Pros
The dogs obviously, coworkers, most clients, location management. It was a good company to work in to get a foot in the door working with a large variety of dogs. It was a great place for entry level work and it sounds like most reviewers expected a career and did not understand that its really only a career path for management and there is very little chance someone hired as a handler would move up into that sort of position. Dog handling and dog walking is a low paying entry level position- I am not sure why so many people are surprised that it isn't glamorous or that benefits etc aren't ideal. I think people should take the opportunity to work with dogs as a learning experience and than take that knowledge on in the future- if course scut work is part of the job and you aren't going to feel as respected as other positions because there is a high turn over and a low paying position. That being said, having worked in the training department I saw a lot of great changes and a lot of changes I did not agree with as the company shifted pay scales and responsibilities etc. I took it as par for the course in working with a multiple location company where decisions have to be made for the median not for the individual. I think if you approach this type of job with the mindset that you are going to learn a lot about both what you like and what you don't like you will do just fine. Do not expect to make enough to support yourself or a family in Manhattan but it is a good starter job for sure.
Cons
Company management, the facilities, policies Policies made at the corporate level were often in disregard to each locations needs and preferences. Location managers had a much better feel for their employees and clients and should be better respected and listened to. Also, removing the incentive of a good commission structure and taking tips away from employees to go into a "tip share" scheme for the holidays was ridiculous- we knew how much our clients were giving in comparison to what we received and it was no where near similar. If you are going to offer a low starting salary (35k when i started) you need to at least allow for competitive commission, benefits, and tips. Compensation was a big reason I and other strong employees left and many who stayed were less skilled and less able. The process for promotion was also fairly disappointing if you want to retain your strongest employees. Facilities were often gross, understanding that they are animals and there will be some level of mess- it was still pretty gross compared to other facilities I worked at after I left. Staff members also had clear favorites and it was obvious in their speech and treatment of the dogs which is really inappropriate even if you tell them that it should like like the set of a commercial at all times with constant interaction, movement, etc.