What are the daycare entrance requirements?

1. ✓Your dog must complete our interview process (by appointment only).
   

2. ✓Must be non-aggressive toward people and other dogs and not toy protective.
   

3. ✓Must be current on all vaccinations.
   

4. ✓Puppies must complete the Parvo Vaccine series.
   

5. ✓Must currently be on heartworm medication as well as flea/tick prevention.
   

6. ✓Must be spay or neutered by 9 months of age.
   

7. ✓Must be in good health.
   

8. ✓ Must come to daycare with a flat collar- no metal collars, chokes, or prongs.
   

9. ✓We accept all breeds and sizes.  (Back to Questions)

What are the risks of daycare and what about dog fights?

The inherent risk associated with free dog play is a puncture that may or may not require stitches, a nick in the ear that will bleed, scrapes and scratches. All of these can occur from normal dog play. The dog who ends up with the nicked ear, pulled hair, or puncture is usually the aggressor. Many owners are surprised to hear that their dog's behavior is very different when they are not around. Remember, dogs are not playing Monolopy at the daycare- They are wrestling with teeth and claws like all normal dogs play.

Are these dogs fighting in this picture? No, of course not, they are having a good game of wrestle but teeth and claws are involved in normal play which can result in minor nicks and scratches. Dog fights are not a common occurrence at daycare but we will and do evict dogs for inappropriate behavior in an effort to prevent fights. If your dog injures another dog, you are financially responsible for that injury. If your dog is injured through normal dog play, you are financially responsible for your dog's injuries.          (Back to Questions)

How do you clean your facility?

We use a hospital-grade disinfectant and deodorizer cleaner called Lemon-256. The entire indoor play area is mopped with the cleaner, which kills most bacteria and viruses. We immediately remove waste from the play areas and mop up accidents throughout the day. We also hose down the outside area regularly.          (Back to Questions)

How do you introduce new dogs to your environment?

New dogs are introduced into the back area of the facility where not many dogs hang out so your dog isn't immediately surrounded by all the dogs. New dogs may require a slower introduction over time, staying with a smaller group at first, or a new dog may rapidly become part of the larger play group. It's up to the dog, his prior dog experience, his needs, temperament and personality.

Timid, unsocialized dogs are introduced at their own pace - in some cases, taking as long as two weeks to acclimate to the new environment. If a dog isn't able to become comfortable with other dogs, we'll explain to the owner that the daycare environment is simply not in their dog's best interest; however, we've found that many unsocialized dogs can become more comfortable, learn to react well, and even make friends with other dogs over time.          (Back to Questions)

Are the dogs left alone when playing?

The dogs are constantly supervised. Inappropriate play is stopped and good behavior is rewarded. The staff keeps the dogs safe, clean and well cared for. They are never left alone. The human to dog ratio is dependent on the personalities and temperaments of our canine guests. If we have a lot of  high strung labs then we will keep a lower ratio of around 1:10. If we have a lot of small dogs or laid back older dogs then the ratio will be higher- around 1:15. At absolutely no time will your dog be left alone!          (Back to Questions)

Where does my dog go to the bathroom?

We have a large, fenced in outdoor area which the dogs can access anytime. All dog feces will be cleaned up immediately and the outside area will be hosed down at night.   (Back to Questions)

What if my dog fails the interview or is evicted from daycare?

This can happen and will happen to some dogs but it is not the end of the world. We do what is best for all of the dogs. If your dog fails the interview, it doesn't mean we do not love your dog, it just means that this unique environment may be too overwhelming. Also, some dogs may just need a little training and socialization before coming to daycare.          (Back to Questions)

What is my dog is shy or growls sometimes?

Complete the interview process. If your dog doesn't pass the first time, we will suggest a training class to help teach more appropriate dog-to-dog interactions. If your dog is shy, don't worry. All first timers go through an orientation process so they can meet all the dogs in small groups. This helps them adjust. Another thing is to try is a half day to keep your dog's stress level low. Also, give your dog a couple of really good treats on your way in the door. Don't act nervous, or your dog will become more nervous. If you are planning on boarding, you are required to have your dog attend at least 5 days of daycare before they are allowed to attend our overnight camp program. This will help them get acclimated to the environment at The Bark Park and  adjusted before their long stay.          (Back to Questions)

What is your boarding check-in/checkout policy?

We prefer that your dog be dropped off in the morning between 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. so he can have a full day of daycare and get acclimated to his new environment. This is for your dog’s benefit. If your dog comes in too late in the day, they will have a different energy level than the rest of the pack. They did not get a full day of play so they are not as tired at the end of the day and their night does not go as smoothly. We want them to have the best possible stay and that means they should be in early in the morning. We will occasionally make exceptions to this rule if for example your dog is old, if you live far away and it would be a hardship to get here etc. etc. We can talk to you about those on a case by case basis.

Pick up times are between 6:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. or you may have your dog stay the whole day but be charged for a day of daycare. If you have a daycare package the day can be taken off of the package. If you do not have a package, you will be charged $18 for the day. 

