(Shopped 06/14/21 MO @ 4:30pm): Nothing wrong being a blue collar working dog or human; it builds character!
At the recommendation of Hannah, our dog trainer at Spot On Dog Training, she recommended a specific tug toy for our Scottish Terrier who really loved hers when it was "school time". I thought all tug toys were the same and pretty universal in nature, but to my surprise I was unable to find anything comparable at Petco, 99 Cent Only Stores, and a couple local pet stores. So, off I went to this business I've driven and walked by many times for my first adventure inside. Was I able to find this elusive tug toy and if so would that be the only thing I bought since I was a sucker getting toys for the black beast!?:
PURCHASE
JK9 Cotton/Nylon Blue Tug Toy ($19.50): I found a nearly identical tug toy (I think they had the exact one recommended but opted for this model instead) and immediately grabbed it in a nice blue color after for a split-second thought about the black one because it matched the doggie. It seemed really sturdy and the price point was just right. Thankfully, once I got home and gave it to the "furry alligator" for a test spin, he loved it to death and ran off with it to his little hideaway - success https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tr5_X1Al98HfgXKAwWQHMA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
Greeted by a friendly and happy young man behind the counter, he asked what I was looking for and if I had any questions. He quickly showed me to the tug toys area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2mORiNQeZCzYpTQr7Q1wKQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, gave brief explanations of each style, and gave a recommendation based on the type of dog and his habits. At this point, he left me to my own devices until I checked out. All was good.
PARKING (FREE)
They had their own private parking lot with sufficient spots - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A large box warehouse with some open areas for dog activities and training mixed in with an assortment of toys https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=GCVCQ_wgr5JMhGgESXoasw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, food https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OP0xsbvOAxDG6GeSNQqceQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, gear https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UN9UK12ecas_mvp8t2DPaw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, etc., arranged along the walls and segmented throughout the rest of the space. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front opening while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs, but music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=yB_bC8K5GZTL_spIIapQwA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Thanks to Spot On Dog Training who recommended BlueCollar Working Dog and the new toy our furry friend truly loves. From my walk around the place, it appeared they carried smaller lesser-known versus national brands associated with perceptively higher prices. However, the quality seemed to be there and the service was very knowledgeable. I couldn't say they'd be on my normal pet needs rotation but definitely if I needed something more specific. Plus, they allowed for dogs to try on paw booties https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NVaq6D3Z9GUcDFPZLoegng&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $21.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more