Atlas Doghouse

T.R. Banks

2024-02

I have to start by saying that my puppy really loved this place. I was so excited to have finally found a daycare home for him. Unfortunately, it was short lived. The first instance of difficulty we had was the employees didn’t know how to start my membership, so it was a real headache. I was wrongfully charged a couple times too. Then, my leash was given away to someone else and while that’s annoying, it’s a human error so we wanted to offer grace. my wife and I were super thankful because the fixed both issues!! They bought a new Kong leash AND harness to replace it, and we were given I think $150 credit to use for the errors in charges. I used the credit initially to see if we wanted to move forward with membership given everything, and unfortunately it still went a bit left.I drop my puppy off with food daily, and that day I sent lunch and dinner because we had a late work day. I picked him up after more than 11 hours there and they gave him NO FOOD the whole day. Gave his bag back to me full of his food. Even worse, Farmers dog is fresh food and it’s very expensive, so when I realized as I got settled that his lunchbox was still full of two portions of food, I was highly disappointed. My dog is a puppy, so food is super important right now for his development, especially in a high activity environment. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from this place because they really are sweet. But they lack certain routine structure that checks and balances where humans may cause errors. I won’t be a customer again because it was all too much for me, but I do hope the tighten those loose ends. We take our pup to DoozyDog now and it’s A M A Z I N G. Check em out if you want a more well rounded option! Atlas doghouse also doesn’t have a bath service like DoozyDog, so your dog will definitely come home smelling of urine and whatever else unless you bathe him yourself daily.Best of luck to atlas nonetheless.

Steve L

2024-03

We have been using Atlas for over five years and there are not enough good words to describe the professionalism, experience, thoroughness, and overall friendliness we've experienced at their primary H St location as well as their new Capitol Hill location. Our dog loves each and every staff member and (sometimes frustratingly) is so well-behaved with all of them. Aside from the wonderful daycare and boarding experiences, Roxy will run up to their walkers on the street while we're on our own walks to greet them; they've alerted us a cut on her eye that we didn't see and helped treat it; they kept her separate and comfortable from other dogs when she suddenly got sick until we could return; they watched her with absolutely no notice for a week when we had to rush to the hospital for an early labor delivery; and these are just the extraordinary moments that stand out among the "routine" care we receive.

Bethany Hunter

2024-03

We've been sending our dog to daycare, boarding or even using their dog walking services since she was 6 months old. She's 5 now for context. When I first called I said that she wasn't the best with strangers or other dogs and Danny said, "she's a puppy, I'm not worried at all." When I tell you that Atlas is her favorite place, I couldn't mean it more. From a treat every morning from Nicolle to the best belly runs from Stephanie every night. Our girl loves it at Atlas. She still hates most people and doesn't get along with other dogs at dog parks but Atlas is a place that I've always been able to trust with our reactive dog and I have absolutely no idea what we'd do without them. Rest easy sending your pups here, they really know how to make them happy and keep them safe at the same time.

Anita Phoenix (Steph)

2024-03

I have worked for Atlas Doghouse for 6 years now and I must say they are the best dog daycare around! It’s completely cage-free! Every dog gets a bed and blanket, they have clean water bowls down for the dogs 24-7 and it’s just a fun team with an awesome open plan facility! I really love the dogs at my job and would never want to work anywhere else!!

Glory Rae

2024-03

This review is coming from the parent of a dog who has been historically, incredibly difficult to board. Leaving my dog, Ricky, has always been tough because he becomes incredibly anxious, doesn't eat for days, and often comes home with bald spots from overly cleaning himself from stress. I had considered cancelling an upcoming trip as I was struggling to find pet care, but decided to bring Ricky to Atlas for the trial day. I was immediately impressed by the team and professionalism. I booked a boarding for Ricky and getting his report card was the highlight of my day. It appears that in a cage-free environment, each day he made more and more friends and came out of his shell. I actually feel like this boarding experience was a positive experience for him to socialize - THAT'S INCREDIBLY RARE! I want to give a shout out to manager, Stephanie, alongside the whole team, for going above in beyond in communication, professionalism, and customer service. I will be a repeat customer and can't thank you enough for taking care of Ricky.

Anna Hansen

2024-03

Our dog Morty has been going to daycare and boarding at Atlas for more than three years and it has become a second home and family to us. Every person that works there goes above and beyond to care for your pet and for that I am eternally grateful. Cannot recommend Atlas enough.

Lori DOrazio

2024-04

Atlas is THE only daycare I would trust with my little one! The staff is super attentive (even with special health needs), responsive, and amazing to both pups and their humans. We LOVE it here!!

