Meeting both a pet’s physical and emotional needs is the number one priority at Common Scents Canine Center.
‘Pets are family, both to us and our clients,? said Steve Robinson, Common Scents co-owner. ‘While we understand Common Scents isn’t home, we try to make it as close as possible.?
Located on 13 beautifully groomed acres in northern Oakland County, Common Scents offers superb boarding accommodations and professional grooming as well as professional dog obedience training and counseling. Dianne Thies, co-owner, manages the kennel and grooming operations. Dianne is a licensed veterinary technician with more than 15 years of veterinary clinical experience.
‘Understanding an animal’s needs away from home is the core of our approach to pet care,? Dianne explained. ‘We encourage all new boarders to bring their pets in for a free trial day. That way, we can get to know each other in advance of an extended stay.?
Both owners live on the property and provide 24 hour supervision of the premises.
The boarding accommodations at Common Scents are unsurpassed. With heated floors, air conditioning in the summer and spacious individual indoor/outdoor runs, pets adapt quickly to their new surroundings. Common Scents also boasts a brightly lit newly renovated interior that makes the kennel even more pet friendly. Pet care is performed by a professional, certified staff of eight employees headed by Kennel Manager Peggy Kent, a 20-year veteran at Common Scents.
‘We only hire people who both love animals and have the necessary compassion and understanding to make them feel comfortable,? explained Kent. We offer optional outdoor play time for all pets in secure fenced areas, and we have enough qualified staff to give each pet individual attention.?
Pet grooming is performed by Kris Larkin, a talented professional.
‘We want each pet to enjoy the grooming experience,? Kris said. ‘If their first experience is positive, it will be better for both of us next time around. Our goal is for the process to be as stress-free as possible.?
Steve Robinson, a degreed and certified Animal Behavior Consultant, directs the training and counseling staff of five at Common Scents.
‘Whether your needs are puppy training or a serious behavior issue, we offer skilled counselors and trainers to help your pet become a well-adjusted member of your family,? said Robinson. ‘Training and counseling are not generic products. They require an in-depth understanding of animal behavior. You wouldn’t want someone without a background in learning and education teaching your child. We offer the same expertise for your pet.? To meet the varying needs of their clients, Common Scents offers group classes, private lessons, behavior counseling, and an In-Kennel training program. ‘All of our programs are based on positive reinforcement. Our approach is both dog and owner friendly.?
While they divide duties, Steve and Dianne are in agreement on most every aspect of their business. For both, it is a labor of love. Not everyone gets to do what they enjoy most for a living – both Steve and Dianne consider themselves very lucky.