ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – Since starting Whole Dogz 10 years ago, mother-son owners and operators Patrick and Mary Kenkel have made the “whole” of their dogs their business, from what they eat to how they play. I’ve been passionate about putting it in. Now in their 20th year, they are stepping up their game by adding new experts in training and organic grooming.
training
“We are delighted to welcome Jeff Smith, our professional dog trainer, to run our new training department,” says Mary. “While we have always offered the option of having puppies do agility work during daycare and boarding, we have expanded to include cooperative care (how to make puppies more comfortable with veterinarians and groomers), active learning, nose work and learning. It’s time to play and of course agility,” she adds. Geoff comes to Whole Dogz with an impressive training background that includes certifications for Canine Good Citizen, AKC Star Puppy, and his AKC Trick Dog training.
Customers can schedule training sessions during their daycare beginning February 1st.
grooming and diet care
Whole Dogz is also expanding its organic grooming services to be available 24/7. “We offer a spa-like experience, complete with all organic shampoos and dog care products, all traditional grooming services, and more,” says Patrick.
In addition to daycare and boarding, Whole Dogz has a great selection of healthy foods, supplements, great toys and gifts. “We do extensive research into the foods and supplements we offer to help puppies with their tummies, allergies, behavior, and general health support,” says Patrick. We look forward to the arrival of new milk bone substitutes anytime.”
Mary Kenkel has become a dog diet expert, and she says checking the ingredients of all food and treats is the best thing you can do for your dog. Many people are surprised to learn that it often contains gluten, poultry, meat by-products (you don’t want to know what meat by-products are), sweet potatoes, legumes, chickpeas, and more. Foods often suggested by veterinarians Simple food changes and switching from treats with poor quality ingredients can solve many stomach and allergy problems. I just brought in an allergy supplement that I am trying on my pets and want to share with the public!”
day care and boarding
Whole Dogz offers day care at one of the largest facilities in the area, offering individual day care for small, medium and large dogs. Dogs are tested for temperament, so sometimes you see a big dog in a small dog room. “We also offer all suite boarding to give our puppies a ‘home-like’ experience. There are no cold cages at our facility! ’ says Mary and Patrick together.
The facility also has webcams that allow the parents of each group of dogs to view their puppies during the day, and has a nighttime manager to ensure the safety and health of all dogs in their care. There are even dogs that sleep in the manager’s suite if they don’t like being in the room alone.
Whole Dogz is located at 4748 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria. MF is open from 7am to 7pm. Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday noon-5pm. Whole Dogz has been voted Alexandria’s favorite dog daycare and boarding facility five years in a row by Zebra Press readers.
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