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Triple Crown Dog Academy

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Written by Katie Gutierrez Friday, 07 September 2007

‘World’s largest’ dog boarding, training facility

A selection of bones in plastic tubs lines the back wall of Triple Crown Dog Academy’s pro shop, not unlike a candy store for dogs. It features delicacies such as Pet Deli Large Center Cut, Pet Deli Knucklebone, Pet Deli Hambone and Pet Deli Pig Ear.

And that’s just the beginning of the unique offerings for pets and pet-owners alike at Triple Crown, the self-proclaimed largest and most comprehensive dog boarding, training, behavior and event center in the world.

General manager John Woods with his dog, Maverick

“We treat [customers’] dogs like they’re members of our own family,” general manager John Woods said of the company’s business philosophy. “Dogs are here on vacation while you’re on vacation.”

Encompassing 360 acres of wooded property off CR 137 in Hutto, the 13-year-old Triple Crown features a slew of exclusive activities for dogs, including the Beach Club, where dogs can frolic in beach sand and a 3-foot deep, bone-shaped swimming pool (supervised by a kennel technician at all times).

Other activities include the Brush and Hugs Massage, particularly enjoyable for geriatric dogs, Woods said.

Then there’s the latest offering: The Adventure Trail. The 2.1-mile wooded trail features agility equipment and lets owners bond with their canine companions.

It might be hard to imagine that Triple Crown began in the Tucson, Ariz., backyard of owner Jerry Wolfe — but it’s not hard to understand why Wolfe chose Central Texas for his company’s flagship location.

“Jerry was looking for an environment that would be accessible to pet-owners from all over America,” Woods explained. “Williamson County provided ample growth opportunities and beautiful property, with good people and, most importantly, a good environment for dogs.”

Dogs lodging at Triple Crown enjoy spacious indoor/outdoor accommodations, and boarding services range from Basic to Luxury Suites, Triple Crown’s top-of-the-line service. The Luxury Suites are housed in an all-indoor facility featuring a soothing paint scheme, flat-screen televisions playing “dog-friendly” movies, filtered water, elevated food bowls and beds and soft music that plays in the evenings. Dogs are taken out for daily playtimes and have private runs with synthetic turf for more exercise.

Woods’ own dog, Maverick, a black Labrador mix rescued from a shelter, seems right at home at Triple Crown. With bright eyes and a glossy coat, he greets Woods as he walks into his office, “lethal” tail wagging uncontrollably.