Durham, NC Dog Day Care Center Guide
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Cornerstone K9

Updated 2026-07-20 · 1,089 reviewed · 117 listed · Scored from 375 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.9(375) 87 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Daycare & BoardingTraining ProgramsPuppy ProgramsPickup & Drop-offPet SitterDog Walker
Cornerstone K9
Services
Daycare & Boarding, Training Programs, Puppy Programs
Reviews
375

What recent reviews say

Most dogs leave noticeably better behaved, with owners crediting trainers like Mike, Sandy, Sherman, Jess, and Karissa for calm, patient instruction that improves leash manners and builds owner confidence. Regular photo and video updates during board-and-train stays ease concerns. Two dissatisfied clients reported reactivity dogs returned unchanged or worse, claiming broken promises on specific behaviors, minimal communication, and refunds handled inflexibly at first. One detailed their frustration with high cost, lost first week, skipped muzzle training, and being steered toward additional expensive equipment rather than the promised behavioral fix.

The business shines when trainers have the time and skill match for each dog, and stumbles when reactive cases land with under-equipped or overwhelmed staff. Ownership policies (refund terms, fecal timing, trainer transitions) can catch buyers off guard. Nearly all satisfied clients note follow-up support and owner education as key wins.

Praised for
  • expert trainers with specific expertise
  • transformative results for reactive/anxious dogs
  • frequent photo and video updates during training
  • patient, calm teaching approach for dogs and owners
Watch-outs
  • inconsistent execution on promised services for reactive cases
  • strict refund policy and delayed flexibility on account credits
  • poor communication when changing trainers mid-program
  • overly restrictive fecal testing timing requirements
attentive-staffresponsive-communicationfriendly-staffdogs-happy-to-return
Best for: Owner-involved learners willing to reinforce at home; anxious or reactive dogs matched well with the right trainer.
Think twice if: Reactive dogs may not get promised behavioral fixes or communication if staff capacity is stretched. Refund policy defaults to account credit; read the contract closely.

Strengths

  • Named trainers with strong track records (Mike, Sandy, Sherman, Jess, Karissa)
  • Photo and video updates during multi-week board stays
  • Follow-up support and owner coaching included after training

Worth knowing

  • Trainers include Mike (board-and-train, large/strong dogs), Sandy (puppy and boarding, photo/video updates), Sherman (reactivity and confidence work, in-home coaching), Jess (private and board lessons, tailored methods), Karissa (multi-week programs, flexible stay extensions)
  • Board-and-train programs run 3–5 weeks at $1,000/week
  • Follow-up trainer visits and phone support after dogs return home
  • Updates via photo, video, and Instagram posts during training
  • Requires fecal sample testing (timing policy has caused friction)
  • Refund policy is strict; flexibility eventually granted but offered as account credit first

What reviews say by service

Training Programs
Trainers excel at obedience and building owner confidence when matched to the right trainer; reactive dogs sometimes return with only partial improvement or facing communication gaps.
Daycare & Boarding
Dogs settle in well with attentive staff and regular updates; some report minimal progress on reactive behaviors during extended stays.
Puppy Programs
Puppies gain manners, focus, and confidence; staff tailor methods to personality and report progress via photos and video.
Pet Sitter
In-home training sessions available with staff like Sandy and Jess; owners appreciate flexibility and personalized coaching.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.9 against a 4.74 average across the 88 daycare & boarding businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 91% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank
Star rating 93
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 61
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
360
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
7

Contact

Address
8041 Brier Creek Pkwy #1092, Raleigh, NC 27617

Last verified 2026-07-20

Opening hours

Monday
10:00-18:00
Tuesday
10:00-18:00
Wednesday
10:00-18:00
Thursday
10:00-18:00
Friday
10:00-18:00
Saturday
11:00-14:00
Sunday
Closed

As listed on Google.

From their website

Services listed
Private LessonsPuppy Board & TrainAdult Board & TrainBehavior ModificationSport Dog TrainingOn/Off Leash ObedienceAgility Courses

Credentials claimed:Licensed & Insured

As published by the business on its own website; not independently verified.

Enquire about Cornerstone K9

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Common questions

Do trainers send updates during board-and-train?
Yes. Regular photo and video updates, including posts via Instagram, let owners track progress throughout the stay.
Do trainers teach me how to continue training at home?
Yes. Follow-up support, owner coaching, and trainer visits after dogs return home are included to help reinforce learned behaviors.
What happens if my dog was promised training on a specific behavior but it wasn't completed?
Refund requests default to account credit; flexibility is available but requires discussing your scenario with the owners before booking to avoid surprises.

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Last updated 2026-07-20