Dogboy's Dog Ranch

Dogboy's Dog Ranch

Written by Christi Snow Wednesday, 07 March 2007

Country kennel builds on affection for pups

When pet owners want their animals to stay at Dog Boy’s Dog Ranch during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday, they have to put their 50 percent nonrefundable deposit in nearly a year in advance because boarding space fills quickly.

The 15 acres of Bart and Courtney Emken’s dog kennel is not designed as a luxury spa for pets. Instead, it is more of a comfortable Texas-style camp for dogs wanting to spend some time outdoors.

“We really pride ourselves on being a different kind of kennel,” Courtney said.

She and her husband began the boarding, day care and training facility in 1995 because of Bart’s lifelong love for dogs. In two years, the business grew from 200 clients to 2,000. Courtney believes their constant interaction with the dogs is a primary customer attraction.

“[The dogs] would go home with nicknames they didn’t come with,” she said. “We knew each and every dog.”

Now they have around 6,000 clients with about 100 dogs staying daily in their indoor-outdoor facilities. During the day, the animals spend much of their time in one of 20 playgroups separated into runs all over the property. When the weather permits, they might also go for a swim in the pond.

Special playtime does not cost any extra since a stay at DogBoy’s is an all-inclusive package. The kennel provides food and blankets, administers medications and makes sure animals have plenty of play and interaction.

“They go home exhausted and sleep for days,” Courtney said of the dogs.

The Emkens are content with the size of their boarding space; however, they have begun a new project to provide more extensive training facilities. They already have an outdoor track where they encourage owners and their pets to interact, but they want indoor space available for when the weather is less than perfect. Again, their emphasis won’t be on luxury or professional showmanship. They want customers and dogs to strengthen their bond while having fun.

DogBoy’s employees all have pets that come to work with the Emken’s four dogs. The staff knows to treat clients’ pets with the same affection they would show their own animals.

“I feel like a large part of our success is because of the people we have hired,” Courtney said.

“And our loyal customers,” Bart reminds her.

“Our customers, they are like family—a big, extended family,” Courtney said. “They have been our saving grace.”

Spay Neuter Incentive Program

SNIP was founded by DogBoy’s Dog Ranch in 2004 to encourage spaying and neutering. Members of SNIP offer incentive programs for customers with spayed and neutered dogs. Involvement ranges from ice cream shops to veterinary clinics to photography services. Visit www.dogboys.com/snip/members.php for more information.

SNIP Membership INCENTIVES

• Wells Branch Pet and Bird Clinic, 512-339-8472, 50 percent off spays and neuters
• Hip Hounds 512-989-6767, 50 percent off first day of doggie day care
• Amy’s Ice Creams, 512-458-6149, 10 percent Good Neighbor Discount

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Sun. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

DogBoy’s Dog Ranch, 2615 Crystal Bend Drive, Pflugerville, TX 78660, 512-251-7600 • dogboys.com