As man’s best friend, dogs have a special place in our hearts and always will. They’re not just pets, but cherished family members. There isn’t much in the world that we won’t do for our canine companions, and nobody understands that better than Tyler Zuckerman and his team at Pleasant Grooming. For nearly thirty years, they have been the local go-to resource for any/all dog-care needs including training, grooming, bathing, daycare and overnight kenneling. Through genuine care and attention to detail, they’ve also become a beloved and trustworthy pillar of the community.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Zuckerman about some of his values and philosophies when it comes to dog care and also the history of Pleasant Grooming. His father originally started the business back in 1997 and brought Tyler in as much as possible for assistance. By 2017, the duo had successfully transitioned to their current, larger space in Armonk and Tyler had taken over as manager/CEO. He claims that throughout that time he’s watched the business grow and evolve to the point where, “The number of dogs coming into the old place versus the new place has to be at least 5 to 6 times the amount.” While this type of growth is always impressive, it’s not necessarily a surprise in this case.
The facilities are top of the line with high-end bedding and equipment, kept extremely clean, attentively supervised 24/7, and temperature controlled. It’s very clear from speaking to Zuckerman and seeing the space in person that their top priority is to keep all of the dogs as happy and comfortable as possible – he even requires that dogs come in and experience the daycare facilities at least three times before any overnight stays. It’s abundantly clear that this level of care and attention to detail has helped this business thrive.
Dog training provides essential communication and strengthens the bond between a dog and their owner. It also prevents behavioral problems and makes for a safer environment and happier companion. Pleasant Grooming has a comprehensive obedience training program designed to build a strong foundation of discipline, socialization, and confidence. They tailor each program to meet the specific needs of each dog.
When asked about specific approaches to training, Zuckerman quickly emphasized the value of repetition and consistency, especially when it comes to younger puppies. “A lot of people think that they’re getting training done when someone comes to their house once a week and that’s not really addressing the issue,” he explained, “They’re more training the owner on how to train the dog.” One focused session per week is not enough to establish a foundation of desired behaviors, and definitely not enough to eliminate undesired ones.
Zuckerman believes that in addition to constant reinforcement, that socialization is also extremely valuable for young dogs. He added, “It’s important that dogs are around other dogs and day care is a phenomenal place for that, just like for kids – exposure is huge.”
Between the good weather and fewer distractions, summer into fall can be the perfect time for long playdates and outdoor training. As kids head back to school and families settle into a more structured routine it’s easier to carve out consistent training time – key for progress.
Pleasant Grooming of Armonk
info@pleasantgrooming.com
914 273-3939
