Add a review
Get Listed
Sign in / Sign up
Add a businesses My Businesses My Reviews My Favourites Search Paying Only Latest activity Log out
Add a Business Sign in / Sign Up Add a review

Wag and Train

386 Maple Ave, Rear bldg, Kitchener, ON
23 reviews
Business claimed Last updated: Over a year ago
About Wag and Train

Dog Daycare, Training, Boarding and Grooming at its very best! Centrally located, convenient payment options, professional care with the reputaion to back it. Come out Thursday Nights 7-8:30 for Stay N Play Drop In and check it out! Go to full description...

Contact information

Phone numbers
Business website

Images and videos (1)

Powered By

Wag and Train, Kitchener Reviews (23)

4
23 reviews
5 Star
17
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
2
1 Star
4
By Aline Leduc on Feb 21, 2021
Verified by Facebook
After checking out several places for training and daycare, I now know that this is the only one I would trust. Personally, I want my dog at a place that removes dogs that attack other dogs. I want my dog to go to the place that would forego revenue over the best interest of the dogs. Ellie and her crew most certainly do what's best for the dogs over the bank account. Her knowledge and commitment is unmatched in this community. She has staff that have worked with her for 8-20 years and that speaks volumes. Wag is a place with high standards and that means the facility, the staff and the dogs. I was initially deterred from going there because of something someone said but I did my own research. Veterinarians spoke very highly of this place and Humane Society employees said it was the only place they trust.
By staceyme on May 31, 2017
Verified by Email
Up until a month ago we had few concerns around our puppy's time at Wag and Train. For the once a week that he attended daycare, we were happy with the service; that being a person comes and gets your dog when you drop them off and then end of day brings them back to you. Besides that I am not sure what people are referring to when they say 'excellent service'.
After noticing behaviour changes with our puppy at home, and asking Wag and Train staff how he was doing, we were told he was doing fine.
Sadly, we were called and a voicemail message was left that we needed to pick up our puppy because he had attacked another dog. We were obviously quite concerned about the situation and picked him up immediately. We wanted to hear about what had happened and no one could tell us. Everyone just kept saying 'email Ellie' who is not on the premises during the day. After doing just that, we didn't hear from Ellie until two days later. It has actually felt better to go through these reviews and see that people have similar complaints.
I am not sure who 'donncollins' is but it isn't really effective to comment on everyone's post about how good service means kicking dogs out. If you understand anything about dog behaviour you would know that there are situations when dogs don't get along. What would make more sense is to say that Wag and Train will not take or keep your dog if they ever encounter some sort of conflict, nor will they assist with any sort of behaviour issues as far as training is concerned unless your dog will run to you for a treat when called.
I would hope that any dog owner knows that like humans, dogs are complex creatures. If your dog is naturally playful, and gets along with all other dogs then you will have no issue at Wag and Train. IF you have any behaviour concerns or your dog is timid and shy, don't bother.
Comment by WagandTrain on Jul 24, 2017
Wag and Train cares considerably about the safety of all dogs, clients and staff. Wag and Train clearly states it is not a rehab facility and is for puppies that are developing and for dogs with social skills. Any dog that poses a liability is a dog that will be excused. In such an event, Ellie interviews all staff, reviews video footage and takes all of this into serious consideration. Our clients rest assured that we have a zero tolerance policy on dogs that attack other dogs. Clients have the option to seek out private training and behavior modification to assist with behavior concerns but dog daycare is not a rehab center. We understand far more about dog behavior than most and while yes a dog can 'have a bad day' or 'doesn't get along' ...well that falls into the zero tolerance. How would you feel if you dog was attacked by a dog and then learned the dog had a history of doing so and yet the daycare still allowed the dog to attend?

