MONROE, CT — Training a dog or breaking in a puppy can take a lot of hard work, but those who want to make sure it’s done right, without as much time and frustration, can leave it to the professionals at All That Canine, a new business that opened at 849 Main St. All That Canine trains dogs and puppies to be well behaved through positive reinforcement.
Linda Mazzeo, of Monroe, and Erica Kasper, of Bethlehem, friends and longtime trainers, celebrated their joint venture with a grand opening Saturday morning.
All That Canine offers a day school for dogs and puppies, who are dropped off in the morning, Mazzeo emphasized how they are a training, and not a boarding, facility.
“Just as kids go to school, the dogs go to school,” Kasper added.
On Saturday, friends and family gathered in the parking lot on Main Street, as some posed for pictures with the All That Dog mascot.
Among the town dignitaries were First Selectman Ken Kellogg, the town’s community and economic recovery coordinator William Holsworth; and Ray Giovanni, who is president of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Monroe Economic Development Commission.
“We’re excited to welcome another small business in Monroe and wish them a lot of success,” Kellogg said. “It’s a great addition to the community. One thing I can say for certain is Monroe loves their dogs.”
“We’re so proud in our Monroe that we have another diverse type of business that came to town in a dog training facility,” Giovanni said, adding the unique business can also attract clients from outside of town.
Mazzeo and Kasper, who both have over 20 years of experience training dogs and puppies, said they were pleased with Saturday’s turnout.
“It’s an honor to have them here to cut the ribbon with us today,” Kasper said of the town officials who participated. “They’ve been with us every step of the way.”
Kasper said town officials helped them to navigate the permit process and gave them the guidelines needed to pass inspections and open.
A tent was set up behind the building, where John Mazzeo, Linda’s husband, grilled hot dogs for those attending the grand opening and dogs played on an obstacle course on the lawn.
A gift basket was raffled off, and proceeds benefited a Monroe family, who adopted Lara, a puppy that has Myasthenia Gravis, a condition that requires esophagus surgery. Money for tickets will help defray the medical costs, which are estimated to be $6,000. There is also a Go Fund Me page for those wishing to donate.
Discounts offered
Kasper and Mazzeo have trained service dogs for people with disabilities other than hearing and vision, as well as faculty dogs (therapy dogs who live and work in one facility like a hospital) and therapy dogs.
They were the head trainers at a service dog organization in Connecticut together for six years, before opening their first business, All That Canine.
Both are ADI certified service dog instructors, AKC ~Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen evaluators, AKC Fit dog instructors, canine conditioning coaches and Red Cross Dog and Cat First Aid certified.
All That Canine’s day school is held from Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and dogs learn things like potty training, crate training, polite greetings and impulse control, and socializing skills like how to meet and play with other dogs.
All That Canine is offering introductory prices for the month of September of $75 for one day, $335 for a five day package and $630 for 10 days. Those who sign up for a five or 10 package will get one day free.
Puppy Foundations is a four-week online class focusing on foundations for attention, recall, leash walking, impulse control and stays, all while playing games and having fun with your dog.
The class is $150, but clients can get $50 off with the grand opening special.
For information, visit All That Canine’s website and Facebook page.
