Dog training company Zoom Room opened its first Arizona location Aug. 22 in Peoria.
The training is specifically designed to encourage dogs to socialize and build confidence while learning to master behaviors and commands.
“There has never been a more perfect time to start training your dog,” said Colin Elliot, Zoom Room Arrowhead owner. “COVID-19 has left so many people at home with their pets all day, and they are just as eager to get out and get moving.”
Zoom Room offers various classes, personalized for pooches with specific needs. Clients can choose lessons with a focus on agility, obedience, puppy training and socialization. Pet owners can even rent out distraction-free spaces to work and play one on one with their dogs.
Elliot said incorporating pet owners in lessons is an important element of the training process.
“Our motto is: ‘We don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them.’ For us, training is all about establishing and strengthening the bond between pet owners and their humans,” Elliot said. “We supply you with the tools to see success in and out of class because, at the end of the day, your dog is going home with you.”
With over 4,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, dogs can play comfortably and enjoy the toys and treats for sale at the merchandise front.
Elliot’s passion for animals started as a child, growing up with his family’s dogs. As he grew older and adopted his own rescue canines, he realized the need for pet services and aimed to open his own boarding and day care center with his father, John.
When an opportunity to join the Zoom Room franchise presented itself, the father-son duo decided to take the leap.
“Opening during a pandemic was definitely an interesting and stressful experience,” Elliot continued. “We were the first in the franchise to open during COVID-19, and we had to get creative with everything—from marketing the opening to figuring out how we can adapt to a socially distanced experience.”
Masks and online reservations are required to attend classes. Additionally, sessions will only host up to six dogs to allow for proper social distancing.
Elliot said all areas of the training facility are frequently sanitized with hospital-grade disinfectant.
“We are playing by the rules and adhering to government guidelines,” Elliot said. “We want to safely remain open and hope to soon serve Valley dogs at full capacity in a post-pandemic world.”
Zoom Room Arrowhead is at 7439 W. Bell Road, Suite A-1. For more information, call 623-850-1342 or visit zoomroom.com/arrowhead.
