When Zoom Room opened its doors last summer, its founder envisioned a space with a little something for every shape, size, and breed of dog.
“Wholly indoor and air-conditioned, the Zoom Room is certainly a training center, but I like to call it a doggy rec center because we have so much else to offer,” says Faeryn Terra, CPDT-KSA, manager of Zoom Room Scottsdale.
The 3,000-square-foot space features obedience training, as well as agility training, playgroups, private rentals, and even puppy preschool.
“Zoom Room sets itself apart here by avoiding strict guidelines when it comes to obedience training, meaning folks need not sign up for a rigid six- or eight-week program,” Terra says.
Instead, there is an open structure that allows participants to move at their own pace and earn milestone badges based on the success of learning certain behaviors and manners.
“We focus on helping owners learn how to give cues to set them up for long-term success,” says Terra, adding that once dogs earn five badges, they are eligible to move to a more advanced obedience program with a similar trajectory.
The agility training also features badges and takes the competition out of the obstacle course in place of fun.
“We also have playgroup sessions, allowing vaccinated, previously evaluated dogs to interact socially, much like a controlled, expert-led dog park,” says Terra, adding that guests also can book private time in the gym.
Finally, there is the puppy preschool.
“Thanks to our lab-grade sanitizer, we can welcome 2- to 4-month-old puppies who haven’t had all their vaccinations yet for special sessions so they can begin to socialize during what is a critical time in their development,” Terra says.