As for who is Donna Collins - she is a loyal client that came to us after her dog was brutally attacked at another daycare. Why do you ask?
By Dognut on Apr 04, 2017
Verified by Email
we just want to share that we really appreciate the integrity and honesty at wagon train
we wanted to post on Facebook but it wouldn't post
it's clear they care. The place itself speaks volumes but also seeing bad reviews from those they kicked out or fired gives us great confidence our dog is at the best place in the best hands
keep it up wag! We are happy you don't take risky dogs! you should have heard that guy in the parking lot last week ! he was barking at us about how dare wagon train kicked out his dog. Even said you wouldn't take his money! Craziness
Bad reviews like those are good because we don't want our dog going where they just take any dog and $
By Dognut on Feb 22, 2017
Verified by Email
I had a tour and was so impressed! The facility is so nice and clean. No smell! Other places I went to stunk and the dogs were unsupervised! I love the staff and Ellie has been so helpful. Her knowledge is incredible.
And after readin another review here- I had no trouble getting a tour and when I was there at 5pm the dogs were still out playing.
Comment by WagandTrain on Jul 24, 2017
THank you
By AdamJ on Dec 03, 2016
Verified by Email
I have been taking my puppy to Wag and Train for a little while with hesitation and have decided to stop going. On first impressions, the staff is friendly and you can tell some care a lot about the pups. However, it's not up to standard in comparison to other facilities I have been to.
1. The staff did not give me a tour of the facility when first joining as they said it would disrupt the dogs. No offer was made to give a facility tour in off hours.
2. A few times my puppy would come home smelling like pee if I picked up later than 530pm as they crate the dogs starting at 4pm and do not let them out of their crates unless specifically told to do so. Other places I have been to keep the dogs out until close while still giving them proper breaks.
3. They charge for feeding lunches, which I have not experienced at other places.
4. My puppy started to hesitate and cry when I would leave him in the morning. I can't say why this is, but it leads me to believe they are not properly monitoring the dogs.
Comment by Dognut on Apr 04, 2017
Our dog has never smelled like pee, drags us to the door and doesn't want to leave there. I pick up after 5:30 and always see the dogs out
Comment by WagandTrain on Jul 24, 2017
Adam this is absolutely not true. Please contact my office at your earliest convenience.

1. Tours are not done while daycare is operating. We are not about to disturb the dogs in our care nor take on the liability of having a complete stranger walk in. You can easily see the dogs in the play yard and tours are done routinely after hours.
2. We do not send any dog home smelling like pee. Our staff even bathes dogs that have rolled in mud etc. If that was a concern, we have no record of this on file.
3. Yes - dogs that are not puppies are charged to be fed. It is labor intensive and takes a staff member away from supervising the dogs so it is an added cost to us.
4. Again, no record of this concern relayed. Many dogs have separation anxiety from their owners. If they express this concern, we take a video of their dog enjoying themselves once the owner has left.

By Fuchsia Chipmunk on Jul 05, 2016
Guest Review
I can't describe what a relief it is to find a place that has such great advice, great facility, great location and sincerely caring staff. The owner clearly cares a great deal and yes I read the reviews about dogs being kicked out. That was why I chose to go there! I don't want my dog going to places that just keep taking people's money and expose my dog to aggressive dogs. I like that my dog is in a place that turns away people's money in lieu of safety. The place is huge, very clean and doesn't stink like the other places do. I am also relieved to see that the training does not involve chin slapping dogs or any of that stupid stuff that Cesar Milan does on TV. Ellie's education and background gives me great confidence in the advice she provides and the programs and services she offers. Grateful to have this wonderful place here in KW!
By KWCasey on Jul 05, 2016
Verified by Email
I have no problem with a place that takes such great care of the dogs over rushing to the phone to ignore the dogs any day. Yeah they can be hard to reach by phone but they have always returned my messages! My dog loved Wag and Ellie's education and experience is unmatched. We love wag, we love the place, we love the location, we love the staff and we are happy to forgive them for not always answering our calls. We HAVE tried other places thinking it would be good for our dog to socialize at different places. That was a huge mistake and now a law suit is pending.

