Ellie, a yellow Lab, sits attentively as she posing in front of the wide selection of pet supplies. Treats, leashes, collars, toys and grooming supplies fill the wall at the new entrance to The Dog House. (Photo by Sandy Greer)

The Dog House owners Ashley and Michael Mettham have opened a new facility south of North Webster that will accommodate their growing list of clientele.

In 2011 the Leesburg couple opened The Dog House with the goal to provide North Webster and the surrounding area with a full service pet facility. During the last four years the original building on Main Street in North Webster has literally gone to the dogs. Ashley Mettham explained the request for day care service has increased dramatically. “We had to turn people away in the old building because there just wasn’t enough room,” said Metthan. The Dog House owners are happy to announce they have acquired a new 8,000 square-feet building on the south end of North Webster that will accommodate customers needs for service and care.

The Dog House offers a variety of services for man’s best friend that will accommodate a busy lifestyle. Boarding and day care is available seven days a week. This growing service allows pets to play and socialize with dogs their size while their owner is out of town or at work.

Outdoors, The Dog House has 5 acres of land that will soon be fenced in for pets to run and play. Fido will get the needed exercise and fresh air in a secured area during his stay.

Day care is an option for dog lovers who want to ensure their pet gets outdoors when nature calls.
Those wishing to have their dog pampered with a grooming session should call soon to make an appointment. News travels fast and The Dog House is quickly filling their calendar with appointments. Metthan reported, “Grooming time is filling fast. We are booked a couple weeks out.” The Dog House is planning to add a third groomer in the future. Until then pet parents should plan ahead for their next appointment.

Mettham loves dogs. She has been training canines for 13 years and certified for three. The Dog House will soon have an arena to train in dog sports. Basic obedience training is offered as well, however Mettham has a passion for sports and barn hunt training. Both areas give the animal a chance to show off their natural talents. “Many dogs were bred to hunt or dig tunnels to find things. Barn hunt training is a way for dogs to reconnect with their breed,” explained Mettham.

Hunting and ridding the area of unwanted vermin is natural for many dogs. Barn hunting hones the traditional skills through staged hunts using approximately 50 to 70 hay bales and live prey in a secured holding tube. It is a fast growing physical test of agility and instinct. While some breeds are more driven by nature, all dogs are welcomed to attend agility classes. Sessions are $5 and last two to three hours.

The Dog House is accepting new clients for grooming, boarding, day care and training. Visit their website. Call for an appointment at (574) 244-2039. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Dog House is located at 4640 N. SR 13, just south of Armstrong Road in North Webster.

For more information email Ashley Mettham at [email protected]. Visit their Facebook page for news and an announcements about the upcoming open house.