What services does Daycare 4 Dogs provide?
Weekday dog daycare: Drop your dogs off in the morning between 8am-9.30am, Monday to Friday, or alternatively book a slot on the dog bus which provides a collection and delivery service. They will play in our large enclosed play area with their friends until nap-time from 12 – 2pm when they are encouraged to rest for a couple of hours. During playtime, we separate them into appropriate groups according to energy level and size. You can pick them up any time between 4pm-6pm.
Weekend dog daycare: This is available by appointment only at the moment so please contact us if you think you may require this service.
Going on holiday? We can arrange collection in the morning and after a full day of fun at Daycare 4 Dogs we can drop your contented dog off for a restful nights sleep in the comfort of your home. The next day they will be fully rested and ready for another day’s fun and entertainment when we come to collect them. We will feed them at their usual times as instructed by you before you go away. Please enquire for further details regarding this service as dogs are required to have attended daycare prior to you going away to ensure they fit in well in the daycare environment. Please note, someone will need to be staying with your dog during the night as we are not ensured for being the sole carers of your dog while you are away and it is not recommended that you leave your dog alone for any more than 4 hours at a time.
What are the benefits of dog daycare?
The atmosphere at Daycare 4 Dogs will foster happier and healthier dogs, thereby enriching the lives of their owners. Our service also gives conscientious dog owners the peace of mind knowing that their dog is getting the exercise and socialisation that they need.
Whether it is for just a few hours or every day, daycare provides an exciting social environment for your dog to play, learn and be entertained. It also gives your dog that special something to look forward to. With daycare, dog owners notice an improvement in social skills, obedience, overall physical condition and attitude with just one or two days of daycare a week. The physical activity your dog gets whilst at daycare keeps them happy and satisfied when they are at home. No need for the five mile run in the evening and no more furniture chewing or bouncing off the walls at home.
Puppy Room is for young puppies that need quieter play, naptime, midday lunch and special care. If your dog is particularly shy, we will use this separate space for a slower introduction to other dogs. We will also create separate playgroups for other sized dogs. All sized dogs deserve safe fun play to socialize.
Our facilities offer the following amenities:
- Nearly 5000 sq ft of play space
- Different play areas where dogs are separated by size and temperament
- Staff members are experienced and qualified dog carers
- Rubber matting to provide a safe and sanitary surface on which your dog can play, which is also easy on the joints, muscles and pads.
- Play, exercise and entertainment
- Soothing music
- Fresh drinking water
- Treats and toys
Do I have to do anything in the morning before dropping off my dog at daycare?
Please make sure that your dog has eaten at least 2 hours before arrival at Daycare 4 Dogs so he/she has time to digest his/her food before all the excitement. Bloat is very dangerous and therefore we would ask you to adhere to this requirement to ensure this is prevented. It would also be very helpful if your dog has an empty bladder and bowels before getting here; this helps prevent accidents due to excitement upon arrival and before he/she has a chance to get out to our yard.
What are the daycare entrance requirements?
• Your dog must complete our interview process (by appointment only)
• Must be 12 weeks of age or older .
• Dog must be able to sit on verbal word or hand signal.
• Must be spayed or neutered if over 6 months of age.
• Must be current on all vaccinations.
• Must be in good health and flea/tick free.
• Must be non-aggressive and not toy / food protective.
• Must never have bitten or injured another animal or person.
• You must have owned the dog for at least 30 days.
• If dog is recently adopted, your dog must be seen by your vet before coming to daycare.
• We accept all breeds and sizes, dependent upon temperament and once they have passed the interview process.
Why does my dog need to know "SIT" to come to daycare?
