is the Lead Trainer.

How to Get Started!

All new clients are required to attend a “Meet & Greet” assessment before utilizing daycare or overnight stays. During this $45 session (for first-time clients only), trainers evaluate the dog’s size, age, personality, and play style, and monitor for signs of hunger, fatigue, or behavioral changes to ensure compatibility and enjoyment at Happy Paws. They will also inform owners of any issues that may need addressing.

Advance planning is crucial; after the Meet & Greet, clients should bring their dog for a few hour-long play dates to ensure they are ready for longer visits, can socialize with other dogs, and participate happily in activities. Dogs who have not visited for two months or more will require a re-evaluation. All new and current clients must register on the online portal to make future reservations.