Our fur baby Obi-Wan has been going to Love Dogs Camp for daycare for the past 2.5 years and he loves it there! He wears an activity tracker and gets much more activity there than at other doggie daycare places that we tried. He comes home happy and tired, ready for a long nap! This routine was very helpful during the stressful postpartum period when I was unable to take him on our daily walks. Getting used to having a human baby in the house was challenging for all of us, but going to camp twice a week really helped him. It gave him a chance to get out of the house and go to somewhere familiar and comfortable, get some good exercise and loving attention from the staff. He always came home more relaxed and better able to handle the changing circumstances. We didn't have any behavioral issues with him after the baby came home and I know it is because of Love Dogs Camp! I recommend that all parents-to-be get their dogs into a good daycare routine before bringing a new baby home. And having the peace of mind that our dog had somewhere safe and comfortable to go while we were in the hospital was priceless. My husband was able to stay with me the entire 4 days we were in the hospital, and we came home to a relaxed and happy dog who was eager to meet his little brother! read more

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Home Away From Home..... Love Dogs Camp has made a big difference with our dog, Pugsley, since we moved to the area 6 years ago. He was rescued from the streets of San Jose at the age of 1. Before moving to Nipomo, we researched and visited many places offering daycare and boarding, but Carolyn at Love Dogs Camp gave us the most confidence. It offers Pugsley a great environment with no kennels, freedom to roam on 5 acres and the ability to socialize with both big and small dogs. Carolyn has a wonderful trainer - Brett - who's very knowledgeable about dog behavior and nutrition and helped Pugsley become less fearful of other dogs. Supervision is a priority and he is never left alone. Carolyn does a great job vetting new dogs and their owners to ensure compatibility with her existing clientele. She also provides healthy home cooked meals for the dogs at least once a day. Whether it's for just a day or a couple of weeks for vacation, we have no concern bringing Pugsley to Love Dogs Camp. It's his home away from home. read more

Love Dogs Camp - Pugsley (on the left) and his friend, Duke - Pet Sitting Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

I left a review on Google but I will leave a shorter one here. I do not recommend this place because of how they treat their staff, which in turn is bad for the dogs. My granddaughter worked there a while ago and had no training and expected to get training, but didn't get any. Instead she was left along with the dogs. She wasn't even officially hired and paid in cash. She thought that was nice at first but then realized it was not legal. She said some dogs were out of control and she feared for the safety of the other dogs. The owner says everything right at first but talked down to my granddaughter and disrespected her. This is not a place I support. read more

You know when you want to take your dog to the dog park, but you're wary because you don't know what kind of dogs will be there or how they'll behave? Let's face it; not all dog owners are conscientious dog owners. Maybe they just let their dogs loose, and then sit down and look at their phone. Carolyn Leighton might have thought about just this when she wanted to create a place for dogs monitored only by people who know and love dogs. I was lucky enough to reach Carolyn as the first person on the list I'd taken down from the internet. We had just lost a dog with behavioral issues and wanted to make sure we started off on the right foot with our new miniature Dachshund, Maverick. She spent a long time talking with me about what I was looking for, what type of dog I had, what my experiences had been so far, and more. I know now that it's important to her to really know her clients, because when you really know your client, you will know something about their dog. Hidden among the unpaved backroads of Arroyo Grande is a place called Love Dogs Camp: acreage where the dogs can run and play together, watched and constantly related to by professional dog trainers. As the dogs interact, behaviors can be noted and corrected on the spot. Play is geared not only toward using energy, but also toward learning. During a six-hour session, the dogs play and learn, have lunch together, and then kick back and relax. No crates, no isolation! Since learning about their meals of real food, I have started feeding Maverick differently at home, too: unseasoned chicken, potato, rice, carrots, or apple might be chopped up into his kibble. When I pick Maverick up at the end of the day, Brett tells me about the activities of the day, and I take home lessons that I can practice at home. I've learned housetraining tips, how to stop Maverick from "marking" indoors, how to handle the evening "zoomies" when I'm exhausted from my day, and how to work with walking Maverick on leash. Knowing that my dog is being happily and lovingly taken care of, not isolated in a crate for hours at a time, allows me to manage the rest of my life and home and even have some time for myself to engage in community activities like my book club and hiking group. I can go grocery shopping without concern about leaving my dog unattended. At the end of the day, little Maverick comes home relaxed and content, and I have a dog that integrates seamlessly into my home life. read more

When I visited Carolyn's dog care Love Dogs Camp I would not hesitate to return with my dog Prince who remains the mascot for the Fidm Scholarship Store. A loving place that cares alot! read more

Love Dogs Camp - Pet Sitting Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

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Horrible place to send your furbabies! Dogs are continuously being sprayed with water bottles when behavior issues occur. No toys to play or activities, just a bunch of dirt and filthy, muddy water bowls to drink out of. read more

