Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Dog's Home Away From Home in Norwalk
Dog Gone Smart has been serving pet lovers for over 30 years as a family-run business dedicated to providing exceptional canine care. Founded in 1993 by Chris Onthank, a recognized expert in canine behavior, we combine decades of experience with a deep understanding of dog psychology to create safe, enriching environments for dogs. Our comprehensive services include daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and agility programs, all designed to promote physical activity, socialization, and mental stimulation. Our team of certified professionals prioritizes individualized attention, using all-natural products and force-free training methods to ensure every dog feels comfortable and happy. We maintain rigorous safety standards with climate-controlled facilities, soft flooring, and temperament-based groupings for play.Our commitment to transparency and client education is reflected in our structured evaluation process, detailed vaccination requirements, and ongoing communication with pet owners. We emphasize the human-canine bond through programs like agility training, which fosters teamwork and trust between handlers and dogs. Our state-of-the-art facility operates 365 days a year with 24/7 on-site staff, offering specialized accommodations for special needs dogs and flexible scheduling options including early drop-off and late pick-up. We maintain industry-leading practices through continuous staff training and adherence to veterinary health protocols, ensuring every pet receives care that aligns with the highest standards of animal welfare.
Services
Daycare
Boarding
Grooming
Training
Agility Classes
Puppy Programs
Special Needs Care
24/7 Services
Swim Sessions
Behavior Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 30+ years of canine care expertise
- Certified professionals using force-free, positive training methods
- Climate-controlled facility with temperament-based playgroup system
- Comprehensive services from grooming to advanced agility training
- 24/7 on-site staff with emergency care protocols
What people say
Loving environment
Expert staff
Clean facilities
Excellent training
Happy dogs
Services
Daycare
Our supervised daycare program provides structured socialization and exercise for dogs in a safe environment. With climate-controlled spaces and temperament-based groupings, we ensure appropriate play interactions while preventing overstimulation. Professional staff monitor activities to maintain safety and positive engagement throughout the day.
Boarding
Overnight boarding offers comfortable accommodations with continuous care and play opportunities. Dogs enjoy designated play areas, regular exercise sessions, and personalized attention from experienced staff. Special needs housing provides individualized care with additional support for medical or behavioral requirements.
Grooming
Professional grooming includes bathing, coat trimming, and hygiene maintenance using all-natural products. Our certified groomers provide breed-specific styling, nail care, ear cleaning, and optional teeth cleaning services in a stress-free environment designed for canine comfort.
Training
Custom training programs address obedience, socialization, and behavioral development through positive reinforcement techniques. Classes range from basic manners to advanced agility training, with private sessions available for personalized instruction and problem-solving.
Agility Classes
Structured agility courses develop physical coordination and handler-dog communication through obstacle training. Progressive levels teach equipment navigation, directional control, and advanced handling techniques while emphasizing enjoyment and teamwork between dogs and owners.
People
Chris Onthank
Owner
Founder with 30+ years of canine behavior expertise, developing behavior-based care programs and training methodologies that prioritize dog psychology and family integration.
Betsy Schwartz
Agility Director
Certified agility instructor specializing in positive training methods, designing progressive obstacle courses that enhance canine physical abilities and handler communication skills.
Jaimee Kelsey
Training Director
Lead trainer with expertise in behavior modification, developing structured obedience programs and specialized socialization support systems for dogs with anxiety or reactivity issues.
Questions
What services does Dog Gone Smart offer?
We provide daycare, boarding, grooming, training programs, agility classes, and special needs care for dogs in a state-of-the-art facility.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Use our online reservation system or contact us directly at (203) 838-7729 for daycare, boarding, or grooming appointments.
What are the vaccination requirements?
Dogs need current DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella vaccines and a non-contagious fecal test result before first visit.
Do you accommodate special needs dogs?
Yes, we offer individualized care plans for medical, behavioral, or senior dogs with additional staff support and modified environments.
Are there training prerequisites?
Agility classes require completion of foundational obedience training, while private lessons have no prerequisites.
What are your operating hours?
Daycare and boarding available daily with specific drop-off/pickup windows. Emergency care provided 24/7 by on-site staff.
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