The House of Dog

The House of Dog is a small, cage-free dog boarding and daycare operation on West Tischer Road in Duluth, Minnesota. It also offers dog training. Overnight guests stay inside the home instead of a row of kennel runs, which sets it apart from larger facilities in the area.

What makes The House of Dog different?

The approach here is built around a pack. Dogs play off leash together, take crate breaks to rest during the day, and get one-on-one time for fetch, tug or whatever they enjoy most. The dog count stays low on purpose, so no dog gets lost in a crowd or goes long without attention.

Overnight stays happen in the house itself, where boarding dogs have access to couches and dog beds. Small, sensitive and elderly dogs get their own accommodations. That makes it a reasonable option for a dog that finds a busy play group overwhelming.

What services and amenities are offered?

• Dog daycare with indoor and outdoor play
• In-home overnight boarding with couch and bed access
• Dog training with a focus on socialization and obedience
• A 10,000 sq ft fenced outdoor play area
• Climate-controlled indoor play space for bad-weather days

The facility is cleaned multiple times every day. Given how small the operation is, that is a manageable standard and one worth asking about on a first visit.

What should owners know before booking?

Every new client starts with a free meet-and-greet and assessment. This gives the staff a read on a dog's temperament before the first stay. Published overnight boarding rates run $60 to $70 per night.

Business hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and the office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Booking is handled by phone at 218-340-3482, and general questions can go to Austin@ragnarkennels.com. Because the dog count is kept low, owners planning a trip should call early.