About us
Connie Apling has always had a great passion for animals, and had a variety of “critters” as she was growing up. In 1969 Connie began training and competing with Arabian horses, earning several Regional and National honors. In 1995 she made the transition to competing with dogs, and has earned numerous titles in agility, obedience, herding, and conformation. It is the many years experience of hands on training and competing with her own dogs that gives Connie the knowledge and understanding of how a dog’s mind work. Not all dogs read the “books”. Connie also continue to educate herself by attending seminars and workshops given by some of the top behaviorist in the world. Some of the seminars she has attended have been by Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, and Suzanne Clothier, too name a few. Using positive methods Connie has been teaching people and their dogs since 1996, and has logged over 2,000+ hours of training. Connie has worked with a wide variety of dogs, evaluating temperament and modifying behavioral problems. In her daycare she has breeds ranging from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. Several of the local Veterinaries and their staff have taken classes with Connie at K9 Playhouse, and regularly refer their clients. Connie is a certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) evaluator for AKC, offering testing throughout the year. She has taken and passed the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class. Connie has been actively involved with Doberman Rescue since 1995, helping with transportation, placement, fostering, and evaluations of temperament of Dobermans.
Business highlights
22 years of experience
Services we offer
Dog Daycare, Obedience Classes, Agility Classes, Behavioral Modification, Private Consultations
Amenities
Eco Friendly Accreditations
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- Check
Reviews
4.69 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 78% | ||
| 11% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 11% | ||
| 0% |
Filter reviews by service
Showing 1-9 of 9 reviews
Dawn M.
Dec 2013
Animal Training Service, Animal & House Sitting + 1 more
He seems to love it there! He is much less hyper after spending the day at her place. Connie is very and quot;by the bookand quot; and keeps all
things sanitized and everyone up on immunizations, etc. It's neat to
come to pick him up and see the group of dogs all calmly interacting.
Connie is magic that way! :)
things sanitized and everyone up on immunizations, etc. It's neat to
come to pick him up and see the group of dogs all calmly interacting.
Connie is magic that way! :)
Karyn R.
Jul 2012
Animal & House Sitting
Fabulous overall...best thing you can do for your dog.
Bernie H.
Jun 2012
Animal & House Sitting
I like it, because my dogs like to go there. It's dog day care. The women that runs it, is super smart about all things dog. She also is my consultant about everything, out side of my Vet. She is awesome! I purchase a card of 10 visits, and because I have more than one dog that goes there, it costs $160 for 10 visits.
Kathy W.
Jun 2011
Animal Training Service
The class was limited to 10 dog participants, which was the right size. Our dog was given the individual attention we expected and then some. As experienced dog owners we found the food reward method to be much more acceptable than other obedience class and quot;correctionand quot; based methods. Connie took time to address many individual issues which only added to the positive experience of the class. Connie teaches dog owners how to train their dogs. Class participants are given the knowledge and skills to teach their dogs to be mannerly companions. Experienced dog owners know dog training is a continual on-going thing throughout the dog's life. Connie has a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of dog-ownership. She truly enjoys what she does and loves dogs....... and it shows.
Connie also offers and quot;doggy daycareand quot; where dogs can be dogs and play with other dogs. She and her staff offer a safe, well supervised environment for dogs to have fun. When we drop our dog off for a play day we do so knowing that he is in good hands and will come home a tired and very happy dog.
Connie continues to be a great source of information. I've had many questions on a variety of dog-related issues and she always takes the time to offer suggestions, etc.
We highly recommend both Connie's obedience classes and the doggy daycare. Our dog gives K9 Playhouse four paws up!!
Connie also offers and quot;doggy daycareand quot; where dogs can be dogs and play with other dogs. She and her staff offer a safe, well supervised environment for dogs to have fun. When we drop our dog off for a play day we do so knowing that he is in good hands and will come home a tired and very happy dog.
Connie continues to be a great source of information. I've had many questions on a variety of dog-related issues and she always takes the time to offer suggestions, etc.
We highly recommend both Connie's obedience classes and the doggy daycare. Our dog gives K9 Playhouse four paws up!!
Melissa S.
Jun 2011
Animal Training Service
I have done obedience classes with my current pet (and love of my life ;o) ) and agility classes with both my previous dog , some years ago, and this dog currently at K9 Playhouse. I and quot;trainedand quot; my current dog at home and did not bring him to obedience classes until 4 years of age, and I still felt I received a wealth of information and training ideas, even if I thought he already knew some things. Along with taking the classes, I have also done a private session with Connie, and I will be doing more whenever needed! She was extremely informative and helpful and was always checking with me to see if there was anything else she could help me with or any other questions I had! I have noticed she does this in her classes a lot too! Awesome! I have spoken with the owner, Connie Apling, individually several times about questions regarding resolving some behaviors and training ideas, she has ALWAYS taken the time to answer my questions and demonstrate if needed. Her training methods are completely positive and all reward- based, which makes it fun to train because my dog is having such a great time, he thinks it's the greatest place ever! (Which of course makes me the greatest to him because I bring him!) :o)
I work at a local veterinarian's office and am a licensed Veterinary Technician, and I recommend this training facility to our clients often.
