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A Day at a Luxury Dog Resort: Doggieville is Every Pup’s Dream

If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you probably know by now that Henry’s first birthday is right around the corner, so we thought it would be a great time to schedule his first ever groom! Henry has only ever had baths at home, and I’m no groomer. Living in the city, I never really could get him 100% clean, plus he’s not a big fan of the blow dryer. Also, considering how anxious and excited we all know Henry can get, I needed to find the right place that would be able to handle him, that would take their time and of course, make him look fabulous. Needless to say, I was already nervous about the whole thing; I wanted to make sure Smol’s first groom would be a positive experience. Well, when we booked with Doggieville, the luxurious Montreal dog resort, the entire process from start to finish was an absolute dream!

HENRY THE SMOL

This one-of-a-kind doggie complex is a one-stop shop for all your dog’s needs

Dog with life vest near swimming pool
Dog getting in the pool

If you ever wished for a dog resort where you could leave your fur-baby for the day, get them groomed, shop for them, enjoy a meal with them AND go swimming with them, look no further than Doggieville Montreal.

Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?  That’s because this one-of-a-kind doggie complex is a one-stop shop for all your dog’s needs right near the Lachine Canal—which is so conveniently located for us! You can really tell that DV’s founder and CEO, Tatiana Custode, put so much thought into creating a beautiful, welcoming luxurious dog resort that caters to both dogs and their pawrents. This passion is carried through to her entire team. From the moment we walked in, we knew that Henry was going to be in great hands. In fact, even before heading over there, our initial interactions through Instagram DMs or by email were always very professional, reassuring and offering many helpful details. Each service they offer is named after a pup in the founder’s family: Sam’s Lodge (boarding), Ruby’s Café (restaurant), Chloe’s Spaw (grooming), Lola’s Corner (shopping) and Yoda’s Splash (hydrotherapy). Plus, there are additional services like daycare, an indoor play area and behavioural training. You can even book their venue, Le Lab, for your next doggie event! (HELLO, Henry’s 2nd birthday pawty!)

We had a whole morning planned and boy was Henry in for a treat: a hydrotherapy session at the Yoda’s Splash Pool, followed by a groom at Chloe’s Spaw. When we first arrived, we were greeted by the groomer who took the time to go through all our needs and make sure we set our expectations with her. I really appreciated this, considering how nervous I was. I’ve heard horror stories of groomers accidentally shaving Cavaliers; I think I repeated myself over twenty times that I didn’t want Henry shaved under any circumstances (sorry guys! It was the nerves talking!)

Once all the details were discussed, we were then greeted by the lovely Lola who would be Henry’s hydrotherapist for the pool session. She immediately put Henry at ease with her warm welcome—and of course, treats! As she geared Henry up with a life vest for his swim sesh, she walked us through the process. Henry had only been swimming once before, and for a very short period of time, so this would essentially be his first true swimming experience. Lola began to slowly introduce Henry to the water by guiding him down the entry ramp with a treat. She explained that this process would assure him in knowing where the exit of the pool was, so he wouldn’t panic in the water. Repetition and rewards were key here in making sure this would be a pawsitive experience for Henry. The more he demonstrated good behaviour, the more he was rewarded and the more he enjoyed himself. (You can check out his Instagram stories to see how he did!) In fact, Doggieville uses a unique technique called the P.E.A.R.L. method. This is actually how they introduce the dogs to all their services, the goal being that the doggos actually want to live whatever situation or experience they’re in. You can read more about their method here. I would definitely repeat the hydrotherapy experience. This service seems especially interesting for pups with joint issues or who have just undergone surgery and would need rehabilitation. Check out their pricing here. 

Dog swimming with trainer
wet dog wearing life vest

Once Henry ate all the treats—and then some!—and dried off a little, we left him in the trusting hands of the DV crew for his first grooming. We had absolutely no doubt he’d be well looked-after, and we were right. Their behavioural groomers did an outstanding job: upon our return, he came prancing around the corner with the biggest grin on his face, looking so floofy and fresh. We knew the experience had been positive for him. Of course, Henry’s first grooming session was fit for a king. They trimmed his nails and cleaned his ears, gave him not one, but two baths—one for deep cleaning and a second express one—each with natural, environmentally friendly shampoos. This was followed by a blueberry facial—yes, yes, you read that right—which they say is their secret to keeping the puppy kisses smelling amazing (they’re right!) The finishing touches included thoroughly brushing his coat and giving him an overall refreshing trim. He is the softest he’s ever been and smells AMAZING. I’m so glad we opted for trimming his little “grinch paws”, I think this is going to be so much cleaner for us in general, walking in the city, plus I find it makes his paws look like cute little cupcakes! Adorable! You can find their complete list of grooming services and pricing here. 

On top of swimming and grooming, a week earlier, we had the pleasure of attending the launch pawty for Ruby’s Café, their super cute dog-friendly restaurant. Delicious meals and treats (for both humans & dogs!) fill their menu—little preview of what you can expect, below! 

I’ve always found that a lot of the human food in most dog-cafés is an after-thought, but not at Doggieville. It’s so wonderful to be able to enjoy good food and not have to leave my dog at home. They’re also very mindful of COVID safety regulations, as well as social distancing rules. We felt very safe throughout our time there, and we can’t wait to go back! And, Henry got to make a bunch of new friends. Ruby’s Café officially opens its doors to the public this Saturday August 15. Grab your best furriends and reserve your table. Make sure you try out one of their delicious new cocktails!

Suffice it to say, I cannot recommend Doggieville enough: the staff of this luxurious dog resort is attentive and passionate and the quality of the services and product you’re receiving is top notch. It’s such a genius concept and I wish this place nothing but great success. If you—like I—believe your dog deserves nothing but the best, then this is definitely the place for you. International dog moms, if you’re ever in Montreal, DV is a must. Thank-you so much to the DV crew for taking such great care of us. We loved our day at Doggieville so much that we’ll be leaving Henry at daycare tomorrow! This will be an excellent way for him to socialize with other pups, all while tiring him out and hopefully, will help to deal with the separation anxiety he’s been displaying recently! To be continued…

To learn more about all the awesome services Doggieville Montreal has to offer, check out their website here: www.doggievillemtl.com 

Enjoy!

4 Comments

  1. That is wonderful that henry had such a great experience! We have been several times and adore DV. Cant wait to go again once the cafe is opened up!

  2. dELIGHTFUL READING AS ALWAYS!!!I can taste the pleasure!!!

  3. Isn’t it just the best?! We must get the pups together for a play date there soon!

  4. It was definitely a great time! Maybe Lupo can visit sometime!!

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