Did They Pass the Test?

I’ve been surprised how often I’ve heard dog owners say with relief in their voices, “my dog passed the temperament test and has been accepted into doggy daycare”, but when I ask the owner questions about the daycare, I discover that the owners did very little investigation. As with any facility or service, it’s important to be an informed consumer. Here is a list of suggested questions to ask of your potential daycare provider.

What training in canine behavior or dog training is the staff required to complete and what material does it include?
We often assume that just because someone presents themselves as a canine professional, that this is the case. However, there are no city, state, or federal regulations about education or experience required to work with companion animals. Some doggy daycares have developed their own in house staff training programs while others send their staff to outside training classes. There is also a distinction between what education/training the owner of the daycare has completed as opposed to their staff. This is an important distinction since the owner might not be the person responsible for monitoring the dogs throughout the day.

How do they conduct a behavior/temperament evaluation for new dogs being admitted to their facility?
Again, standards for behavior evaluations vary widely. Each shelter, rescue, and doggy daycare has their own process for completing this important evaluation.

How do they organize dogs; by size or by play style?
Size is usually the first consideration in grouping dogs for play in doggy daycares. Having a general match in sizes is important to prevent predatory drift from occurring in a pack of dogs.

How do they “structure” the dogs’ day?
We recommend that doggy daycares provide a structured day for their charges. You provide structure for you dog at home and it’s important that your daycare also provide your dog with structure. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your dogs’ time at daycare does not result in behavior problems your dog wasn’t exhibiting before they started attending. There should be playtime, potty time (in a separate area), rest time, snack time, etc.

How do they handle behavior problems like barking, jumping up, and dog fights?
We have reams of scientific evidence that dogs learn most effectively using treats, toys, and play. Using electronic collars, scruff shaking, and rolling the dog on their back causes stress not only for the dog being punished, but for the dogs in the same space as the dog being punished. Stress produces cortisol (in dogs and in people) and cortisol negatively impacts learning and behavior . Some dogs handle these types of methods better than others, but why take a chance on behavioral fall out such as higher generalized anxiety and fear? Behavior problems that can arise at a doggy daycare can be handled simply and effectively without using force, fear, or pain. Ask your prospective doggy daycare provider how they handle simple problems such barking, jumping up, and dog fights.

Here are some questions you can ask about health, safety, and disaster planning:

Do they require proof of vaccinations and a flea/tick/lice prevention product?
All reputable doggy daycares require proof of vaccination.

What safety training is the staff required to complete?
Is the staff certified in first aid or CPR?  Are the staff certified pet care technicians through the Pet Care Services Association?

What is the staff to dog ration?
Although there is no legal limit set by Anchorage Animal Care & Control, we feel a 10:1 ratio is the safest scenario for both the staff and dogs.  One person watching a room of 20 plus dogs is not safe.

Is the staff trained to handle emergencies?
They should have a disaster/evacuation plan in place and available for your inspection.

Does the facility use a “safe” word or require a list of approved pick up and drop off people?
No one should be able to pick up your dog without providing a staff member proper identification.