Anna Lofton

2023-08

We used Atlas for dog training and are so so pleased. We have a French Bulldog that is generally aggressive with children and with other dogs. Thomas helped us understand the root causes and worked with us on solutions. We saw a difference literally within the first visit, and by the third visit our dog wasn’t even barking around other dogs. Thomas is mindful of your time, friendly, and super knowledgeable. We are extremely happy and highly recommend him.

Bernadette

2023-10

If you are looking for a dog trainer who is knowledgeable, patient and incredibly kind, then you need to work with Tom. My dogs were having a tough time adjusting to their new lives in DC and all the newness that comes with it and thankfully, Tom was able to quickly identify some key changes that made a world of difference in all of our lives. He helped me to understand their triggers and how to navigate their behavior. He is incredibly knowledgeable and what I appreciate the most is that he doesn’t just tell you what to do, but he helps you understand why these training techniques work. Book with Tom, you won't regret it.

Malinda Harrell

2023-05

Update: I wanted to add info on their training services with Thomas. I needed help getting my dog to walk without trying to lunge towards every other dog on the sidewalk, and I met with Thomas. It was really remarkable how fast my dog responded to his methods! I previously was using methods from another trainer and they just weren't working, but Thomas does things differently. It's more of a holistic approach that makes a lot of sense intuitively, and I really think I'm well set up for success now. I completely recommend him and will be returning to him whenever I need more help with my energetic young pup!Atlas Doghouse is really helping my new rescue dog build her social skills! She went in for her evaluation for daycare, and they gave me a nice detailed update with pictures halfway through her day, and I got more helpful feedback when I picked her up. She was shy that first time, but bust out of her shell the next time, and the plan is to keep going every week so she can work on her socialization. My training can only do so much, so interacting with other dogs is filling in that missing piece. I have full confidence in the staff to watch over her and the other dogs, so I'm not worried about her while she's there. This is going to be a great boarding option now too since I know she enjoys going. I'm grateful for Atlas!

Jeremy Lecraw

2023-06

Do yourself a favor and call Atlas! My Great Pyrenees has had aggression issues for most of his life unfortunately. I tried 2 other behaviorist before and had seen almost zero positive change. Three sessions with Atlas & Thomas and my boy is practically a new dog. The training is a combo of positive reinforcement and behavioral corrections with a focus on evolution. They really help you understand why your pup acts the way they do. I can’t say enough about how wonderful Thomas has been. He was responsive, helpful, and patient. Just the best!

anfal ali

2022-05

I reached out to Atlas for their one on one training services. Prior to I had gone through a few trainers and I did not want to sign up for those super expensive one time training sessions with no guarantee. Thomas was a miracle worker honestly. Benny went from a sweet fluffy 15 pound puppy to a 60 pound 6 month terror! Was just unmanageable and overwhelming to deal with outside our home. In the house, he was the sweetest dog. We kept trying our previous trainer’s method and it was just not working to modify his behavior at all. I was pretty frustrated and super stressed taking him outside for walks. Everyone in the building was scared of him, it was just generally not a good time in our home lol. Thomas sat down and explained everything for the first 30min, and then we went on a walk. I can honestly say I watched my dog transform. It was such a weight off my shoulder, within an hour he was more manageable, well behaved, and calm. Then I would walk him and Thomas would give me pointers. Thomas made it VERY clear this was a one and done training session, not an on going saga of just handing over your money. He trained you and showed you the tools he uses. You are expected to do the work after that. He does offer follow up sessions if you are having specific problems. Which we did! He was great following up to see how things have progressed and when I had an issue he came right back, which I appreciated alot! I can honestly say Benny is a new dog and I feel much more in control and confident about handling him. Ive recommended Thomas to strangers on the street who have the same look I had when my dog was barking, lunging, pulling and not listening.

Brittany McChesney

2022-05

My dog Lou is an anxious boy who can’t handle kennels or crates, so Atlas came to our rescue. Fighting DC traffic is EASY knowing that Lou will be taken care of while I’m working. Not to mention, when I had a car break-in/emergency happen at home, Atlas accommodated the delays in me being able to pick Lou up on time. They were generous, understanding, and truly a source of calm for me on an otherwise very stressful day. I am grateful for them and they have earned a lifetime customer in me!

