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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the requirements for boarding at
Julie’s Pooch Pad?
Prior to boarding, your dog must pass a
“Boarding Trial” which acts as
a screening process and temperament
evaluation. The owner brings their dog, meets with me, has an
opportunity to ask questions, fills out paperwork, and then leaves
their pet with me from 3-4 hours. This allows me to see how well he
interacts with other dogs, observe any behavioral problems, and see
if he bonds with me. I charge $25 per trial.
Making
reservations:
It is preferable to write the details of your dog’s reservation by
email so I have a written copy of it
Where will my dog sleep?:
I allow the dogs to sleep wherever they want. Most want to sleep in
my bedroom and the lucky ones sleep in my bed
Vaccinations
requirements:
Your dog must have current vaccinations in writing for rabies, DHLPP
and Bordella.
Age and size:
·
Your dog must be under 25 pounds
·
Your dog must be at least 1 year old
What are the behavioral requirements?
Energy Levels:
High energy dogs don’t do well at the Pooch Pad. The other dogs
that stay with me as are low to medium energy. If an overly excited
dog joins the pack, it causes the others, especially older dogs,
anxiety.
Potty Trained:
Your dog must be potty trained. If male who is territorial, he will
lift his leg on furniture, etc. Other male dogs will smell this and
do the same to leave his scent.
Aggressive dogs:
No aggressive dogs will be allowed to
board. Since there are very few small breeds who are aggressive,
this is usually “fear aggressive’ due to being abused in their
history. Dogs who growl, especially with teeth bared are absolutely
not allowed. Sometimes I don’t see this behavior during the boarding
trial
Destructive dogs/barkers:
Dogs that are destructive (chewing, etc.). Dogs who exhibit
excessive barking. Normal barking is when someone comes to the door
or if they see the mailman. Barking not under conditions risk my
neighbors complaining.
Flight Risks:
Dogs that are “flight risks” are ones who are constantly try to
escape. This behavior is usually seen with first time boarders who
are not yet adjusted and dogs who want to play a “cat and mouse”
game. I always make sure that my fence gates are always secure, but
they may still try to run.
Emergency Procedures
What is your emergency
procedure should my dog get
sick while boarding?
Minor Health
Problem:
Especially the first few times your dog boards with me, I won’t
always know what is normal for your dog (a slight limp, etc.). To
confirm whether what I see requires medical attention, I will
contact the owners for their advice
Emergency Health Problem:
In a TRUE emergency, I immediately take the animal to an emergency
care facility, the call the owners after I arrive. That way, they
can speak to the vet, made treatment decisions, etc.
What I am unable to care for the dogs (in
the hospital, etc.)?
I keep a laminated copy of my emergency contact that has a key to my
house. They will call your local emergency contact to either take
your dog or put him in another boarding facility.
What happens when I drop my dog off for
boarding?
-
Take your dog on a short walk
so they can relieve themselves. If they come in and feel
nervous, they are likely to have an accident.
-
So they aren’t overwhelmed
with the other dogs greeting him, I spend time getting him
comfortable, and then gradually introduce him to the other dogs.
Once the “pack” has all met, they will go through the same
ritual that wolves do. They will determine through a number of
behaviors, such as smelling each other, mock aggression,
mounting each other, etc. After about 5-10 minutes they have
decided who’s alpha, beta, etc. Once that’s determined, they
either play or co-exist.
What should I bring when I drop my dog
off?
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Bring only the amount of food
for the days your dog will be boarding
-
Bring any medications your
dog is taking and instructions for administering them
-
If you haven’t already
brought the, bring a written copy of recent shot records
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Let me know of any health
problems your dog has had since you last boarded him
-
Advise of any changes to your
contact information
-
You can bring your dog’s bed
and / or favorite toy, but I can’t be responsible for them if
another dog destroys them
-
You don’t have to bring dog
bowls, water dishes, beds, toys, or treats, since I have them
What to expect after boarding
1.
Your dog may experience some anxiety resulting from his change in
routine, the excitement of being around the other dogs and his
separation from you. Your dog may come home and sleep a lot. The
excitement of new surroundings, other dogs, lots of walks &
playtimes can be overwhelming, and your pooch may feel tired when
his schedule returns to normal.
2.
If your dog is male and territorial, he may "mark" when he returns
home to
reestablish his territory. This is less
common in non-dominant dogs. |