How to Choose the Right Doggie Daycare

Mobile Doggie Daycare Providers: As you probably know by now, there are two we refer - and only two. The reason is simple; We have known both Jenny and Holly for years. Both have trained with us and have a thorough knowledge of pack dynamics and behavior. We personally know many of the more established providers, both facility owners as well as mobile. We also know the horror stories, bad handling practices, and customer dissatisfaction issues. We have heard it all and have first-hand knowledge in many cases.

Here are specific questions to ask your Mobile Doggie Day Care Provider:  Because of the unique service that mobile providers are supposed to offer, you should ask these additional questions just to make sure you and your dog are getting the service you are expecting. Especially with mobile providers, safety is of the highest importance. Also, while some promise they are taking your dog on hikes and beach field trips, the truth is they might not be doing this at all. To keep up with the competition they may make false claims just to get your business. If they do not provide daily emailed pictures of your dog, be suspicious. If all the pictures look to be taken from the same or similar public dog parks, then be very suspicious. You are not getting what you paid for. Off-leash, public dog parks can be a very unsafe place for a doggie daycare provider with multiple dogs in her care. There are no breed restrictions in public dogs parks and conditions can be very unsanitary. Camp 4 Dogs, Holly's Paws and Kamp Kanine provide daily pics and on-line photo galleries. Transportation practices are also important. "Climate Controlled" means air-conditioned as well as optimally ventilated. The shell of a truck won't cut it if it is full of 6 to 8 dogs on a daily basis. Even a small SUV or a sedan stuffed with dogs in the back can be stifling. Windows and a top vent will not keep a bed full of dogs cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Questions to ask:

• How is your vehicle "climate-controlled?"

• How is my dog safely secured in your vehicle?

• Will you send me pictures of my dog's daily outings?

• Can I join you on hikes or field trips? Do you go to public off-leash dog parks?

• How do you ensure my dog is safe and secure when you are on walks?

Jenny, Holly and all of the employees are well trained in the handling of dogs. Jenny's many years of experience enabled her to devise the safest methods possible and assisted her in creating specialized equipment that allows her camp counselors to safely walk many dogs at a time. They utilize this state-of-the-art, custom equipment that will not break, stretch or come loose during a walk. This ensures the safety of every dog in her care and lets campers and counselors enjoy a wonderful time. If your mobile provider cannot explain the equipment they use, chances are they either do not take your dog on hikes and outings, or if they do, they are not doing it in the safest manner possible. Jenny will even give you a demo if you like!

Next, and most important; If your daycare provider does not secure your dog in their vehicle by using a tether, harness, crate or other device that keeps your dog safe during transport, find another provider. Harsh but necessary - your dog's life could depend on it. I have heard the excuses given by one mobile provider, who incidentally had a dog die in her care because it was not tethered down. Her reasoning was that a tethered dog could have it's neck injured in the event she had to slam on her brakes. (This dog had it's neck broken from slamming into to cab of her truck. Many of you have asked about this dog - it was actually my dog and I thank you for your kind words.) If this is still an issue for her then a harness or crate should be her method of transportation. But, I can only assume laziness is really the issue when a provider refuses to safely secure her client's beloved dogs.

Your daycare provider's driving record should be examined as well. A truck with body damage could indicate an issue with safe driving practices. You can ask for proof of the number of tickets or accidents and then examine them for moving violations and at fault accident issues. If you already have a daycare provider, walk out to her vehicle next time she picks up your dog and check to make sure the claims she made are true. Make sure the dogs are secured in the vehicle and that the dogs are in an air-conditioned vehicle with adequate ventilation.

A daycare provider who utilizes a public dog park every day might not be the best choice. Public off-leash dog parks are great for you when you are there with your own dog. But, for a provider with many dogs in her care this can pose a real problem. Most dog parks do not have areas that allow for smaller and larger dogs to be separated. Also, there are no breed restrictions and no monitoring if un-neutered, aggressive or un-socialized dogs enter the park. This can be serious for your dog if the daycare provider has too many dogs to watch and your dog gets into a scuffle.

Posted on the gate of San Marcos' Monteil Dog Park. Was your dog in day care that day?

Another issue is sanitation or contamination. John witnessed a North County day care provider enter a dog park in March of 2008 where there was a sign prominently posted that stated Parvovirus was a possible issue and that entry was at risk. She took her clients dogs in anyway. He estimated she had about 9 or 10 dogs in her care but there may have been more. She could have easily avoided the park and gone to another for the next day or so. She instead chose to put her clients dogs at risk. John left after contacting his client to tell him that they would have to postpone their training session for a week. Our client was grateful. John never took our dogs out his truck.   Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Canine Papilloma Virus - these are just some of the viruses that can be picked up at a dog park. Parvovirus is spread through fecal matter, Leptospirosis is a water-borne bacteria and Canine Papilloma Virus is commonly thought to be transferred through saliva. As you can imagine, in a public off-leash dog park, and without adequate supervision and control your dog or puppy can be at risk. (Parvo and Lepto are highly contagious and can be deadly)

Posted Warning Signs: This too would seem logical but a responsible mobile daycare provider who utilizes public dog parks, hiking trails and beaches should always heed posted warnings whether they are for communicable diseases (as you see posted above that one daycare provider chose to ignore) or for wildlife warnings such as rattlesnakes or mountain lions. All San Diego beaches post warnings, especially after heavy rains, due to possible contamination from sewer run-off. An experienced and responsible daycare provider not only heeds these warnings and will take her "campers" elsewhere for the day, she will also know what time of year to avoid these environments in the first place. A daycare provider who has little experience with hiking and field trips simply does not understand the concept and might put your dear dog in danger. Camp4Dogs and Kamp Kanine have access to an exclusive use private dog park when needed so your dogs will always have a fun, safe day at camp!

Referrals, Referrals, and More Referrals! In conjunction with possessing the knowledge and skills necessary to care for your beloved pet in the first place, excellent referrals are vital! (Keyword "excellent") Getting an endorsement from us, or another well established professional dog trainer or behaviorist is a good start. But, several superior referrals can seal the deal. We can even provide referrals from customers we know have used area daycare's. Referrals from a wide variety of sources are your best bet for a true and honest evaluation.

You Have To Like the Human: This is a no-brainer but worth mentioning. Does the provider seem open, trustworthy and personable? Does it seem like she really enjoys what she is doing as a profession? I had a customer tell me that she dropped her doggie daycare provider because she overheard her yelling at the dogs in her truck one day. Also, her kids told her that she yelled at them as well on several occasions. The final straw was her witnessing the provider speeding out of her neighborhood one morning - a neighborhood full of children playing.

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