LaNita King

2023-09

We work with Thomas on behavioral training and other training techniques with our one year old puppy.Thomas is SUPER knowledgeable and explains things in a very clear way. He works hard to make sure you understand what you are doing and why and effectively trains you on how to train your dog and apply it in different situations if need be. Our puppy started have some concerning behavior changes recently and Thomas was only a text and zoom call away to advise next steps.More importantly, our pup LOVES Thomas and gets very excited when he gets to see him during training!

Chad Nieboer

2022-05

You can trust Atlas Doghouse with your pup and the guidance they give. I was on the brink of having to return my rescue and needed to board him until I could finalize the arrangements. A 30 minute conversation with the owner, Danny, and his counsel put me on the path to keep my new family member, Buddy. Since that day in 2018, Buddy and I have grown and learned together and Atlas is with us every step of the way.

Lauren K

2022-05

I have used Atlas Doghouse for training, walking, boarding, and daycare. Ruby was a wild woman who wouldn’t listen to the training methods that worked on all my other dogs, so I sent her to Danny and now she is a very well behaved young lady. Prior to the pandemic, I used Atlas for walking. Ruby absolutely loved Marcus and all my neighbors would tell me what a good job he did with her. Ruby now lives for going to daycare! She actually gets depressed if I don’t send her enough. She is well taken care of even with all her food allergies so I never have to worry. Can’t say enough good things about this place and everyone who works there!

Elaine Block

2023-10

Atlas is great; their trainer Thomas is AMAZING! One session with Thomas was enough to change my relationship with my Pit mix, who now knows he isn’t in charge and is much more fun to be around. T is worth every penny.

Charlotte

2022-05

My eight-month-old Spinone had only ever done daycare in small settings via Rover, and Atlas was the first place where she’d ever gone to big girl daycare. The folks at Atlas were both patient with my neuroses (no, youuuuuu called them multiple times to inquire after your dog’s emotional well-being and the composition of her friend group) and accommodating to my little Birdie. She boarded for an evening a couple weeks later, and came home tuckered out and blissful.The staff clearly loves dogs and they keep a close eye on your pups! Her first day at daycare, Birdie approached a dog who wasn’t into her affections. They separated them, told me about it when I rang to check in, and appear to have been proactive at the first sign that the other dog wasn’t in the mood. The fact that they group dogs based on play style and energy levels rather than temperament is also a huge plus, as I have a gentle giant who prefers a small dog friend.The only drawbacks: No camera feed! I would also love it if they adopted a District Dogs-style approach of composing a report card with pictures. Neither of these things makes me want to take Birdie somewhere that isn’t Atlas, though— that’s saying something from this helicopter dog parent!

Adam Fishman

2023-05

Very nice people. They took care of our two Danes hassle free. Every request was a YES. Our pups came home tired and happy.They had no idea I actually own a dog day care in another state. They did everything right.

Haley Sands Byers

2023-05

Atlas Doghouse has been a great, super convenient option for our dog over the last couple years. She was definitely a little timid at first but has grown to love playing with her doggo friends as the Atlas staff made her feel more and more comfortable each time. Also love that they give her a quick bath before we pick her up!

Nick Kampf

2023-12

Love their new spaces on Bethesda Ave in Bethesda and the one in Capital Hill. Same great spirit as the original on H St. Happy dog happy owner. They love the dogs and they come out calm and well behaved.

Annet Isa

2023-05

We went to Atlas Dog House for behavior training for our 2 year old staffie mix and worked with Thomas, who is amazing. Post-training, we get so many compliments on our pup's demeanor while walking. Thanksgiving visitors raved about how well she listened. There's a little more work to do but thanks to the confidence we gained from Atlas, we know we can do it!

Bruce Grindy

2023-05

We 100% recommend Thomas at Atlas Doghouse for personal dog training. We were having a few challenges with our 2 pups, and Thomas gave us the tools and techniques we needed to change their (and our) behavior. It was amazing how quickly it happened, and it was all because of Thomas. He not only taught us what to do, but also why it's important from the dogs' perspective. That made all the difference.Order has been restored to our household, though Thomas will always remain on speed dial in case any new issues arise.

