The Dog House

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Dog Attacked - Other Dog NOT Banned
We have been taking our Great Dane puppy to The Dog House to play since he was just a few months old. He's is almost 10 months now. This morning, shortly after I dropped him off, I got a call from them stating "another dog had gone after" our dog and he had some bleeding punctures around hi neck and on his ear. She assured me our dog did nothing wrong and that he was fine and did not need vet attention or to even be picked up. Feeling nervous, I contacted my vet for advice. The vet recommend that I bring him in as dog bites carry a very high risk of infection. Following their recommendation I went to The Dog House to pick our dog up. Upon arrival, I spoke with the same employee that called me. I told her the vet recommended that he be seen. She responded by LAUGHING at me and stating that her dogs get similar punctures all the time and are "fine." Who is she to override the vets recommendation ? Pretty sure there is no DVM behind her name.
I asked if the other dog would be allowed back and she said yes, but not to worry because they put in a note that our two dogs should be separated. Having been assured that my dog did nothing to provoke the attack this is very concerning. What about other people's dogs? I was then told that the other dog probably went after mine because my dog isn't neutered yet and is "big." I clarified that their rule was no unFixed dogs over 1 year. She stated that was true, but again that our dog was "big." I guess that makes it ok?
While we realize that things can happen with any bunch of dogs, The Dog House handled the situation very poorly. There should be a zero tolerance policy against aggressive dogs. Clearly the that is not the case. When a dog is injured in their care, they should be supportive of the owners desire to follow veterinarian recommendations. Never once did we receive any kind of apology, but were instead told to bring our dog back once he was neutered so he wouldn't be a target. So backwards! Needless to say we will not be taking our dog back. Our dog had to have his neck shaved, wounds cleaned, and is now on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. I'm a night shift nurse and also had to call out of work to deal with this situation. Very disappointed all around.

When my husband & I moved to Wilmington, NC, we were so worried about finding a great boarding place for our 2 basset hounds. We didn't want the traditional dog-runs and a staff too busy to care about them. The Dog House is a DREAM come true! Our dogs are so happy there and love the play time. Plus, we love the Facebook photos when we are gone. The place is also so clean -- you'd never know dogs were there 24/7. The staff is wonderful too. DEFINITELY go here if you live in Wilmington & want your dog(s) to stay at a wonderful place.

Not impressed with this place at all. I was 8 minutes late picking up my dog (first time being late, it usually never happens), and the girl working at the front desk basically yelled at me and was very rude about my tardiness. I thought it was uncalled for considering I was barely late. She acted like I made her wait around for 20 minutes or more. So they will never have my business again. A very dumb move, considering how competitive it is in Wilmington with 5 or 6 other doggy daycares.