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. (Jenny has joined forces with us to re-open our daycare Kamp Kanine) 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. (see warning in the left column of this page) 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 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.

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. 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.

So, choosing the right doggie daycare provider is, as you can see, important to the health, well-being and safety of your dog. Ask the right questions so you can choose wisely.