When I adopted my puppy, Nova, I decided to put her into a puppy socialization program at Love Dogs Camp. I had searched for a place that was committed to only positive, not fear based teaching, and a place I felt really understood the needs of my dog, since I knew the right place would be so good for her development and the wrong one could be totally traumatic. I have now had her in this program for six months and Nova cannot wait to go to camp! She has learned how to handle boundary issues with other big, small dogs & humans. She has learned how to develop friendships with big and small dogs; has lots of space to explore and run without a leash; and best of all, she comes home so tired, she just wants to sleep until the next day! I am so grateful there is such a wonderful place for dogs in our community! read more

Love Dogs Camp - Nova running with a new friend! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

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We are so grateful we reached out to Love Dogs Camp to address our dogs' training issues and want to share how helpful Natalia, their Training Manager, was in coming to our house to assess and address the myriad of issues that arose when we adopted Willow, a 1-year old Shepherd mix. Our other dog, Pablo, a 3-year old husky/cattle dog mix, was very aggressive when we adopted him two years ago, but has improved enough that we can have guests, including dogs, in the house and can take him to dog beaches and parks. Our biggest worry was that he'd become aggressive again, but we soon learned that the bigger problem is that sweet Willow gets into and destroys everything (within days she destroyed power cords, t.v. remotes, the outdoor watering and lighting systems, a dog bowl stand, etc.). Natalia taught us crate training, so we can leave the house without risking further destruction. She also gave us a number of exercises and suggestions for redirecting Willow away from things she should not have or do. She showed us how to get both dogs to stay several feet back when the front door is open and wait until they have permission to walk out. Natalia showed us how to nip Pablo's aggressive tendencies in the bud, and he is improving quickly. We still have a ways to go, but Natalia gave us the tools so we can enjoy our wonderful dogs. The Hutkin Family read more

We are thankful for Love Dogs Camp! They have taken great care of our pup, treating him as if he is one of their own. The trainer is top notch and my dog is always happy when the back car hatch opens and it's another day of fun ahead. Whether for day camp or overnight boarding, we highly recommend! read more

We adopted a rescue dog, Patti, who had been abandoned and lived on the streets. She is fearful in new situations and it was important to us that we find a place that would be willing to work with her. Well, we found Love Dogs Camp and it has exceeded all our expectations. Carolyn does a thorough evaluation of each new dog and is committed to making the experience for your dog enjoyable and beneficial to both you and your pet. Carolyn loves Patti like she was her own dog and has been infinitely patient working with her and gaining her trust. Patti goes twice a week and from the time we exit the freeway she begins her excited whimpering. After we park she bounds out of the car to the front gate and can't wait to see Carolyn, the staff and her doggy friends. Her socialization on our own walks has improved a huge amount. I read a few of the negative review that refer to dirty kennels and am baffled. Love Dogs Camp is not a kennel and has no kennels on the property. It is a house that dogs have the run of, and large enclosed yards, all in a country setting with beautiful oaks. I feel so fortunate to have found a place where I never think twice or worry after I leave her. When I pick Patti up she is always happy to see me, but she does not want to leave! This is the best testament to the care and love she receives at Love Dogs Camp. read more

We've taken our dog to Love Dogs Camp multiple times and will take her again. The essential thing to know about LDC is that your dog gets LOTS of *human interaction* in addition to lots of play with other dogs. This place is the best of the best and to a family with a dog that needs human attention, it is well worth the fee. I just noticed a review that mentions a dirty kennel. Having been to LDC numerous times, I can tell you for sure that reviewer has never actually been to this business. There are no kennels; there are bedrooms and sofas! The dogs have five acres outside to play on and after they play, they come inside and relax with humans on sofas! And at night they sleep on real beds with humans! Look on their website for what a typical day is like; they have plenty of photos. read more