p.s. I was looking for your mailing address online when I stumbled upon the reviews
By Cordovan Wolverine on Jan 12, 2016
Guest Review
Best ever. We loved the classes and our dog is addicted to the daycare.
By Black Heron on Dec 11, 2015
Guest Review
Picked up my dog who has been going there for a month and all of a sudden she can't go back any more. No explanation. We were told to email them. Wtf? I better get a refund for the next month I prepaid for.... she also got an ear infection when she started to go there and a cough. Had to spend$200 at the vet for medicine.
Comment by donncollins on Jan 09, 2016
That's why we send our dog there. We are grateful they kick dogs out!!!! This means they care and personally I only want my dog going to place that is PICKY about which dogs they allow to attend. Blaming for an ear infection is ridiculous. I highly doubt they just kicked your dog out without a reason...
By donncollins on Dec 10, 2015
Verified by Email
We learned so much. Felt very cared about. Trust them with our dog and appreciated all the help and added attention given. Its clear that this place is very popular and with good reason. The first two times we tried to sign up, we were told the session was sold out. After hearing so many good things we were convinced it was worth waiting for and it was. I might also add that is a really nice place too.
I have read some of the reviews written with no names attached... I am a real person who has actually dealt with this business and all I can say is, go there! You will see for yourself there is no better place.
By Fuchsia Leopard on Nov 24, 2015
Guest Review
I heard them tell someone 'we do not accept aggressive dogs and we are not using our clients dogs as Guinea pigs' and then they refused to accept the dog. The woman lost it out in the parking lot making up all kinds of stories. I'm relieved to know that her dog was not accepted ! Bravo Wag for being honest!
By TerryC on Nov 12, 2015
Verified by Email
Wag and Train, its staff etc. have consistently been the place I have trusted for over ten years to look after our dogs. I recently witnessed them telling a customer that daycare was not a good idea for their dog and sadly the customers actions were to attack this place as a result. I personally feel even more confident as a result of witnessing this because it is apparent that Wag and Train cares more about the dogs than the money and they make honest decisions to kick dogs out that shouldn't be there. I feel sorry for Ellie and her staff that are forced to deal with people that attack them that way when all they are trying to do is do what is best for the dogs.
By Lava Warbler on Nov 12, 2015
Guest Review
I was a long time wag n train customer and advocate. Gave thousands of dollars to this company and was more than happy to do so. Even went as far as promoting Wag n Train to my friends and family. I travel a lot for work, so for almost 5 years my dog visited wag n train once a week for daycare or overnight boarding. Then, a staff member called me one day and told me that my dog had experienced some anxiety during an overnight stay and did some damage to the dog run. As a result, I was informed that my dog was no longer welcome back at Wag n Train for daycare or for overnight boarding. There was no reason they could provide me with on why my dog had anxiety this one time, but the hundreds of other times he was fine. When I asked if he could still attend Daycare I was informed I would need to contact the owner as she originally made the decision. As well, only the owner could provide me with a refund for the 5 day package I had already pre-purchased. The staff member who called me to deliver this news could tell that I was upset, and she tried to make it better, but she really couldn't give me any information. It all needed to be handled by the owner, yet the uncomfortable phone call was delegated to the staff member. Lucky girl.

I ended up emailing the owner, and long story short she was very defensive, made excuses for why things happened the way they did, didn't stand behind her staff at all - in fact she said it was the staff who made the decision not her - and overall she was very passive aggressive. In the end it left such a bad taste in my mouth that I would no longer recommend this company to anyone...ever. If this is how loyal customers are treated I can only imagine how things are handled for newcomers.

