NORTHâWEBSTER – With years of experience working at an animal hospital and intensive certification not found in the area, Ashley Mettham decided to strike out on her own as owner of The Dog House.
Located at 214 N. Main St., North Webster, The Dog House is a full-service business for dog owners.
Doors open for the new business Saturday.
From grooming to training, merchandise to eventually boarding and doggy day care, The Dog House has something to offer for anyone with a canine companion.
Mettham has spent eight years as a veterinary assistant at the Animal Hospital of Syracuse and began training dogs nine years ago.
“I started doing it as a hobby but then it grew into doing agility and eventually advanced obedience,” said Mettham.
In 2010 she earned the Certified Pet Dog Trainer designation from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
The certification requires a minimum of 300 hours of training with 75 percent of those hours required to be as a head trainer. The other 25 percent have to be earned working at an animal hospital, which she gained at the Animal Hospital of Syracuse.
Mettham then had to take an extensive exam to test both her experience and hands-on knowledge.
Before she could even sit for that exam she needed references from both vet colleagues and clients.
The certification also requires regular continuing education.
Mettham is the only person in Kosciusko County with such a designation.
Mettham, along with her husband Michael, have entered into the business and teamed up with April Hostetler.
Hostetler has been a local groomer for 16 years and will be doing groomings on the businesses’ opening day and full time thereafter.
For Mettham, her passion lies in agility and training.
“I think any dog, no matter the age, will benefit from basic obedience class,” said Mettham. “It teaches dogs and owners how dogs learn without harsh corrections or being aggressive.” Mettham also said The Dog House will offer basic and intermediate agility and training demonstrations.
“Agility, fun games, it gives them something to do,” said Mettham. “If you have a really active dog that wants to play, it can be any breed. Training can be really beneficial.”
Along with group training, The Dog House also has one-on-one training available by appointment for a variety of behavioral issues.
The Dog House also will have Saturdays where dog owners can come and do open “Run With Your Dog” events.
The soft opening will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a grand opening to follow in the coming weeks.
The Dog House will be open through the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Hostetler will start at 6:30 a.m. during the week. She takes appointments as well as walk-ins.
Class times vary, but will initially take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursdays.
Agility training will take place Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-on-one training is available by appointment only.
“Not only will classes benefit the dog, but the owners get something out of the classes by learning how to effectively interact with their pets as well,” said Mettham.
“I think the bond with the dog is the most important thing,” said Mettham. “As long as they’re teaching the dog in a positive manner and keeping the dog active, it improves the dog’s quality of life.”
Mettham said she is excited to have the downtown North Webster location but with her training and expertise is ready and willing to accept clients from all over Kosciusko County and beyond.
The Dog House will sell food, toys, training devices such as gentle leaders, easy-walk harnesses, as well as apparel, homemade dog treats and biscuits.
For more information, call Mettham or April Hostetler at 574-538-7308 or 574-831-3491.
