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About Us

Beyond Sit & Stay

Dogs are the center of our universe and at the heart of everything we do. Since we first opened our doors in 2007, we have worked to create a fun and stimulating environment where dogs feel safe, secure, and totally him- or herself.

Because no two dogs are alike–even within the same breed–we have developed  personalized play-to-learn programs informed by a deep knowledge of pet care and canine behavioral science. Our sessions are designed to address your dog’s unique needs and respond to your specific concerns and our low pet-to-people ratio means your dog is always lovingly supervised.

We believe that when we all work as a team, dogs will flourish and become the best they can be. We treat every canine client that walks through our door as if they were our own and every pet parent as a member of our pack.

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Training the Trainers

Dogs aren’t the only ones who benefit from our training. Our trainers are all certified, with at least six years of experience and are required to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the ever-changing field of animal and dog behavior. They regularly attend workshops and seminars by world-renowned trainers such as Ken Ramirez, Sue Sternberg, and Pat Miller. We’re able to transform dogs with even the most challenging behaviors into well-behaved–and happy–members of the family.

Meet Our Team

Stefanie

Founder

John

Lead Trainer

Jordan

Manager

Jada

Trainer's Assistant

Kevin

Manager

Manny

Manager

Andrew

Night Guardian

Charles

Daycare Play Coordinator

Charles

Daycare Play Coordinator

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Stefanie

For Stefanie, owner and founder of Happy Paws and Puptagon Dog School, the professional is personal. “I have always wanted to work with animals and own my own business. So Happy Paws checks all the boxes. I’m doing something that I love every day.” With over 20 years of experience, Stefanie has learned what to do and what not to do in the care and training of dogs and their people. Ongoing staff education is key, she believes, to creating the best possible experience for their canine guests. “It all starts with our people. If they’re happy, the dogs will be too. And that’s my ultimate goal.”

John

John, affectionately known as the “Dog Guy,” is our lead trainer and manager at both Happy Paws and Puptagon Dog School. A long-time animal lover and 4H exhibitor, he double majored in biochemistry and psychology, two disciplines that have sharpened his understanding of canine health and behaviors. His current dog, Remy, “a reactive pit bull,” inspired him to turn his calling into a career where he helps dogs with separation anxiety (“pandemic pup syndrome”), reactivity, and socialization.

Jordan

A woman of many talents (artist, yogi, poetry slam performer), Jordan is a supervisor at Happy Paws, which she describes as “doing a little of everything.” Her main responsibility is ensuring that the dogs are “happy and safe” and “get what they need” in terms of training, attention and treats. Although she does not have a dog at present (she “serves” a cat), she has always wanted to work with dogs and, thanks to her Happy Paws education and experience, she dreams of opening a doggie daycare center of her own.  

Jada

Jada, an assistant trainer, says Happy Paws has given her the “opportunity to see what I want to do with my life” and enjoys the classes and ongoing educational offerings that bring her closer to her lifetime goal of becoming a trainer of dogs, cats, birds and reptiles. While her current breed favorite is the terrier group, she has found fulfillment working with all the dogs. “I want them to be happy,” she says and admits, “The work is hard, but the environment is fun. I learn something new every day.”

Kevin

A DC native, Kevin began his working life as a restaurant server but came to Happy Paws over four years ago. He is now a manager, organizing the daily schedules and supervising each dog’s care plan. The owner of three 
Chi-Jack Russells, loves working with dogs, describing it as “therapeutic.” Unlike hospitality, he explains, employees at Happy Paws are encouraged to have a “sense of ownership” about their work and are given the tools to grow. “The dogs who are here want to be here. So do I.”

Manny

Manny is a manager and engagement specialist (working with John) at Happy Paws. As a husband and father of three daughters and two Chi-Poms, he brings a unique caring and caretaker perspective to his job. “I see the dogs as my kids and their owners as family. I try to give them what I’d want for my family.” He adds, “Happy Paws is not a place where you send your animals. It’s a place where dogs want to be. They can’t wait to be here.”

Andrew

For Andrew Vige, the overnight shift is his favorite time of day. The twenty-three year old night guardian has been working at Happy Paws for over a year and says he considers the dogs his “own” for the night. And he’s devoted to keeping them “happy, healthy, fed and clean” while they’re in his care. He credits his own dogs–dachshunds–with training him to indulge his canine guests’ every whim. “They count on me and when I can make a connection with a dog, it’s a rewarding, amazing feeling.”

Charles

Charles has always been around dogs–Golden Doodles are his favorite–and has a deep understanding of their personalities and how they think. His special relationship comes in handy when working with dogs as a caretaker. “We’re all a big pack and love being here.” He attributes this great attitude to the Happy Paws environment. “This is such a happy place and the coolest job I’ve ever had!”

Safety & Security

Your Dog’s Security Is Paramount And We Take Our Responsibilities To Your Cherished Family Members Very Seriously. A Few Words On Our Safety Policies And Procedures:

1. We conduct fire and safety drills on a regular basis. Every staff member has a task and knows what to do in case of an emergency. We have special leashes to facilitate the evacuation of multiple dogs at once.
2. Safety and healthcare procedures are posted throughout Happy Paws and Puptagon Dog School.
3. We’re located in an elevated area of Washington, DC where flooding is rarely an issue. If water enters our building, we will move the dogs to the second floor.
4. A veterinarian is on call 24/7 and we will always contact you in case of a health emergency.
5. When there are 10 dogs or more staying overnight, we have at least two nighttime guardians on duty to supervise their care.
6. We know how important your dogs are to you and your family. If ever you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to call us.