Frequently Asked Questions
Most of our customers have been with us for many years.
It’s not often we have space to take on new dogs but here a few of our most commonly asked questions.
How do I prepare my dog for daycare?
We recommend that you feed your dog 2 hours before they arrive at Daycare 4 Dogs – allowing them time to digest their food before all the excitement to reduce the risk of bloat.
Take them for a short morning walk to make sure they have an empty bladder and bowels to prevent small ‘accidents’ during the initial minutes of excitement.
Are all the dogs kept together?
Sometimes but we regularly separate dogs by energy and play style.
We have many areas for different activities and for dogs with different energy levels. Each dog’s day is tailored to their friendship groups, play style, likes and energy.
Are the dogs left alone when playing?
No, we never leave any dogs unsupervised. Our professional carers constantly interact and monitor the dogs as well as keeping the facility clean and dry.
What if my dog fails the interview?
To maintain a positive and safe environment we cannot accommodate dogs that are generally aggressive towards other dogs or humans, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care about them. This unique environment is simply not appropriate for all and instead we can recommend daily dog walking and pet sitting.
What happens if my dog is a little shy?
Don’t worry; all our first timers go through an orientation process where they meet all the dogs in smaller groups. To introduce them gently we sometimes suggest trying a half-day or just take it an hour at a time. It all depends upon the individual and we have many success stories where shy dogs found their confidence at daycare.
Are there any risks?
There are inherent risks associated with free dog play so all our carers are trained to pre-empt any conflicts immediately and professionally. We have had the occasional scratch which occurs naturally during play, but employ a thorough vetting procedure and implement rules for play and interaction. Of course dogs can be boisterous from time to time. Occasional growling and posturing is natural behaviour in a pack of dogs. We operate a no barking policy and this enables us to hear and act on any changes in energy.
Are the dogs fed?
We recommend that all dogs are fed a minimum of an 2 hours before they are brought to us. Then they should be ok until their evening meal. If you have a puppy and it requires feeding during the day then please bring the correct amount of food with them and we can feed them at the appropriate time. Fresh water is available to all dogs at all times and the bowls are cleaned several times a day.
Should I bring toys?
There is no need. At Daycare 4 Dogs we have toys of all shapes and sizes for everyone which encourages the dogs to share.
What if my dog becomes injured or unwell?
We employ the highest Health & Safety standards but should your dog become unwell or sustain an injury at daycare you will be notified immediately. In an emergency we will take your dog to your own vet but all medical costs must be assumed by the owner.
