About Meraki Canine LLC
For more than 14 years, our journey has been shaped by passion, growth, and an unwavering love for dogs. It all began in 2012, when Hannah opened the training side of the business, Down Home Dog Training, LLC, at just 19 years old. In 2022, she and her husband Mick expanded into Down Home Dog Resort, bringing structured playcare and boarding to life. Since then, families from Crawford County, across Pennsylvania, and even beyond state lines have entrusted us with their beloved dogs.
With the opening of our Cochranton location, we knew it was time for a name that reflected not just what we do, but why we do it. That’s how Meraki Canine LLC was born — a brand that honors the heart, intention, and care behind every decision we make for the dogs and people we serve.
OUR STORY & VALUES
A New Name, A Deeper Purpose
The word Meraki is Greek, meaning to put your soul, creativity, and love into everything you do — to leave a piece of yourself in your work. This word captures our heart and purpose.
We believe dogs deserve more than a place to stay or a quick training fix. Our mission is to provide experiences that enrich lives through safe, supportive boarding, innovative playcare, professional training, and genuine community connection.
At the center of everything we do is a commitment to structure, enrichment, and real-world reliability — helping dogs and their people feel more confident, capable, and connected.
Our Facility: Designed With Dogs in Mind
Our Cochranton location is a 3,500+ square foot, climate-controlled, multi-level training and enrichment facility intentionally designed to support safe, structured canine development.
Unlike open warehouse-style spaces that can easily overwhelm dogs, our main training floor is thoughtfully laid out to allow dogs to transition into group work without flooding or pushing them over threshold. Each dog-and-handler team has defined space to feel secure and comfortable while still benefiting from appropriate exposure and group dynamics.
Our primary training level features commercial-grade rubber matting to provide traction, joint support, and cushioning during high-impact activities such as sports training, fitness conditioning, structured play, and advanced obedience work. Long-term structural soundness and safety matter.
Our upper training level is currently undergoing remodel and will also feature rubber-matted flooring along with additional program-specific enhancements to support agility, rally, fitness, and sport development.
Every detail of our space has been intentionally designed with dogs’ comfort, behavioral needs, and long-term well-being in mind.
Health, Biosecurity & Environmental Standards
Vaccination & Illness Policies
Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols
- Dogs must be up to date on required vaccinations.
- Puppies must have a minimum of two rounds of vaccinations prior to attendance.
- No dog is permitted on premises if showing any signs of illness.
- Owners are asked to notify us if their dog has had contact with potentially ill dogs between visits.
We utilize:
- Commercial veterinary-grade disinfectants for all flooring and surfaces
- Air sanitation protocols
- Commercial-grade air scrubbers and air purifiers
- Daily sanitation of high-traffic areas including yards, kennels, and common spaces
- Weekly strip and deep-clean protocols
Training equipment — including fitness tools, agility contacts, conditioning platforms, and enrichment equipment — is sanitized after each playcare session, after every training program, and after individual use by boarding dogs.
Food Handling Standards
For pest control, cross-contamination prevention, and dog safety, all food must be stored in sealed containers in accordance with facility protocol. Loose bags are not permitted on premises due to the risk of spillage, pest attraction, or accidental access by other dogs.
Climate & Air Quality Monitoring
Our building is climate controlled and monitored using multiple temperature and humidity gauges throughout the facility. These readings are checked multiple times daily to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all dogs in our care.
Behavioral Safety & Group Monitoring
Group environments are carefully structured and supervised. Dogs are actively monitored for stress signals, arousal escalation, avoidance behaviors, and other threshold indicators.
With a strong background in canine behavior and modification, group transitions are managed intentionally — ensuring dogs are not flooded, overwhelmed, or placed in situations beyond their comfort or skill level. Structure, clarity, and emotional regulation are prioritized in all programs.