Ann Arbor's Dog-O-Mat moves to Washtenaw Avenue location, expands to Jackson Road
Carolyn Kinsler kneels with Duffy, left, and Selli, right, inside the training area of the new location of Dog-O-Mat on Washtenaw in Pittsfield Township.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
It’s springtime, and dogs all over Ann Arbor are patiently awaiting their much needed spring sprucing. But if you do it yourself, it's the mess after grooming that's a problem.
If only there was a DIY option, similar to a Laundromat, or the old self-serve car washes.
Behold, there is! The Dog-O-Mat has been an institution in the Ann Arbor dog community since 1997. This season they are moving, expanding and opening an additional location to better serve dogs and their owners in the area.
The Dog-O-Mat is moving from its current location on Jorn Court, tucked behind a dry cleaners on Packard Road. The new location will be at 4949 Washtenaw Ave., just west of Golfside in Pittsfield Township, beginning on April 2.
The larger location allows owner Carolyn Kinsler to expand services in a whole new direction.
Kinsler also owns the local dog park, Paw Run, on North Territorial Road. She and boyfriend Robert Frye can be found there often with their golden, Selchie. Selchie’s good behavior and experience in agility and obedience competitions led many other dog owners to request classes and training from Kinsler.
The new location gives her an opportunity to offer the self-service dog wash, an ample retail area and an indoor place for the dogs to romp and roll. She also will offer dog training.
According to a press release, The A2K9 Dog Training Center, which will occupy half of the new building, will be the only full-time training center within Ann Arbor and will offer unique training classes.
A2K9 will offer classes in dog manners taught by Camille Ward M.S., Ph.D., whose research centers on dog behavior and learning. Ward is also collaborating with Kinsler on A2K9’s Pupstart program, an innovative system to turn a good puppy into a great dog. Kinsler is also teaching Play Agility classes for people who want to try agility but not compete in the sport.
Beyond that, the 2,500-square-foot area will be available for parties, play dates and other stress-free recreation.
Dog-O-Mat’s new location is located conveniently between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, but dog owners on the West Side of town can also still enjoy the convenience of a self-service dog wash. Dog-O-Mat 2 opened in February at 2740 Jackson Blvd.
For more information about the classes and offerings at A2K9 and the Dog-O-Mat, visit their Web site.
Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.
Comments
Angela Smith
Tue, Apr 6, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.
There are lots of wonderful opportunities for dogs and dog owners in the area! This story happens to focus on the business expansion of one in particular. Ann Arbor dogs are a lucky bunch!
ArgoC
Sun, Apr 4, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.
Gail, I would guess that the operative word is "within Ann Arbor" since the other two places are not in the city limits. Still, I think a mention of the entire dog training landscape would have been in order. We have terrific dog resources here.
Gail
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.
Wonderful business. I take my dogs there and encourage my students to do the same. So pleased about the west side location. Incidentally, the AAK9 training school is definitely not the only training place in Ann Arbor. Adele Yunck owns and manages Northfield Dog Training (Wagner and Ellsworth, in Ann Arbor), a very professional and first class dog training school. Has been there for years. Also, the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club, which goes back at last 4 decades, is a quality training place. It is located on East N Territorial Rd. It would be nice to see more research done to back up statements
Theresa Taylor
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 9:58 a.m.
I live right across the street and plan to be over there quite a bit! Actually, my Coco (4 mo. pld German Shepherd) needs a nail clipping so we'll see you tonight!;D
ArgoC
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
This is a great example of a thriving local business that truly supports a local subcommunity. Carolyn and Robert have made such a difference for many years (and let's not forget the original founder of the Dog-O-Mat whose name I have forgotten, sorry!). Hurray for doing what you love.
russellr
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
Wonderful! We need businesses to come to Jackson Rd. That is a great new entrance to Ann Arbor. Welcome Dog-O-Mat
mkm17
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 8:56 a.m.
Our family are big fans of Dog-o-Mat. It was perfect for bathing our elderly, arthritic, anxious Labrador retriever. And now, it is the perfect setting for our service dogs in training (we are puppy raisers for Leader Dogs for the Blind). We thank Dog-o-Mat for providing a wonderful service and wish it continued success!
Mary Roderique
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
Our dog Colby adores Carolyn- even though seeing her usually means a b-a-t-h... The Dog-o-mat has been so helpful to our family in our work with service dogs- we're excited about the new location!
LDR
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 7:33 a.m.
I saw the new location on Jackson just the other day and wondered how long it had been there...looking forward to using it.