This is a long review because I have so many great things to say about Love Dogs Camp. If you want the short story - we drove 5 hours from our home in San Diego just to have our dogs stay with Carolyn and her staff when we went on vacation to Germany and India for 2 weeks. We have 3 big, active adult dogs and only live in the Pismo Beach area 2-3 months a year. As I travel for work, I need a place where I can board my boys while we are there. I have been very impressed with Love Dogs Camp and the staff. From the initial interview through all the stays my boys have had, they are attentive to my concerns and Carolyn is in communication with me about any issues that may arise. She has a mobile vet who came to take care of an ear infection Guinness got one stay (he gets them all the time - nothing related to camp). I like that Jason, the trainer, is onsite during the week and works with both the dogs and staff to ensure everyone is happy and safe. Two of my boys acted up one visit (jumping up on the staff when the dogs are 65 lbs and 105 lbs is an issue) and the team was immediately on the situation with remedial training for the dogs and us. I appreciate the attention that was paid and positive approach they took. The space for the dogs to run is nice and well shaded. There is another yard with agility toys. When the dogs are not playing in the yards, they have the run of the house and patio. Just like at home. At night, their routing is just like at home - relaxing with the humans and snoozing on the sofas. I am sure if your dogs is used to sleeping in a crate, they'd accommodate you. I think the home-like atmosphere eliminates many of the problems you see at boarding facilities of dogs having separation issues or acting up because their routine is interrupted. When we pick them up, since their routine and interaction has been like usual, there is no adjustment for them to make. Conversely, dropping them off, they are happy to arrive and adapt right away to their home away from home. My suggestion for improvement would be to send photos throughout the stay. I miss my boys and a picture of them enjoying themselves would make my day. I realize dog-cams are expensive to install and maintain, but texting a photo would be just as nice. read more

Our Diesel absolutely loves going to camp! We have a very large French Mastiff mix, and after we adopted him we weren't sure the best way to go about socializing him. When we brought him to Love Dogs Camp his true personality began to shine! The people at camp truly love dogs, and care about them, their health, and their happiness. Our big boy's happier than he's ever been, and we wouldn't have it any other way! read more

They seem friendly at first....however they are very difficult to work with. They charge way too much for their "in house grooming" and they give all their dogs human food. When I picked my dog up they proceeded to tell me how bad my dog was, who has been trained and has no issue anywhere else...Try it out for yourself but after going to many different kennels I will not return to this one. read more

I was very uneasy about finding daycare for our puppy as he's pretty high energy and struggles with separation anxiety when left alone for any amount of time. I didn't feel he would do well in a confined kennel environment, but didn't think there were any other options. In my search, I came across Love Dogs Camp. Within minutes of our first visit I knew we had found the perfect fit for our dog. Carolyn and her staff are loving, attentive, and provide an environment that is truly the next best thing to home. On camp days Rocky is so excited to arrive and when I return to pick him up he's in no hurry to leave. Whether your looking for daycare or just a safe place your dog can socialize and play with other dogs it doesn't get any better than Love Dogs Camp! read more

I dropped my dog off here for an overnight weekend. When I picked up my dog, she immediately came home and hid in the smallest corner of my closet for three days. She was very sad and very different from the puppy I had dropped off a few days earlier. She is a 6 month old puppy and still in training, but rarely had problems in my home or other's homes. I found out my dog was being sprayed into submission and punished for behaviors they didn't approve of. I paid upwards of $200 to include training sessions, and all I got back was a broken-spirited dog. My dog is sensitive to other people's emotions, and she knew she was unwanted during her stay. I will seek other kennels in the future. I have never seen my dog this sad or submissive. read more

We were traveling from San Diego to Lodi to visit family, then down to the central coast to visit friends and then home. A week away from home. We have wonderful doggie care in San Diego, but we decide to bring our 2 doggies with us. Our family in Lodi love having our pets stay at their home, but our friend who live in Arroyo Grande do not like pets. So, we needed a great place for our four pawed children for three nights. After doing extensive researching we decide on a place in Nipomo. We had also had contact with Carolyn, but we decided to use the other place, BIG MISTAKE! We arrived at the other place and it was a nightmare. Our little one, Sammie had an incident with the other dogs, and she is only 12 pounds. The other dogs attacked her. She was unhurt, but she was screaming and terrified. There were about a dozen dogs and no one attending the dogs, the owner's husband came out of the garage to let us in and no other doggie caregivers. What to do, we decided to just drive home and not visit our friends for the weekend. On the way out of that horrible place, I called Carolyn and asked if she could take our babies on a short notice. We agreed on her rate and after evaluating our 100 pound Charlie and 12 pound Sammie, they agreed to take our babies for the weekend. Thank you, Donnie was wonderful with our babies and I highly recommend this wonderful place. Our babies were so well taken care and Donna send me photos of the doggie playing. It is a wonderful place. read more

ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!!! Our dog was covered in feces and very ill when we picked him up. SO SAD!! We were told he was left unattended in the home and had destroyed a piece of furniture. He was just a Puppy!!!!!! SHE WANTED US TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES!!!! Crazy!!!! read more

WORST place ever-DO NOT take your dog here!!!!!!! I took my dog here a few years ago and came back to a scared dog with imbedded foxtails in his ears and paws that had to be surgically removed. Also, his kennel was very dirty and it took at least a week for him to behave like his old self again. You have been warned-that's all I have to say. read more