We do have weekend pickup and drop off times and those times will be determined on a case by case basis.          (Back to Questions)

What about food?

If you wish for your dogs to have lunch, bring your own. Dogs are not given anything except the occasional treat during the day. Most dogs do fine without lunch but it is your choice. There is no food allowed in the play area so all dogs will be fed their lunch during naptime.                            (Back to Questions)        

Do I bring toys?

Do not bring toys. We have toys of every shape and size. All our toys must remain neutral to avoid possessiveness.  If your dog has a special toy you would like him/her to have while they are attending our overnight camp, bring it along.  We will keep the toy in your dog’s crate during their stay.          (Back to Questions)

What about collars and leashes?

All dogs must be on a leash to enter the daycare. We will remove all of your dogs collars when entering the play area. This is to prevent collars getting caught up during play. All of your personal items will be placed in a bin at the daycare and returned at the end of the day.                               (Back to Questions)

What about naptime?

We require a 2 hour naptime for ALL our canine guests from 12-2pm. We lock the front doors and no drop offs or pickups are allowed during this time. Each dog will be given a frozen peanut butter Kong, lights will be dimmed and music turned on. We require a break in order to make sure our canine companions do not over do it and have energy for the afternoon. Dogs can also take brief rest periods throughout the day in our lounge area if they choose to do that.     (Back to Questions)

What about water?

There is water available at all times for the dogs. We have several water bowls set up all over the daycare which are re-supplied constantly. These bowls are also removed and sanitized several times a day.          (Back to Questions)

What if my dog gets injured or gets sick?

If this occurs, you will be notified immediately if the problem is severe. If the problem is minor, you will be notified upon pickup. If vet care is needed, we will transport your dog to your own vet. You will need to call your vet to give them permission to begin treatment. All medical costs will be assumed BY YOU. Please refer to our waiver on the register page for more details. Remember that even normal dog play may result in some type of injury. It is not a common occurrence but it can happen. Just like a child, a dog can fall and trip during recess and bust out a tooth. All injuries and illnesses are prevented to the BEST of our ability. We love all dogs and have dog-proofed our facility as well as any facility can be.          (Back to Questions)

What is kennel cough, what do you do about it, and can my dog get it?

Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, and resolve on their own in 1 to 2 weeks . The main cause of kennel cough is the airborne bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica. A dog with Kennel Cough will develop a coarse, dry, hacking cough about five to ten days after being infected. It sounds as if the dog needs to "clear it's throat" and the cough will be triggered by any extra activity including exercise, drinking water, and exposure to change of temperatures. Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough will cough every few minutes, all day long. They will wretch and sometimes vomit a white foamy looking matter. Their general state of health and alertness are usually not affected, they usually have no rise in temperature, and do not lose their appetite.

Even in the most hygienic, well ventilated, spacious dog facilities, the possibility of a dog acquiring Kennel Cough exists. Kennel Cough can be acquired from your neighbor's dog, from a Champion show dog at a dog show, from the animal hospital where your dog just came in for treatment of a cut paw, or from the sidewalk where an infected dog walked earlier... Try not to blame anyone or any place if your dog develops Kennel Cough. There may have been an infected dog, unknown to anyone, that acted as a source for other dogs. The signs of Canine Cough usually will last from 7 to 21 days and can be very annoying for the dog and the dog's owners. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, isolate your dog and visit your veterinarian for medical advice. First and foremost, isolate your dog. Do not take your dog to public places in order to prevent the spread of infection. If your dog has recently been to dog school, a boarding facility or any other place where your dog was exposed to other dogs, notify the proper individuals to advise that your dog is coughing.

You don't need to isolate your dog to prevent infection. The best recommendation is to discuss with your veterinarian what combination of vaccines and boosters they recommend. Many dogs that contract Kennel Cough will display only minor signs of coughing that may last seven to ten days and will not require any medication at all. Treatment is generally limited to symptomatic relief of the coughing with non-prescription, and occasionally prescription, cough suppressants. If the dog is running a fever or there seems to be a persistent and severe cough, antibiotics are occasionally utilized to assist the dog in recovering from Kennel Cough. It can happen that secondary bacterial invaders will complicate a case of Kennel Cough and prolong the recovery and severely affect the upper airway. Therefore the use of antibiotics is determined on an individual basis. Follow the advice and course of treatment that your veterinarian has prescribed. Don't allow your dog to exercise as this will trigger the cough.

At The Bark Park-Canine Adventure Center, we are always looking for signs of illness in any of our dogs. Coughing dogs are immediately removed from the facility. When kennel coughs arrives in our community, we will notify owners by placing a notice out front. All facilities get kennel cough from time to time. Just like how colds go around just in any child daycare.

Thankfully due to our extensive cleaning protocol, our superior ventilation, and thorough vaccination checking program.....we are pleased to say WE HAVE NOT HAD KENNEL COUGH GO THROUGH OUR FACILITY ONE TIME SINCE OUR OPENING DAY...(APRIL 3, 2006).                               (Back to Questions)