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What is your background? Top
We have been dog
lovers are whole lives. Cindy is an ABTA certified dog trainer.
Both of us have gained extensive knowledge of dogs over the years both
by owning dogs and by attending several dog parks. More than
anything we just love dogs. We live and work in this
community and have a high level of commitment to our facility.
What about dog fights? Top
The key is prevention. We do not accept aggressive dogs. Our thorough interview process
screens for aggression. If an accepted dog exhibits unacceptable behavior, the dog is
given a timeout and the owner is informed of the concern. We will then work with the owner
to resolve the problem or the dog will be removed from daycare. Our staff is constantly
watching for signs of potential fights. They use squirt bottles/leashes to
interrupt rough play and then remove the offending dog. 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 monopoly at the daycare. They are running, playing, and
wrestling with teeth and claws like all normal dogs do. As a result,
minor
nicks and scratches can occur. However, no aggressive wrestling or playing will be tolerated.
Are all the dogs kept
together? Top
Sometimes- It depending largely on what dogs are here and how many are
here. The main play
area inside for medium/large dogs has the ability to be divided into sections if needed.
We have separated little dog area for the smaller and/or older/less
active dogs with plenty of toys and beds. However, we prefer to keep the main area open and will not take dogs that need to
be separated because they can't get along. Our outside area is also divided into a
general play area and a little dog area.
Are the dogs left alone when playing?
Top
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. The human to
dog ratio is dependent on the personalities and temperments of our canine guests. If
we have a lot of high strung labs then we will keep a lower ratio of around
1:15. If
we have a lot of small dogs or laid back older dogs then the ratio will be higher- around
1:20. Absolutely at no time will your dog be left alone.
Where does my dog go to the bathroom?
Top
We have a huge outdoor area replete with a wooded area, grass, woodchips, tables,
and dog houses. However, dogs being dogs, they don't always go in their
designated spots. All dog pies are picked up immediately and disposed
of properly.
You don't want to smell dog doo and neither do we!!!!
What if my dog
fails the interview or is evicted from daycare? Top
This can happen but it's not the end of the world. We do what's best for all our
dogs. If your dog fails the interview, it doesn't mean we don't love your dog. This unique
environment may just be too overwhelming. Also, some dogs may just need a little
training and socialization before coming to daycare.
What if my dog is shy or growls
sometimes? Top
Complete the interview process. If your dog doesn't pass the first time, we suggest
a training class or even more time at a dog park 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. Try a half
day to keep your dog's stress level low. Give your dog a couple of really good treats on
your way in the door. Don't act nervous, or your dog will become even more nervous.
If you are planning on boarding, a minimum of 1/2 day of daycare is required but we
encourage as many days as possible so that your dog can get adjusted before their long
stay.
What is your boarding
check-in/checkout policy? Top
You can drop your dog off anytime during weekday business hours
(7am-6:30pm, closed between 12-2pm) but we would encourage you to bring your dog at least a couple of hours
before we close so that he/she may get a little time to acclimate to his/her new
environment. Weekend pick up and drop off times are by arrangement at this
time. Since we charge per night it is in your best interest to drop off early in the
day and pick up late in the day, that way your dog will get the maximum amount of time in
the daycare. Whether you pick your dog up at 7 am or 6:30 pm you will still be
charged the same overnight price.
What about food? Top
For daycare dogs, if you wish for your dog to have lunch, bring your own. Dogs are not
given anything except for the periodic dog biscuit. Most dogs do fine without lunch but it
is your choice. There is no food allowed in the play area so all dogs are separated and
hand fed. There is no charge for feeding your dog your food while at daycare.
For overnight guests, we recommend that you bring your dog's regular food so that they
don't get upset stomachs.
What about water?
Top
There is water available at all times to all dogs. We have several water bowls
set up all over the daycare which are resupplied constantly and sanitized several times a
day.
Do I bring toys?
Top
Do not bring toys. We have toys of every shape and size. All our toys must remain neutral
to avoid possessiveness.
What about collars and leashes?
Top
All dogs must have a flat nylon collar on as well as be on leash to enter the
daycare. You can take your leash with you or leave it with us. No metal
collars, choke collars, or prong collars are allowed for safety reasons.
What about naptime? Top
We require a 2 hour naptime for ALL our guests from 12-2pm. We
lock the front doors. No drop offs or pickups are allowed. We require a break in order to make sure our canine companions
don't over do it and have energy for the afternoon. We also give dogs brief rest
periods throughout the day in our lounge area where they can recline on our
dog beds!
What if my dog is injured or gets
sick? Top
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 the OWNER AGREEMENT 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 can fall and trip during recess and bust out a
tooth. It just may happen. 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.
What is
kennel cough, what do you do about it, and can my dog get it? Top
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (also known as kennel cough,
although this is misleading) is one of the most prevalent infectious
diseases in dogs. Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, resolving on their
own in 1 to 2 weeks . The main cause of kennel cough is the airborne bacteria, Bordetella
bronchiseptica. A dog with Canine 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, drinking water,
exposed to change of temperature or exercise, and pressure on the neck
or collar area. Many dogs that acquire Canine 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 loose their appetite.
Even in the most hygienic, well ventilated, spacious dog facilities, the possibility of a
dog acquiring Canine Cough exists. Canine 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, from the sidewalk where an infected dog walked
earlier, or even just in your own backyard...
Try not to blame anyone or any place if your dog develops Canine 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 canine cough, isolate your dog and visit
your veterinarian for medical advice. Usually antibiotics are prescribed
to treat any secondary infections that may occur with the virus, but
they do not attack the virus itself. 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, boarding 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 Canine 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 Canine Cough. It can happen that secondary bacterial invaders will
complicate a case of Canine 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 Wiggly Tails, our knowledgeable staff is always looking for signs of illness in any of
our dogs. Coughing dogs are immediately removed from the facility. When
canine coughs
arrives in our community, we will notify owners by placing a notice in
our office. All
facilities get canine cough from time to time. Colds go around just like in child daycare.
Thankfully due to our extensive cleaning protocol, our superior ventilation, and thorough
vaccination checking program.....we are able to minimize the risk at our facility.
Outbreaks are usually limited to once a year. Would you isolate your child to
prevent a cold? No, socialization and schooling is just as important for our dogs as
our children.
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