Ginger - the 'little dog' just got home from camp -- she only has fun when she goes to see her friends at Love Dogs Camp -- I am visiting with Ginger's parents, so enjoy driving to pick Ginger up -- such a loving environment for the dogs that get to play here. *** previous review below, that I posted on my visit in May to AG *** I have friends who have used Love Dogs Camp for over 5 years, and their dog just LOVES going to camp! -- their dog is excited to 'leave mom and dad' and go play with her friends. Their dog is always happy when returning home, and waiting until the next visit to doggie daycare. Thank you CAROLYN! read more

This place is GREAT & the only place I will board my "only child". I started boarding & play days at Love Dogs Camp in Dec '12 & have been nothing but satisfied. Being new to the area, I went to countless kennels & boarding facilities only to find the same thing place after place: dogs sleeping in kennels/crates; left unattended to play in small areas; and left unattended at night. None of this sat well with me as my well behaved, very social pup has never done well w/crates. I also don't find it a good use of money to pay to board an animal that is unattended the majority of the time. My pooch gets so excited as we start getting close to LDC & that reiterates why I love this place. There's also an interview process for pets & pet parents to make sure the camp is a good fit for everyone, and that is one more thing I really respect about LDC. I'm so grateful for the love, care & wonderful service Carolyn & her amazing staff provide. read more

OUTSTANDING camp for dogs. For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would write a negative review about Love Dogs Camp. I interpret Chrissy P's review as nothing more than a disgruntled employee who vented her hard feelings in a public forum. I could not be more pleased with this wonderful camp for dogs. Carolyn and Jennifer are far and away superior in their handling and knowledge of dogs and they provide a safe, active, loving environment for the dogs in their care. My dog, Pierre, has not been exposed to many other dogs and, because of that, I have always been hesitant to leave him at any boarding facility. My fears were completely unfounded when I was fortunate enough to find Carolyn and her superior facility. Pierre immediately integrated into his surroundings and played easily with the other dogs. I highly recommend Love Dogs Camp to anyone looking to leave their dog(s) in an environment that will provide your pet the same love and care you would give him. You won't regret it. read more

We have been taking our dog to Loves Dog Camp for over a year now. We have used their day care services, their overnight boarding and their grooming service. I have been completely delighted with the care and love that my dog receives from this facility. I have a high energy dog that needs lots of exercise and here she gets exercise while being in the safest environment. She is never without a human monitoring her play and exercise. She is always delighted to go to day care. She bounces up as soon as we turn into the facility and can't wait to join the other dogs for her day of fun. This tells me what I need to know about how she is treated, she loves it there. When we have left her for overnight stays we didn't have to worry about her being alone in a kennel as this facility has sofas and even beds, no kennels. She was cared for just as if she were home with us in our bedroom. When left for overnight stays she returns to us relaxed and happy. We also use their grooming services which is wonderful because she isn't waiting in a cage while a groomer is doing other dogs. She is able to play and exercise until it is her turn and then come home beautifully groomed with no stress from the experience. The groomer is actually trained in grooming dogs who do not like grooming. My dog was much more uncomfortable with grooming when we first went to Love Dogs, now she is very calm and doesn't mind grooming a bit. This convinced me that the groomer was experienced with hesitant dogs. I can't think of a better place for my dog. We are very pleased with all the staff and all the services we get at Love Dogs Camp. Most important of all , we are totally confident that our dog is safe and happy while she is there. They are the best and I would happily recommend them to everyone. read more

My little dog (7 lbs)) Rose has had such a great experience with Carolyn ! She now eats raw baby carrots (rather than dog cookies) pumpkin, brown rice and ground turkey with her dog kibble. Thanks to Carolyn I'm sure she will have a MUCH healthier life. Thanks for the diet tips ! read more

I picked up my dog a few days ago after his recent stay over the holiday. This is the only place that I trust with my dog because I know he'll get the same care he gets at home, he'll get human food and he'll sleep in a bed with someone. He's always happy, healthy and clean when I pick him up. In fact this time when I dropped him off he was so happy to see Carolyn he didn't bother to look back, he was off and running. Thank you Carolyn and Jennifer for your excellent care. read more

Several months ago we found Love Dogs CAMP. My wife and I are so happy we have found this lovely place for our very active Portuguese water dog. It has been a wonderful place for her to enjoy the company of other dogs, learn a few manners and have a terrific time. We are so relieved to have a place where we can leave her when we are out of town, that is as warm and happy a place as she has at home. She enjoys going to the camp so much that she starts jumping excitedly as we get near the facility. This tells me all I need to know about how she is treated. We not only use the camp for over night stays but also take her for fun day care. This gives our very energetic dog a good workout and she is happy and content and no longer looking for things to get into. I have found the owner and the employees to be kind, knowledgeable and very professional. The dogs are never left on their own, they always have human supervision. I trust the professionalism of both owner and employees to keep my dog safe. Again we are very happy with the service we have received, that's why we are willing to drive from San Luis Obispo. read more