About Dog Den

Shane has loved animals for as long as he can remember, but everything changed after adopting Fydget, a lively Jack Russell/Red Heeler mix, shortly after high school. That bond sparked a passion for understanding canine behavior and led to years of training, travel, and hands-on work with dogs of all kinds.

From studying with trainers in the U.S. and Europe to helping vets, rescues, and shelters with challenging cases, Shane began a career around improving the lives of dogs and their families when he started Peaceful Pups 101 in 2008. He had the unique opportunity of incorporating his training experience with various daycare and boarding facilities he's worked with since 2010 and began to see common issues from how daycare was commonly structured.

In 2021, that journey grew into The Dog Den—a place where dogs can play, learn, and relax in a safe, caring environment. Today, The Dog Den offers daycare, boarding, and grooming with the same dedication and love that started it all.

Roger Caras once said, "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." I'd argue he was only half right, because for me, dogs are my whole life, and they absolutely make it whole.

That realization hit me years ago when I adopted two young pups within two weeks of each other. One of them thrived everywhere she went, but the other struggled in high-energy situations. Traditional doggy daycare overwhelmed her, so much so that she eventually got kicked out. I knew there had to be a better way. That "better way" became The Dog Den.

With over 15 years in the daycare and boarding world, I set out (with my friend, Shane) to create the facility of our dreams: a place where comfort and well-being come first, where dogs aren't crammed into overcrowded playgroups, and where every pup is treated as if they were my own. I fall in love with every dog who walks through our doors, and truly can't imagine my life without each and every one of them.

Opening The Dog Den and watching it grow into the community it is today has been one of the proudest achievements of my life. When I'm not at The Den, you'll usually find me at a soccer match (I'm a die-hard fan of Real Salt Lake, the Royals, and the Monarchs. I even have season tickets to them all). I also have a passion for photography, whether it's capturing the energy of a game or the sweet face of a pup during playtime.

My hope is that every pet parent who walks through our doors feels the love, passion, and dedication that my team and I pour into caring for their dogs. The Dog Den isn't just a business to me, it's a community built on trust, wagging tails, and the belief that every pup deserves the very best care. It's an honor to be part of your dog's story and to welcome them into The Dog Den family. I truly believe this is my calling, and I am beyond honored every time someone trusts us with their fur baby.