Daycare is structured playtime. Dogs are not allowed to run wild, jump on staff, or learn bad habits. Owner will be asked to demonstrate their dog's ability to sit in the interview. Dogs must sit on verbal word or hand command. We strongly encourage owners to bring a couple of dog treats to the interview to help their dogs to sit. Our staff are there to help you if needed. The dog's ability to sit is essential as sitting is the way we stop jumping, gate crashing, and pushiness in daycare. We have certain command words that we use to help dogs understand what we want from them. We are willing to work with the daycare dogs to help them learn but all dogs must come in knowing how to sit and having had some basic training. We can advise owners further if more work needs to be done in this area. Special exceptions are made for really young puppies or dogs that have just signed up for training.
Are all the dogs kept together?
No, we separate dogs by size and play style. We have a small dog room just for the little dogs. They have special toys and equipment just for their own size. We also have puppy playpen, which may be used to introduce new dogs slowly. The main play area for medium/large dogs has the ability to be divided into different sections if needed. 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.
Are the dogs left alone when playing?
The dogs are constantly supervised. Inappropriate play is stopped and good behaviour is rewarded. Our staff keep the dogs safe, clean and well cared for. They are never left alone.
What if my dog fails the interview or is evicted from daycare?
This does 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. Some dogs just need a little training and socialization before coming to daycare.
What is my dog is shy?
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 more nervous.
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. We have nothing to hide and handle all dog conflicts to the best of our ability. Remember, dogs are not playing monopoly at the daycare, they are playing with teeth and claws like all normal dog play.
Growling and posturing can invariably occur in any group of dogs (it usually sounds worse than it is). Our experienced staff are trained and well prepared to identify and quell potential situations before they get out of hand. We will also take the time to gradually introduce shy or fearful dogs to the idea of dog daycare. Of course aggressive dogs are not allowed at daycare.
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.
How do you introduce new dogs to your environment?
New dogs are introduced into a smaller area of the facility where there are not many dogs so your dog isn't immediately surrounded by all the dogs. If your dog tends to run around wildly, your dog will wear a long line at first. 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 and his prior dog experience, his needs, temperament and personality. This is where the experience of our staff excels.
Timid, unsocialised 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 unsocialised dogs can become more comfortable, learning to react well, and even make friends with other dogs.
What about food?
If you wish for your dogs to have lunch, please bring your own. 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 for feeding.
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.
What about collar and lead?
All dogs must be on a lead to enter daycare. We require all dogs to wear only quick release collars for safety. This is in case collars get caught up during play. They can be purchased from us if you do not have one.
What about water?
There is water available at all times to all dogs. The bowls are removed and sanitised several times a day.
What is my dog is injured or becomes unwell?
If this occurs, you will be notified immediately if the problem is severe. If the problem is minor, you will be notified when you pickup. If there is an emergency and vet care is needed, we will transport your dog to your own vet. All medical costs will be assumed BY YOU. 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 play and knock 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 it can be.
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 resolving 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, drinking water, exposed to change of temperature or exercise. 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 loose 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 neighbour's dog, from a Champion show dog at a dog show, from the vets, from the pavement where an infected dog was walking ... 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 vet 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 training, boarding or any other place where your dog was exposed to other dogs, please notify the correct individuals to advise that your dog is coughing.
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 has a fever or there seems to be a persistent and severe cough, antibiotics are occasionally utilised 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.
Colds go around just like in child daycare. Thankfully due to our extensive cleaning protocol, our ventilation and thorough vaccination checking program we are able to minimize the risk at our facility. Would you isolate your child to prevent a cold? No, socialization and schooling is just as important for our dogs as our children.
What is under foot?
The question of play surface is very important. Daycare 4 Dogs offers rubber matting for cushioned safe & sanitary play. Our indoor mats have been professional sealed and are disinfected every single day. It makes the dogs feel more secure in their footing. There is significant less risk to knee and hip injuries. Anti-fatigue qualities from the mats reduce the amount of stress on the dog's joints, back and muscles. A safe play surface is very important to young puppies with growing joints, not to mention breeds that are susceptible to hip displasia.
The facility is also able to remain sanitary at all times since the mats don't absorb liquid. The only downside is some dogs may get some minor black marks on their coats.