I'm not normally the type to post a review like this but I had such a bad experience that I felt I needed to. It's a shame really because I loved the staff at Wag n Train, my dog did too. The owner however could learn a lesson or two from her staff when it comes to customer service. She won't be getting my business anymore.
Comment by donncollins on Jan 09, 2016
Yay! More proof that this business is picky about the dogs they allow there. We have found the owner to be very caring and clearly if she kicked your dog out, she is telling you that she cares more about the dog than the money! THINK ABOUT THIS... A business that turns away revenue out of the best interest of the dog... Yeah that's a business I personally feel 100% confident in! Interesting that again no name attached ...
By Chocolate Skink on Nov 05, 2015
Guest Review
Called them for over a month about a problem. Did not respond until a month later. The problem was our puppy got sick from their daycare, and we could not bring our puppy to attend classes. We called early on to ask what we should do in terms of classes but they kept saying we'll call you back and let you know. I finally got a call from them and they said that there is nothing we can do about your situation. There is no compensation except for 40 dollars off of another type of class which is 150 plus tax. We paid 200 dollars and got nothing from it. This is so frustrating because we really wanted our puppy to become socialized and learn from these classes. They couldn't even put us in the next cycle of classes. I understand this is policy, but if they got back to us in time, we would know what our options are and maybe this would have ended differently.
Comment by donncollins on Jan 09, 2016
Having attended their classes they tell you straight up on day one what to do if your dog can't attend classes... they tell you the owners to attend and they offer you to do make up class if another one is running... all these posts with no names ...
By lisem on Aug 11, 2015
Verified by Email
Willow loves going to doggie day care. She can't wait for us to get there in the morning. She is well supervised by loving staff. She is a very well socialized dog because of attending day care. She comes home tired and happy after having a fun filled day playing in the large space with her friends.
The staff always tell me funny stories about Willow's day. I feel good about leaving her at Wag and Train while I'm at work.
By Nadine67 on May 06, 2015
Verified by Email
Most caring and responsible staff of any doggy daycare! All 3 of my dogs went there for training, daycare, and boarding. It is such a relief to have a place where you know your dog is well cared for and safe! I highly recommend Wag n Train.
By Rose Barracuda on Feb 26, 2015
Guest Review
I can't say enough positive things about my experiences at Wag. Ellie's classes were outstanding and I learned far more than I ever expected. Class never wanted to leave! Her classes sell out for good reasons!.
The staff there are really nice and you can see how much they love dogs. My dog loves the daycare and is looking forward to the new place! I can't wait to see pictures of them running in that huge yard!
By Coquelicot Camel on Jul 17, 2014
Guest Review
Wag n Train has been around for a very long time, about 15 years. Any doggie daycare and boarding facility that has been around with the same ownership for so long must be doing something right! My dogs love going there. There are lots of well socialized dogs for them to play with. Wag has a screening process to ensure all their clients are healthy, vaccinated and well socialized. Staff is warm and friendly and plays well with the large group of dogs. I love the daycare option, when boarding my dogs. I know they are never lonely and will sleep well at night. They are safe and well cared for, so we can go on holidays with no worries. I have been taking my dogs to Wag since Ellie Ross opened her first location.
By caleyzep on May 22, 2013
Verified by Email
MY dog came back with injuries every visit big scratches, and various other injuries, including a bite to the ear which almost went through his ear. not enough staff available for the number of dogs under their care, dogs left unattended while staff smoking outdoors. Many attempts to get money refunded as paid for large package no return calls. Dogs left alone for long periods while boarding. Would not recommend
Comment by Wagntrain on Apr 24, 2015
This is absolutely not true. For one, why would anyone repeatedly take their dog to a place where they allege their dog gets injured with each visit. This makes no sense.
By brucieboxer on Nov 04, 2011
Verified by Email
The only place I would trust my beloved boys. I have been a customer of Wag n Train for almost 7 years. My gorgeous boxer spent 5 years there, before he passed of old age at almost 11. I knew I could trust the staff there to care for him while mommy was out earning a living. Winne had seizures in his old age and I couldnt leave him home alone. They were marvelous with him.
My twins have been to training at Wag n Train, and I know the staff have helped train each and every day they go. Yes they go almost everyday! What a Godsend to have two puppy boxers entertained each day, I can relax knowing that they are having fun while earn my living. There is nothing more pityful than a boxer left home alone all day.
I cannot thank you enough Wag N Train.
By Byzantine Prairie-dog on Jan 26, 2011
Guest Review
Wag N Train is the best dog training place in all of KW. Out of all the ones I visited in KW, this place was the most friendly, fun, and easy going. I've only done their dog obedience training and have only good experiences. The trainer deals with dogs great, and with people even better. She has great energy, is encouraging and makes training a blast. She is always willing to answer questions and replies to emails quickly.
By Charcoal Shark on Jan 15, 2011
Guest Review
This is the only place in town that I would trust to care for my dog. They are the only licensed daycare in the region, which means they are inspected. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and goes above and beyond to offer advice. They treat the dogs with kindness and compassion. The behaviorist comes up with real-world solutions and the classes are not only informative and fun, but they really work! The instructor handles training with a sense of humor, helpfulness and honesty that makes training a pleasure, instead of a chore.
Finally a place that doesn't treat you like just another dollar in their pockets!
By Wagntrain on Jan 14, 2011
Verified by Email
Wag and Train is proud to be the longest running dog daycare!

The facility is superior and our staff are the most experienced around.

Be sure to check out our webpage at www.wagntrain.ca

Dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming and in-home behavior consultations.
Powered By

Additional business details

Email address: help@wagntrain.ca
Payment methods accepted: cash, visa, mastercard, american express, debit card
The longest running, only licensed and inspected facility of its kind in Waterloo region. Our investment into our facility is evidence to our level of care and expertise in dog care and training. Our daycare dogs enjoy over 9000sf indoors and a 1/4 acre outdoors! Our Daycare has air exchange for healthy environment and the very best staff that have been with us for years. We believe you get what you pay for. If you want an environment where weather will never impeded your dog's ability to enjoy a full day of play, under the supervision of the most experienced staff in the region, than this is the place for your dog.

Our training classes are geared towards the family pet to optimum develop obedience and manners ! A proactive approach to prevent common behavior problems is our effective way to ensure your dog will be the very best pet you could hope for!

For information about boarding options and dog grooming, we invite you to call.

None of our services offered will ever have 'extra billing' attached.

write a review
contact business
519-742-4000
Business website
Related businesses
Address and directions
Contact information
Photos and videos
Customer reviews
Additional information