Ron, Eleanor & Frankie's Dad

"We can't say enough good things about What Dogs Want Academy! As a proud parent of two very different pups- Frankie, our thoughtful observer, and Eleanor, our energetic explorer, I was looking for a place that truly understands dogs as individuals. The team at What Dogs Want exceeded all of my expectations.

From day one, they made me feel welcome and reassured, and more importantly they made my dogs feel safe, engaged, and genuinely happy. Frankie responded beautifully to the patient, personalized approach, while Eleanor thrived with the structured play and mental stimulation. I've seen so much growth in their confidence, behavior, and overall joy.

It's clear that everyone at the Academy has a deep passion for dogs and a gift for bringing out the best in each one. I am incredibly grateful to have found a place that treats my dogs like family. I wouldn't trust anyone else!"

Anita, Pickles & Beans' Mom

"What Dogs Want Academy has completely transformed the way I care for my dogs- and the way I see them.

After moving to Phoenix, I knew I didn't want to send my dogs to a giant room with all sizes of dogs spending the day in complete chaos and wild overstimulation. I looked everywhere for something more aligned with dogs' well-being rather than just exhausting them. This school introduced me to a deeper, more intentional way of supporting dogs emotionally, mentally, and physically. I realized this is exactly what I was searching for and I'm so glad I found it! This isn't daycare- it's a developmental school for dogs. The level of thought, detail, and respect behind every routine is unmatched.

I'm endlessly grateful to be a part of What Dogs Want Academy. They raised the standard for what's possible in canine care."

Vivian, Nacho's Mom

"Every Thursday is a school day at What Dogs Want- and Nacho absolutely loves it! He knows what he is scheduled to do when he hears the words 'Is today a SCHOOL day, Nacho?' He quickly runs to our entryway and waits for me patiently (for a while sometimes!) knowing that as soon as we make that ride to school, he will get to see Ms. Stefanie, Alana, and his friends for an adventurous and engaging day. He loves school and has been officially a WDW school boy for the last four years now. We do not know what Nacho would do without such a beautiful and engaging experience. It has made him a better dog- and a designated class clown. We have made so many memories at WDW, and the school is now a part of our family's story and always will be."

Christi, Pippa's Mom 

"I am so thankful that Pippa had the opportunity to attend WDW for several years. She was so excited on school days to see the teachers and participate in the activities! Stefanie and the teachers are committed to providing games and activities for their student pups that not only teach and enrich but also lead them towards achieving their best and happiest lives. I learned so much about dogs in general and Pippa in particular from the feedback I received that has greatly contributed to the relationship she and I enjoy today. We have since moved out of state and we both miss WDW and the people there very much. There is not a similar academy where we live now so I will have to discover some creative ways to provide Pippa with fun and enriching activities. Thanks to WDW I have an invaluable foundation from which we can build."

Melissa, Redford's Mom

"Redford benefits from the program in so many ways including productive, safe socialization with other dogs and humans. He also learns impulse control and is becoming more confident in general. Only one of our three dogs attends the academy, but all three benefit because we continue to work on the activities at home with everyone. 

Two of our favorite things about sending Redford to the program are that he is SO excited to arrive at the school (which we take as a very good sign that the program is good and fun for him), and he loves the professors and activities. He is also SO tired when he gets home. We love watching the videos on Instagram and the monthly syllabus with homework so we are able to practice the activities at home with Redford and our other dogs. 

I have told several people about What Dogs Want Academy and I describe it not only as an enrichment program for dogs, but a safe place for dogs to exercise their minds in ways that meet their instinctual needs. Each activity in the program is specifically designed to address dog behavior including problem solving, choices, body awareness, working in groups with other dogs, impulse control, and so much more. Dogs always have the choice to participate in the activities, and all activities are scaffolded starting with very easy and processing to more challenging so that every dog experiences success!"

Gail, Watson's Mom

"Individualized attention as well as group activities. Watson is much more confident and problem solves at home. Gained impulse control, learned how to play and be social. The staff is creative, positive, nurturing, consistent, and appreciative of Watson's uniqueness. The communication to parents is stellar, frequent, complete, friendly, professional, and two-way. Watson comes home from his experiences exhausted mentally and finds family to take a nap with. Staff challenges Watson but if he doesn't accept the challenge then staff changes the activity and revisits the challenge from a different perspective. Stefanie respects the dog parents and credits them with knowing and understanding their fur babies. Activities are not routine day after day; they are varied, have different levels of ability, and rewards are positive. The atmosphere, activities, and staff are inclusive. It is easier to say what it is not. Not school nor training, it is not unsupervised daycare. It is not all about appearances. It is dog focused. What Dogs Want is a compassionate environment supported by staff that is team centered and focused on identifying and developing individual canine potential. In short, WDW is a blessing to all connected with it."

Barb, Jeter's Mom

"The curriculum at WDW provides Jeter with opportunities for continued physical and mental stimuli through hands-on activities in one-on-one or group settings. The program builds confidence in a positive manner and allows for healthy social development.

Jeter absolutely loves school! The program Stefanie has created encourages dogs to problem solve in a safe environment and at their own pace. The program builds self-confidence, body awareness, and social skills through hands-on learning and creative choices- ALL of which are the making for a happy, healthy pup! When watching Jeter work on his activities, you can see in his eyes, facial expression and demeanor that he is fully engaged in the activity, thinking through the many ways to solve the puzzle, and finally when he has achieved the goal, he walks away proud and confident. What's also so awesome about the program is that you can continue to reinforce these same lessons at home- it's incredible! These lessons aren't just for the classroom, they can continue at home, too. I have way too many favorite memories of WDW experiences to list here- but some that quickly come to mind are: when Jeter takes a "victory lap" at home when he realizes he has solved the puzzle or when he helps me with chores and hides a toy for me to find... and guides me to help me find it! At school, I just love that Jeter, a German Shepherd/Malinois mix is besties with a spunky fun loving Chihuahua. The confidence he showed when asked to spell his name out with treats- "Oh yeah, I got this!". Target practice- Jeter loves using his nose to point, or when he and his buddy figured out how to catch the "rabbit" on the lure course. Jeter is also eager to welcome the new kid, make him feel welcomed and help in teaching 'em the ropes. He has a nourishing nature, perfect for being a teacher's student helper. It has been over two years since Jeter started school, so when asked "What do we love about WDW?" or "Why do we love sending Jeter to WDW?"- Well, EVERYTHING! It truly warms my heart to see Jeter so happy... and we attribute a big part of this happiness to his experiences at WDW.

What Dogs Want is a Montessori School for Dogs! At their own pace, each pup explores different activities, building confidence and development. It is a thoughtfully prepared learning environment where the teacher guides each pup into exploration, encouraging your pup to be their own best."

Donna, Archie's Mom

"Archie benefits from What Dogs Want in every way. He gets a chance to run and play and fall in love with the other dogs. He uses all his senses, smell, taste, sounds. There are games that challenge all parts of him. He comes home exhausted, curls up for a nap, and is ready to go again! My favorite thing is the staff. Stefanie is a dream. Her love for dogs and her deep knowledge and understanding makes this place unique. Archie feels the same way. It's a safe and creative environment- just check out Instagram and you can witness all the fun and learning materials she has to offer our dogs. They are never bored. Not for a moment. It's all fun and games.

My feelings about the program are clear as you can see from what I wrote. If I were only a puppy I know where I'd like to spend my days. I can only say what a brilliant time Archie has."