Rules and Regulations

1. All dogs must pass the Evaluation ($25) to be part of the daycare program.  All Evaluations must be completed BEFORE your dog’s lodging visit.

2. Dogs over 7 months of age must be spayed/neutered.

3. New dogs to the program must be under the age of 3 years old or must have played at another professional daycare facility (not dog park) on a regular basis.

4. All dogs are required to attend a minimum of 1 play day a month or the dog must be re-evaluated at your expense. All evaluations must be completed BEFORE your dog’s lodging visit.  In order to keep dogs and staff safe, the dogs need regularity in their playgroups.  You may only be allowed 1 additional evaluation before being removed from the program.

5. All daycare appointments must be made in advance (at least 24 hours notice).  Failure to make an advance daycare reservation will result in your pet receiving individual daycare only that day.

6. All dogs in the program are on probation. They are evaluated every play day to determine if they are right for the group play program.

7. A yellow Behavior Notice will be sent home when your dog exhibits inappropriate behaviors, sometimes with recommendations to help your dog. If your dog receives more than one yellow Behavior Notice, he/she may be removed from the program based on circumstances.

8. If your dog bites and causes a puncture or injury to another dog your dog will be removed from the program.  If your dog bites a human and causes a puncture or injury for any reason your dog will be removed from the program.

9. We do understand that you enjoy watching your dogs play with their doggy friends but we do ask that you keep the viewing of the group to a minimum to help keep the dogs healthier and happier. The extended viewings at the fence cause the dogs to get excited and aroused which will lead to inappropriate behaviors.

10. Please be advised that some medical issues (i.e. seizures, back injuries, leg injuries, previous bloat, etc.) may not be appropriate for group playtime. Other medical issues may be accepted with veterinary approval. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Is My Dog Right for Group Play??

Below are some helpful articles and information to help you decide what is best for your dog.

Dogs That May Not Enjoy Group Daycare

Bullies do not have a place in a group environment.  Dogs that pin, roll, knock over, jump on and annoy other dogs constantly create an environment that causes other dogs to fight or to shut down and learn to dislike play group.*

Hyperactive dogs often have too much energy for the group and they tend to not listen to commands.  They have no impulse control. The hyperactive dog tries to play with the other dogs constantly using inappropriate behaviors such as neck biting and jumping on them. Their energy level raises the group level which can easily escalate into a fight.  Hyperactive dogs need training and mental work to help with the excess energy.*

Protective dogs tend to be protective of you, other dogs and toys and treats.  These dogs can protect you from the other dogs in the group and snap at them and not let them near you.  These dogs will also try and take care of any dogs that aren’t listening to you.  These behaviors can cause injuries to the other dogs in the group.*

Highly intelligent dogs can attend daycare, but they need to only attend daycare a couple days a week as they become bored easily.  When dogs are bored they cause trouble.  They need to be challenged mentally as well as physically. Keep in mind that 15 minutes of mental training and enrichment is the equivalent of walking 3 miles.*

Insecure dogs lack confidence and the other dogs know this immediately.  Insecure dogs timid and become the lowest ranking dog in the group.  This lack of confidence can cause the others to attack or bully the insecure dog.*

Aggressive dogs…….enough said.*

Intact Female/Male dogs over 7 months are not allowed in our playgroups. Even if you have not seen any changes in your puppy once they become an adult in dog world, the other dogs in the group can tell immediately.  When an adult unneutered male/unspayed female is allowed in group the dynamics of the entire group will change.  This can easily and quickly escalate into a fight with any of the dogs in the group.*

*These are not traits of a bad dog, they are traits of dogs that just may not do well in a group environment.

Dog Parks?….Nope!!

Dog parks are not necessarily good for your dog and we do not recommend people to visit them.

1. Dog park do not check to make sure the dogs are vaccinated and free of illness, disease, fleas, ticks, worms, etc…
2. Dog parks do not have separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.
   1. Larger dogs can easily hurt or kill smaller dogs.
3. Dog parks are unsupervised by a professional.
   1. Most people mean well but do not know the warning signs to look for in dog to dog interactions.
   2. Most people do not know how to handle a dog tiff or fight properly which can also cause human injury.
4. Dog parks lead to injury and even death.
5. Dog parks do not make sure that all of the dogs are properly obedience trained.
6. Dog parks do not make sure that the dogs know proper dog group manors to play properly in a group setting with new dogs
7. Dog parks do not offer much regularity in the dogs that play, so your dog may not be comfortable being in a group.
   1. Dogs need a core group of friends
8. Dog parks often do not have appropriate fencing to contain the dogs.
9. Dog parks can allow for your dog to learn bad behaviors.
10. Dog parks can also become overcrowded