I work at a local veterinarian's office and am a licensed Veterinary Technician, and I recommend this training facility to our clients often.
Julie B.
Jun 2011
Animal Training Service
This is the place to go in the Cedar Valley if you are looking for a dedicated trainer who can help your relationship with your dog. The facility is neat and tidy and creates a safe learning environment for you and your pet. The classes are beyond the basic "sit" "stay" and help you use a positive method which will make your pet want to work with you. If you run into problems, the privates lessons are great. Daycare is wonderful if your pet needs to burn some energy while you are at work. There are other places in the area but this is the trainer who truly understands canine behavior and can motivate you and your dog in a positive way. PS-once you have the obedience foundation down, try out agility. You will love it!!!
Kelsey W.
Jun 2011
Animal Training Service
I can not recommend this facility enough! I have been bringing my dog to K9 Playhouse for the past two years. We take advantage of everything that Connie Apling has to offer including obedience classes, doggie daycare, and agility training.
My first impression of her facility was that it was VERY clean! The area used for obedience and agility is very large so there is plenty of space to work. My classes have consisted of small numbers of dogs, so there is plenty of time to address individual concerns. Because of our obedience work with Connie, my dog is a joy to walk. He does not pull and is trained to and quot;watchand quot; me in distracting situations such as seeing a squirrel or another dog. My dog is quite large with lots of energy, so I appreciate having this confidence and control.
We come to K9 Playhouse at least twice a week and my dog couldn't be more excited to get there! Connie and her assistant Lori have a great love and understanding of dogs and it shows in the quality services they offer. I completely recommend them!
My first impression of her facility was that it was VERY clean! The area used for obedience and agility is very large so there is plenty of space to work. My classes have consisted of small numbers of dogs, so there is plenty of time to address individual concerns. Because of our obedience work with Connie, my dog is a joy to walk. He does not pull and is trained to and quot;watchand quot; me in distracting situations such as seeing a squirrel or another dog. My dog is quite large with lots of energy, so I appreciate having this confidence and control.
We come to K9 Playhouse at least twice a week and my dog couldn't be more excited to get there! Connie and her assistant Lori have a great love and understanding of dogs and it shows in the quality services they offer. I completely recommend them!
Shane S.
Jun 2011
Animal Training Service, Animal Boarding Kennels
Great instruction.
Small class sizes.
Caring and informative teacher.
She helps you understand why our canines think the way they do.
Very patient in answering question.
Uses positive enforcement. :)
Truly cares about you and your K9 relationship.
Small class sizes.
Caring and informative teacher.
She helps you understand why our canines think the way they do.
Very patient in answering question.
Uses positive enforcement. :)
Truly cares about you and your K9 relationship.
Lindsy A.
May 2011
Animal Training Service
Called to explain situation with dog, his dog aggressive behavior. She did not want to talk over the phone I understood that she said people would call get the advise and not show up. So I paid for a private session she just kind of stood there told me my dog wasn't purebred (I have papers) and told me one thing I could do. She never worked with my dog nor gave me any other tips. This cost me $30.00 So I wanted to see how she would train him in a big group so I enrolled him in the obedience classes. First of all the classes were WAY TO BIG! I've had him in other classes where there were maybe 3 dogs this one had over 10! For a dog that does not like other dogs which she knew this was awful! Her idea of training how to walk on a leash is you bent over the whole time with treats as they walk you feed them. There was a family there with a puppy who wouldn't stop barking she YELLED AT THEM! And told them she couldn't continue if they could make their dog be silent. This is why they were there was help on that problem! From what I hear she does great with the agility training. Unfortunately we weren't there for that and as far as I'm concerned she has no clue how to train dogs that aren't already trained. She can teach them new tricks up to change bad behavior shes got no clue. Don't waste your money check into other places.
Response from K9 Playhouse
"The private session ran over the 30 minutes, and there was no extra charge to Member. During the private, counter conditioning - turning a "bad" behavior into a good behavior - was talked about in detail. Using Member's dog I demostrated how to teach her dog to like seeing other dogs. I showed Member how to use food to redirect her dog to look at her when her dog sees another dog. My obedience classes are limited to 10 students, in a 60' x 88' enclosed building, which allows plenty of room for reactive dogs. I do use food as a reward for training, paying the dogs for the correct behavior, such as walking at your side on a loose leash. I welcome Member, or anybody, to contact me about her/their dissatisfactions, so that I may have a chance to resovle their complaints."
Licensing
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FAQ
K9 Playhouse is currently rated 4.6 overall out of 5.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
K9 Playhouse accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, K9 Playhouse does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, K9 Playhouse offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, K9 Playhouse does not offer a senior discount.
No, K9 Playhouse does not offer emergency services.
No, K9 Playhouse does not offer warranties.
K9 Playhouse offers the following services: Dog Daycare, Obedience Classes, Agility Classes, Behavioral Modification, Private Consultations