Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted Pet Daycare, Boarding & Training in Seattle
Great Dog has been enriching the lives of dogs and their owners in North Seattle since 2001. Our comprehensive services include daycare, boarding, group training, private lessons, and grooming through certified Suds Specialists. We offer a retail store with specialty products and enrichment toys, alongside BARK espresso for pet owners. Our Fear Free Certified facility prioritizes emotional well-being through science-based practices, led by co-owners with CCPDT-KA and IAABC certifications. With over 8,000 square feet of play areas and a focus on mental stimulation, we create safe environments for socialization and development.Our team includes certified trainers specializing in behavior modification, reactive dogs, and fearful pets, with decades of combined experience in canine education. We maintain strict safety protocols including vaccination requirements and behavioral evaluations, while offering enrichment programs like scent games and personalized walks. Our facility operates with extended weekday hours and holds multiple industry accreditations to ensure premium care.
Services
Daycare
Boarding
Training
Grooming
Retail
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Fear Free Certified facility with specialized canine behavior expertise
- Co-owners hold CCPDT-KA and IAABC certifications for science-based training
- 8,000+ sq ft facility with structured enrichment and socialization programs
- 20+ years of experience in dog behavior modification and education
- Strict safety protocols with vaccination requirements and behavioral evaluations
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certification
- CCPDT-KA
- IAABC
Services
Daycare
Great Dog Daycare offers 8,000+ sq ft of indoor-outdoor play areas with trained staff overseeing activities. Dogs socialize, play in pools, and participate in structured enrichment games. The environment promotes physical exercise and mental stimulation through rotating activities.
Boarding
Overnight boarding combines daycare activities with evening companionship in a small pack environment. Services include bedtime milk & cookies, Kong treats, and personalized neighborhood walks. Requires prior daycare evaluation and vaccination compliance.
Training
Certified trainers provide group classes and private lessons using humane techniques. Specialized programs address reactivity, fear, and separation anxiety. Curriculum includes obedience refreshers and resilience-building for post-pandemic adjustment.
Grooming
Professional Suds Specialists offer bathing with natural products, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal expression. Additional services include deshedding, paw balm massages, and probiotic spritz treatments. Prices vary by breed and coat type.
Retail
Specialty retail store features durable toys, nutritious treats, and unique dog supplies. Offers Astro Loyalty App rewards and focuses on locally sourced products. Staff provides expert recommendations based on 20+ years of canine product knowledge.
People
Leslie Csokasy
Founder & Certified Dog Behavioral Consultant
25+ years experience in canine behavior, certified through IAABC and CCPDT-KA. Specializes in separation anxiety and reactive dogs. Serves on National Greyhound Association Board and enjoys agility competitions with her greyhounds.
Judi Anderson-Wright
Co-Owner & Director of Canine Education
20+ years in dog training, holds MA in Special Education and CPDT-KA certification. Focuses on fearful dogs and separation anxiety. Teaches terrier behavior classes and mentors aspiring trainers.
Deborah Gabbert
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
15+ years teaching reactive dog classes, holds CPDT-KA certification. Combines communication expertise with games-based training methods. Specializes in teamwork development between dogs and handlers.
Susan Shearer
Senior Master Trainer
Original Great Dog instructor with expertise in puppy socialization and rally obedience. Leads reactive dog classes and has extensive competition experience in agility and rally events.
Isabela Escobedo
Canine Educator
University of Washington Applied Animal Behavior graduate. Assists with behavior modification programs and private lessons while completing her CPDT-KA certification requirements.
Questions
What are your daycare hours and requirements?
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. Dogs need vaccinations, negative fecal exam, and behavioral evaluation. Spay/neuter required for dogs over 6 months.
Do you offer overnight boarding services?
Yes, includes daytime daycare activities. $87 per night with $16 holiday surcharge. Requires prior daycare experience and vaccination compliance.
What training programs do you provide?
Group classes, private lessons, and behavior modification programs. Specialties include reactivity, fear, and separation anxiety with certified trainers.
Are grooming services available without daycare?
Yes, by appointment. Services include bathing, nail trims, deshedding, and specialty treatments. Prices vary by breed and coat type.
What certifications does Great Dog hold?
Fear Free Certified facility, CCPDT-KA certified trainers, and IAABC certified behavior consultants. All staff trained in humane, science-based methods.
Can I visit the facility before booking?
We encourage personal tours. Meet our team and see play areas during operating hours. Evaluation required for daycare/boarding clients.
