Frequently Asked Questions


What are your hours of operation for daycare services?

Our daycare services are available Monday-Friday, 7a-6p.


What services do you offer?

We offer a variety of additional services to meet the diverse needs of our clients and their pets:

 

·         Pet Transportation: For our training clients who live outside of El Paso County, we provide transportation services to ensure convenient access to our facility.

 

·         Basic Obedience Group Training Classes: We offer basic obedience group training classes on Saturdays at 3 PM. These classes provide structured training sessions in a group setting, helping dogs develop essential obedience skills and behaviors.

 

·         Private Training Lessons Package: We offer a package of six private training lessons, allowing for personalized one-on-one training sessions tailored to the specific needs and goals of each dog and their owner.

 

·         Free Consultations: We provide free consultations to new clients, giving them the opportunity to discuss their pet's training needs and goals with our experienced trainers.

 

·         Boarding with 30-Minute Training Sessions: Our boarding services include optional 30-minute training sessions for dogs, allowing them to receive additional training and reinforcement during their stay with us.

 

·         Training Programs: Our main training programs include three-week board & train options for basic obedience, behavior modification, and emotional support animal (ESA) training. These comprehensive programs offer intensive training and support to help dogs develop the skills and behaviors they need to thrive.

 

By offering these additional services, we aim to provide comprehensive support and resources to help owners and their pets build strong bonds and achieve their training goals.


What vaccinations does my dog need to participate in daycare or boarding

Must have rabies vaccination. Bordetella and DHAPP are recommended, but not required.


How do you handle feeding and medication schedules for dogs in your care?

All dogs are fed twice a day: once in the morning and once in the early evening. Any dog that comes into our care with medications will have a medication log created that tracks when the medication was given, dosage, and by whom it was given.


What training methods do you use for obedience training?

·         Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play encourages the dog to repeat those behaviors. This method focuses on reinforcing good behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior.

 

·         Marker Training: Similar to clicker training, but instead of a clicker, a verbal marker like "yes" or a hand signal is used to indicate the desired behavior followed by a reward.

 

·         Lure-Reward Training: Using a lure, such as a treat, to guide the dog into the desired position or behavior, then rewarding them once they perform it correctly.

 

·         Consistency and Patience: Regardless of the specific method used, consistency and patience are crucial in obedience training. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, so it's important to be consistent in training sessions and in enforcing rules and commands.

 

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's essential to adapt training methods to suit individual temperaments, learning styles, and needs. Positive reinforcement-based methods are generally recommended as they foster a strong bond between the dog and the owner while promoting a positive learning experience.


What is your staff-to-dog ratio in the daycare area?

Our staff to dog ratio is 1:4 in our daycare area.


How do you handle aggressive or anxious dogs in group settings?

Handling aggressive or anxious dogs in a group setting requires a combination of careful management, behavior modification techniques, and prioritization of the safety of all dogs involved. To begin, we conduct thorough assessments and screenings to evaluate each dog's behavior, temperament, and suitability for group interactions. In cases where aggressive behavior is a concern, we may utilize muzzles to prevent potential harm to other dogs or humans. Supervision by trained staff members is essential throughout group interactions to monitor behaviors and intervene if necessary. We facilitate gradual introductions between dogs, allowing them to acclimate to each other's presence in a controlled environment. Additionally, redirection techniques are employed to divert a dog's attention away from triggering stimuli or situations, helping to manage their behavior effectively. Positive reinforcement is utilized to encourage desired behaviors and reinforce socialization skills, promoting a positive and enriching experience for all dogs involved.


Do you offer pickup and drop-off services for training dogs

We offer transportation for all training clients that live outside the El Paso County area.

What types of play and socialization opportunities do you provide for daycare dogs?

In a daycare setting for dogs, it's crucial to provide a diverse range of play and socialization opportunities to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Activities offered in our daycare facility include group play sessions, which allow dogs to interact with each other under supervised conditions. Additionally, enrichment activities such as the snuffle mat, partially frozen Kongs, lick mats, and tug ropes are provided to mentally stimulate the dogs and encourage natural behaviors. Exercise is facilitated through the use of treadmills, tailored to each dog's fitness level and needs, and outdoor adventures are offered through supervised walks, allowing dogs to explore new environments and enjoy fresh air and exercise. These activities are designed to promote a positive and enriching experience for dogs in daycare, catering to their social, physical, and cognitive needs.