Jeff

2022-05

My partner and I are new to the area and it was really important to us to find a place that can take care of our two big dogs as we are frequently out of town. We both have pretty high standards for doggy daycare, and Atlas has exceeded our expectations!The staff are so welcoming and friendly, and it’s clear they really care about each dog that comes in. They’ve gotten to know our dogs’ personalities and share stories about them when we pick them up. One of our dogs has allergies, and the staff are very attentive and always make sure he gets separate treats.Atlas also makes scheduling really easy through their app or by calling. Even though space is limited, they always try to accommodate us. Recently we traveled for Thanksgiving and had to board our dogs, and Atlas was full by the time we called. They put us on the waiting list and kept us constantly updated, knowing we were in a tight spot. Somehow, space opened up and they called us immediately and got us in. It really felt like they did everything they could to make sure our holiday went smoothly. And we were so thankful!Finally, Atlas does great with the space they have. They don’t use cages and the dogs have beds to rest in. Staff are always closely supervising the dogs. The dogs seem to have a great time in the indoor space. Our boys always come home happy and exhausted!In all, we couldn’t be happier we found Atlas here in DC. And a shout out to Stephanie, who always goes the extra mile to make our boys feel special!

Caroline Campbell

2022-05

We had our first dog training today with Danny at Atlas. Couldn't have asked for more clear and concise direction for how to correct a few behavioral issues with our pup. Danny listened to our needs and gave us step by step directions on how we as parents should interact and train our dog with positive reinforcement and reward. He was focused and engaged and really passionate about helping us learn.We have used a handful of trainers in the last two years and Danny by far is one of the best. We have begun using what we learned in our session today -- and seeing a change already with our dog.

Jamie

2022-05

Atlas Doghouse has been a godsend. As a first time dog owner I found myself a little bit overwhelmed trying to meet the activity and exercise needs of my energetic pandemic pup. My guy LOVES going to Atlas to spend the day with his doggy friends. The staff is super attentive and Stephanie provides regular updates on how my dog did that day and which dogs he played with. I also think going to daycare has improved his confidence. When we drop off in the morning he greets Nicole and walks to the the back for daycare without giving me a second glance now! Their online appointment system is very user friendly and convenient. I also want to make a note of how nice and conscientious the staff is. They always pay close attention to any notes about my dog that I may have included in his reservation. This is a really well run business that cares about giving both the pups and dog parents a great experience. They even go so far as to offer pictures with Santa.

Kelsey Mercuro

2022-05

Dan and his staff are incredible. Our dog butters has struggled socially around other dogs. Dan took the time to help us integrate him into Atlas's environment and because of that butters social skills have improved tremendously. We have always been scared of leaving butters in a daycare environment but Atlas doghouse caters to each dogs needs and provides a safe space that fits their temperament. We will be recommending them to all our friends. We are so thankful for Dan and his staff! Please please take your pets to them. They will provide the best care.

Elizabeth Puloka

2022-05

I have a recent rescue pup who has grown into a large dominant male and we sought out training with owner Dan after months of fantastic daycare supervision but mounting dominant behavior. Dan was thorough in explaining the science behind dog behavior and translating that into explicit techniques that have helped us and our dog immensely. I can't say enough about the quality of the staff he has at Atlas and his savvy and finesse with handling big tough pups like ours. Highly recommend him and Atlas for daycare/dog walking and training needs!

Sarah Lehmann

2023-05

Thomas is an amazing dog (and people) trainer. He has taken the time to get to know me, my dog, and what help we need. He tailors our sessions and has helped me help my scared, anxious and reactive buddy.I highly recommend him if you are looking for a trainer

Mary Miltimore

2023-05

I can’t say enough good things about Atlas Doghouse. My Westie puppy first started going to their daycare when he was about 8 months old when I had recently moved to DC. My pup has not enjoyed other daycare facilities but he loves Atlas so much that he actually knows when we turn onto their block and starts wagging his tail and getting excited. A few of the many reason I also adore it:(1) THE STAFF- the most caring, wonderful group of people run Atlas. They are true dog people and you can feel that the staff are all committed to both the pups and making Atlas a wonderful place. It’s the little things that stand out - they will save whatever leftovers my pup has from lunch that day for me. They see my car when I pull up and starting getting my pup ready. They started planning my pups 1st birthday party before I had even fully realized it was coming up! I trust them completely.(2) THE STAFF- it’s honestly worth saying twice.(3) they mix dogs of all sizes together. This is something that is especially great for my playful pup whose play partners are determined more by play style and age than size. It’s also made me feel that much more confident that he knows how to get along with all the dogs in the dog park.(4) interaction with dogs - the staff do fun activities like a bacon bubble machine and other treats. They are actively engaged with the pups (as opposed to at other places where staff just look at phone or spray the pups with water the whole time)(5) price - in my opinion, their pricing is very fair and reasonable.(6) kennel and cage free! This is huge for my pup. He loves HIS crate. But doesn’t do well in a kennel environment during other daycare nap times.(7) how happy and tired my pup is when I pick him up. It’s a win-win-win