We do independent research to provide information and resources for dog training, boarding, grooming, rescues, and more.
While local franchises of national companies often pass our screening, we also love finding outstanding, independent local dog businesses. These “underdog” businesses are increasingly harder to find online.
Our goal is to find the absolute perfect dog trainer, boarder, groomer, pet store, rescue, or other resource you need!
The Inspiration Behind Pooch and Harmony
Camille Robinson Gaines owns Pooch and Harmony. As a lifelong pet owner, she’s been taking care of dogs for decades. Her canine adventures began with her childhood beagle, Bailey. Years later, she expanded her knowledge about aggressive dog training when her labrador retriever zoomed when he became anxious.
This playful looking habit was adorable when he was a little puppy, but it became dangerous after he grew into a ninety pound dog. Blanco would nip at Camille’s arms breaking the skin, and even knock her down with his large zooming circles.
From her research, she learned that Blanco was trying to engage her in play when he zoomed. She realized later he also zoomed when he didn’t know what else to do with his boundless energy.
Fortunately, Camille had developed a passion for dog training, and it had become her hobby when Blanco was a puppy. She and Blanco completed numerous courses, including puppy obedience, basic dog training, and multiple field training programs.
This otherwise very well behaved labrador, however, would suddenly break into a dangerous zoom, particularly on their daily hikes, around flowing water, or even tall brushing grass.
Blanco was labeled an “aggressive dog” because he had bitten her so he was excluded from group programs, even though in his mind he was playing. (He was probably the world’s only “aggressive” labrador due to their sweet nature!)
One day in complete frustration, Camille seriously contemplated giving her beloved Blanco to someone who owned a farm after incurring numerous injuries. Her concern was that she may not always be so lucky as Blanco became rougher the older he got, and the older she got.
She had gone through four private dog trainers who promised they could solve the problem and ended up wasting a lot of time and money. (Camille later discovered numerous horrible stories about one of the trainers she had used after digging deeper online into reviews!)
Finally, Camille found a retired executive turned passionate dog trainer online who told her he could probably end the zooming in just one session. Suspiciously, she hired Steve for one private dog training session as a last resort.
He delivered! Long story short, it’s clear that Blanco is now proud to get his zooming under control whenever he gets triggered, which still happens occasionally when he’s around water (go figure:).
At Pooch and Harmony, we believe that all dogs want to be well behaved, and Camille experienced this firsthand as Blanco now circles around, and promptly and proudly sits next to her after he gets the zooming urge.
This story taught Camille the importance of finding the right dog trainer.
It’s only one of the hundreds of dog experiences that inspire and influence Camille’s work here at Pooch and Harmony.
Check out our new Pooch & Harmony YouTube Channel with resources, dog training tips, and more.