What measures do you take to ensure the safety and security of dogs in your facility?

Ensuring the safety and security of dogs in our facility is our top priority. We maintain at least six-foot-high enclosures surrounding all play areas and kennels to prevent dogs from escaping or encountering unauthorized individuals. Additionally, we equip these areas with numerous locking mechanisms to prevent accidental openings and unauthorized access. Our facility is also equipped with surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout to monitor activities in real-time, allowing us to promptly address any potential safety concerns. Moreover, our staff members undergo comprehensive training in dog behavior, handling, and emergency procedures, ensuring they are equipped to recognize signs of distress, diffuse potential conflicts, and respond effectively to emergencies. Furthermore, sturdy perimeter fences surround our outdoor enclosures, securing the premises and preventing unauthorized entry. These fences are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their integrity and effectiveness in safeguarding the facility. Through these measures, we create a safe and secure environment where dogs can enjoy their time under our care, providing peace of mind to both pet owners and staff members.

Can I schedule a tour of your facility before enrolling my dog?

Yes, tours can be scheduled anytime by contacting our facility and speaking with one of our staff members..

Do you offer any discounts or promotions for long-term boarding or frequent daycare visits?

We offer 5-, 10-, and 30-day daycare passes that are discounted 10, 15, and 20%. Additionally, we offer a multidog discount on our training programs and a 15% discount to our military and first responders. Discounts cannot be combined with other discounts

What is your process for evaluating new dogs before they can join group activities?

Prior to a new dog arriving at our facility, we gather basic information about the dog, including age, breed, medical history, and any previous behavioral issues or training. After arrival, a trained staff member will then conduct a temperament evaluation to assess the dog's behavior, socialization skills, and reaction to various stimuli. This evaluation may include observing the dog's interactions with humans and other dogs, response to commands, and handling sensitivity. We also require all new dogs to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations and a recent health check from a veterinarian to ensure they are in good health and free from contagious diseases. Once the initial assessment is complete, we introduce the new dog to our facility environment gradually, allowing them to become familiar with the surroundings, sounds, and smells. After this adjustment period, we gradually introduce the new dog to group activities under close supervision. This may involve supervised interactions with other dogs in controlled settings to assess their behavior and compatibility with different playmates. Throughout the evaluation process and beyond, we continuously monitor the new dog's behavior and interactions with other dogs and staff members. Any signs of aggression, fearfulness, or discomfort are addressed promptly, and adjustments are made as needed to ensure the well-being of all dogs involved.

How do you handle grooming and bathing services for dogs in your care?

All dogs are bathed on an as-needed basis and prior to returning to their owners, all training clients are professionally groomed to include bathing, ear cleaning, and nails clipped (no hair cutting).

What happens in case of a medical emergency while my dog is in your care?

If a pet becomes ill, or if the state of the Pet health otherwise requires professional attention, every reasonable attempt will be made to contact the Owner to direct care. However, if Owner is unreachable, Kennel at its sole discretion, may provide veterinary care or engage the services of a Veterinarian of Kennel’s choice, which may include after-hours care, with Owner being responsible for all associated fees and costs (as due).

What are your policies regarding late pickups for daycare or boarding dogs?

We ask that if you are going to be late picking up your pup, that you call our facility and speak to one of our staff members. If Owner does not contact the Kennel, or pick Pet after 3 days has elapsed PAST THE SCHEDULED PICK UP DATE, Pet shall be deemed abandoned, and Owner grants Kennel authority to place the Pet in the protective care of a pet shelter entity.

Do you offer training programs for specific behavioral issues, such as aggression or separation anxiety?

Yes. Our behavior modification program is designed to address specific behavioral issues beyond the five basic commands. Specific behaviors we address are aggression, reactivity, separation anxiety, jumping, socialization, etc.

How do you handle dogs with special dietary needs or restrictions?

All dogs have kennel cards attached to their kennels to include identifying information, behavioral issues, medical issues, special dietary needs or restrictions, picture of belongings, and training notes for our trainers.

What amenities do you provide for boarding dogs, such as bedding, toys, and play areas?

IWe provide places, toys, and blankets for their stay if they don’t arrive with these items and don’t display any destructive behaviors.

Can I bring my dog's own food and belongings for their stay?

