Behind the Business: Recurve K9

I spent years working in veterinary medicine and in rescue, and during that time, my own dogs became my greatest teachers. Every single one of them had been labeled “dangerous” or “unadoptable.” More than once, I was told by other trainers or professionals that I should put them down. But I refused to accept that and instead, I figured it out myself.  Learning how to meet their needs, work through their behaviors and give them the chance they deserve.

That experience lit a fire in me. I started out doing in-home training and hikes but I knew I wanted and needed something more. A space where I could help dogs like mine, where I could train in a controlled environment and not be susceptible to the weather or the everyday public.  That’s what ultimately led me to opening my first location in Scituate.

We’re not your typical dog daycare and honestly, I don’t even like to use the word "daycare" because it comes with such a specific image: a big room full of dogs just running wild. That’s not us. Recurve K9 is first and foremost a training-based facility. Everything we do is designed with structure in mind, so that every dog who spends the day with us is actually learning. We focus on self-regulation, impulse control and helping them carry those lessons back home so their families see the difference too.

And because we know convenience matters, we also offer "Spaw" (see what we did there?) appointments and extra services. We opened the Scituate location during Covid and vets were so overrun that if people wanted to go in for just nail trims, ear cleaning or anal gland expressions, it might take a long time to get an appointment. So, I figured why not add to our list of services? We don't do regular grooming, but you can add a bath to your dog's daycare or boarding stay. We have a lot of fun extras for baths too, like blueberry facials and paw pad conditioning.

Honestly the fact that I made it, that we not only survived but grew into a second location, is something I’m deeply proud of. When I was younger and told people I wanted to train dogs and horses everyone thought I was crazy, especially my parents. My Dad is the first one to say that he thought I'd be living in a tent in his backyard for the rest of my life but that now he is so proud of how far I've come. To see my literal dreams take shape and now to watch it thrive, is incredibly rewarding. 

But even more than that, I’m proud of the dogs we’ve been able to help along the way. So many of them came to us after being kicked out of traditional daycares or labeled as “too much.” We’ve built programs that meet those dogs where they are and help them learn how to simply “be a dog.” Seeing those transformations and watching families experience a new kind of peace and joy with their pets is what makes it all worth it.

I would have to say my biggest challenge has been finding the right staff, it was something I didn’t really think about when I first started. Running a business isn’t just about your own passion and hard work, it’s about finding people who share your vision and who you can trust to carry it forward. That takes a lot of time, energy and trial & error.

I feel lucky now because my current team is amazing but getting here wasn’t easy. It takes more than just hiring people who “like dogs.” We invest in our staff with additional training and certifications for dog behavior and group management because I want them to have the same knowledge and confidence that I do. Building that strong, reliable team has been one of, if not THE hardest but also most rewarding parts of the journey. It's especially neat when you see that someone has "it", that thing we all have and need to work with dogs but hasn't quite realized it yet. I love watching them come into their own and discover their passion for this type of work.

Both the Scituate and Norwell communities have been nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning our original client base has been incredibly supportive, not just of the business itself but of me personally. That kind of loyalty and encouragement is humbling and it’s been a huge part of what’s kept me going. 

A few years ago, we were able to participate in the Scituate St. Patrick's Day parade and it was….I don't even know the right word. But to see all those people who were waving and cheering for Recurve was truly something I will never, ever forget for the rest of my life. 

Now with Norwell, we’ve been welcomed in with the same kind of warmth. We’re sponsoring a small part of the upcoming Turkey Trot, which we’re really excited about. Opportunities like that remind me how important it is to be involved and visible in the community, not just as a business but as a neighbor.

At the end of the day, the trust people place in us, handing over their beloved family pets is the greatest influence of all. It pushes me to keep going, keep growing, keep learning, and keep showing up for the community that has shown up so strongly for us.

What really makes us different is that we’re a legitimately structured daycare. I'm a certified trainer so every part of a dog’s day here is built around training, routine, and balance. I talk about balance all the time because for dogs, it’s everything. When they learn self-regulation and structure with us, that balance carries over into their home life too. It makes living with them easier, more peaceful and ultimately more enjoyable for their families.

We’re not just a place where dogs burn energy, we’re a place where they grow. That’s the piece that sets us apart.

That’s a tough one because so many people AND dogs have shaped this journey. My very first boss at VCA Marshfield, Jo, was one of them. She was tough but amazing and she taught me the foundational basics of client service, running a business the right way and always doing what’s best. I could never thank her enough for the lessons she gave me.

Then there was my mentor, Cassie, who sadly has passed away. I originally sought her help with one of my own challenging dogs but we ended up becoming good friends. She pushed me, encouraged me and really helped me step into training as a career.

Of course, my own dogs have been some of my greatest teachers. All 5 of them inspired me to learn more, to think differently and to grow into the trainer I am today. My friends and family have been incredibly supportive and they are constantly reminding me why I do this: to create a better life for my dogs and everyone else's too!

We’re starting to see a real shift in the industry and it’s a welcome change. New laws are coming into play that require daycare owners to have actual experience, certifications, or licensing of some kind. I think that’s fantastic because it helps ensure quality and keeps daycares from getting a bad reputation because of unqualified operators.

Another big trend is enrichment. More and more facilities are moving away from the “dogs just run wild all day” model and instead are incorporating structured activities that stimulate dogs mentally as well as physically. It’s encouraging to see the industry hold itself to higher standards with a stronger focus on what’s truly best for the dogs.

You have to really love your business, like REALLY love it because it will become your whole world. You’ll eat, sleep and breathe it every minute of every hour of every day. It means making sacrifices; friendships, family time, free time, even vacations. I can’t remember the last time I truly went away on vacation; it’s been years.

But if you’re passionate about what you’re building, those sacrifices are worth it. My advice is to go into it with open eyes, knowing it’s hard work but also knowing that if you stay committed, the rewards both personal and professional, are bigger than you can imagine.