Absolutely! We include in our welcome email to all new clients what to bring with their pup during their stay. These items include enough food for their stay, a favorite bed or blanket, and a hard toy. These familiar items help the dog relax and adjust to new surroundings. We don’t recommend soft toys because they can be a choking hazard when a dog is getting acclimated to a new environment.

What qualifications and training do your staff members have in handling and caring for dogs?

Our Master Trainer is certified through the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) and the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs. Additionally, we are incorporating several aspects of the Pet Gurus training philosophies into our programs.

Do you offer webcam or video monitoring of the daycare or boarding areas?

We do not have client accessible cameras; however, we do have cameras throughout our facility that are accessible by our staff to monitor all areas where dogs are housed and play.

How far in advance do I need to book daycare or boarding reservations?

For boarding reservations, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and avoid being turned away due to capacity constraints. This allows us to adequately prepare for your dog's stay and accommodate any special requests or requirements.

 

As for daycare reservations, we prefer receiving a 24-hour notice, especially for new clients. This advance notice allows us to plan for staffing and ensure we maintain appropriate ratios of staff to dogs for a safe and enjoyable daycare experience. However, we understand that plans can change, so pups can still come on the same day by calling our facility and speaking with one of our staff members. We will do our best to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.

What is your cancellation policy for daycare and boarding services?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the service:

 

For daycare, we maintain a flexible approach. If you need to cancel a daycare reservation, we'll add a credit to your account for the missed day. However, we do require that you contact us prior to your dog's scheduled drop-off time to inform us of the cancellation.

 

For our training and boarding services, we maintain a strict policy due to high demand and limited availability. We require a 72-hour notice prior to your pup's scheduled drop-off date for a refund. As a small, local business, we prioritize your pet's training and pet sitting needs. Each class and training plan receives our utmost effort and attention.

 

Group classes and private lessons require 100% deposit and are non-refundable, no exceptions.

 

Our trainers invest significant time and resources to acquire the knowledge, experience, and professional credentials necessary to effectively communicate with your pet. Therefore, 50% of the cost for training and boarding services is non-refundable, regardless of the notice provided. In exceptional cases, we may offer a credit or permit a transfer, although this is assessed on a case-by-case basis and not guaranteed.

 

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we aim to be as accommodating as possible while also ensuring that we can effectively manage our schedule and resources.

Do you provide updates on my dog's activities and well-being during their stay?

Yes, we provide regular updates on your dog's activities and well-being during their stay with us. To facilitate communication, we have all our clients download WhatsApp, which serves as a convenient and transparent platform for sharing updates, addressing questions, and addressing any concerns you may have about your dog's stay.

 

Through WhatsApp, you'll receive timely updates and/or photos of your dog enjoying their time at our facility. This allows you to stay connected and informed about your dog's experience while you're away, providing peace of mind and reassurance that they're in good hands.

 

Additionally, if you have any specific requests or concerns about your dog's care, you can easily communicate with us through WhatsApp, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure your dog's comfort and well-being throughout their stay.

What steps do you take to prevent the spread of illnesses or parasites among dogs in your care?

Our facility undergoes deep cleaning at least two times a week, during which we utilize Husky cleaning products to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces, including floors, walls, kennels, and common areas. These products are specifically formulated to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, providing an extra layer of protection against illness transmission.

 

In addition to regular deep cleans, we clean and sanitize kennels anytime a dog is outside their designated area. From removing waste to replacing bedding, we ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between dogs. Additionally, we wash bedding and belongings using hot water and appropriate detergents as needed.

 

Furthermore, our commitment to sanitation extends to the toys provided to the dogs. We clean and sterilize these toys daily, preventing the accumulation of dirt, saliva, and other potential sources of contamination.

Are there any breed restrictions or size limitations for dogs attending daycare or boarding?

We do not have any breed restrictions or size limitations for dogs attending daycare or boarding. However, we do have a policy that ensures the safety and well-being of all dogs in our care.

 

As long as your pup doesn't display any aggressive behaviors, they are welcome to join us for daycare or boarding. We prioritize the safety of all dogs by carefully assessing their behavior and temperament before allowing them to participate in group activities.

 

To further ensure safety, we take precautions by grouping dogs according to size and temperament. This allows us to create compatible playgroups where dogs can interact and socialize in a safe and supervised environment.