colleenalldogs.comFAQ

Q: At what age will you accept my new puppy to play at your daycare?

A: It depends on the dog's breed and the circumstances. Its been Colleen's experience that the sooner a puppy gets exposed to other mentally and physically healthy dogs, big and small breed, young and old, the quicker they will learn the social skills of their own species. This helps the pup develop into a healthy, well balanced adult dog. As humans, we can not do this for them. Only other dogs can teach them social skills to be a dog and to fit in amongst the "packs" they will encounter in their lives. Colleen likes to see a puppy start this process as young as 12 weeks. Occasionally, due to circumstances in the humans world, new puppy can start sooner if, for instance, you have to leave your puppy for extended periods locked in a crate, gated area or a room. A big bonus to having our big yard accessable all day is it allows us to help you in the house training process. They learn by example of watching and sniffing the other dogs when they do their business outside. Our inside facility is treated respectfully as it would be your own home. Unwanted chewing of blankets or furniture is discouraged and healthy chewing like gnawing on one of our big beef bones (shared by all nicely) or a stick they find. Positive reinforcement constantly encourages them to do good things. They learn house manners much quicker than being locked up during the day and made to do their business in a crate or in a room.

Q: Does my dog/puppy need to be vaccinated and with what?

A: Yes, all dogs need to be up-to-date on all vaccinations including Bordetella (aka Kennel Cough) with the exception of very young puppys. Check out a recommended website for all the detailed information on vaccine's and your new puppies health. It will tell you what to watch out for as far as puppy diseases they can bring home with them. They can get seriously sick from their place of birth or the place where the puppys get transferred to the consumer hot spots like pet stores, shelters, airplanes or pet brokers. Vaccinations must be verifiable and the documents brought with you on the first initial visit. You can put this information on your dog's personal information form. If the documents are lost or misplaced, don't panic, the information is available from your file at you dog's vets office. If your dog is unable to be vaccinated due to prior allergic reactions, please get a note from your vet verifying your dogs current health along with a recent Titer blood test. As long as you understand the risks of this kind of environment, then exceptions can be made according to individual circumstances. ***Please DO NOT bring in a new puppy showing ANY signs of ill health such as diarrhea, vomiting, fleas, hacking cough like something is caught in throat or excessive sneezing or runny nose. You need to address these issues with your vet first. *** This is for the well-being of everyone that is here. Thank you.

Q: What about flea control?

A: The West Coast flea season never ends because of our warmer, wet climate. It is highly recommended for you and your dog's sanity and for your dog's health, keep your dog on some form of flea control product. Most people don't know that with fleas, also comes tapeworm. Who needs all that trouble. The bedding inside is washed weekly to deter fleas from making a home here however, its a group effort based on an honor system. Please do your part.

Q: Do you have separate areas for different size dogs?

A: All the dogs, big to small, young to senior, are all in the same common area. We don't segregate or kennel anyone. The whole concept here is to bring them all together so they learn to get along with others regardless of size or age. There are a number of small to medium size breeds that love to play with big dogs and vice versa so it is our job here to make sure everyone plays nicely and the young ones learn about playing gentle. However, if you are worried because you have a timid, small breed puppy or a toy dog thats afraid of the bigger dogs and/or is very tiny and frail, there is a place where ONLY little ones go. Check out Luv-bugs and see if Dotty can accommodate you.

***It is most imperative that everyone gets along together and is having fun. If a dog is really stressed about being here, plays too rough, barks loudly and incessantly, or shows inappropriate behavior, they are asked to leave the program. No exceptions.***

Q: Are senior dogs welcome to come and play?

A: Yes, seniors who are active and free of any serious injuries or previous conditions. Conditions from aging like serious arthritis or hip and back issues that could worsen with rough play are not recommended to come. If you have consulted with your vet about your decision to come to daycare, you are certain that your older dog is in good condition and that your dog is ok about being around an energetic group of dogs, then why not!!! The older ones teach the young ones a thing or two about being a good dog and we all raise a pack of well-balanced hounds. Its that simple really. It balances out the pack when an older dog is around to keep those young whipper-snapper's in line and show them the ropes. Its a wonderful synergy when all dogs are happy about being here. You know your dog better than anyone. Its your call.

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Yumi (10 wks old) snuggled into her buddy Leeloo (3mths old)

Callie with the ball playing in the pool.

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Q: How does the tour/ introduction process work?

A: This is the most important step in making your dog feel welcome here. First, we set up an appointment, then just before you get here I bring everyone outside the facility and close the door. You and your puppy will come inside where I will start to let in one dog at a time. This way everyone gets a chance to sniff and your dog doesn't get frightened. It is a much more controlled environment to make introductions to everyone. The rest is up to your dog. If your dog likes to play with big and little dogs and is gentle in its nature then they will be welcome to come back for more play.

**ABSOLUTELY NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS ALLOWED. PERIOD. No exceptions. **

Q: What is the latest time I can bring my dog in to play?

A: We ask that you bring in your dog no later than 1pm. If you need a later drop off time, just let us know.

Q: Are there breeds that are exempt from coming to daycare?

A: Regrettably, yes. For insurance reasons and past issues, we have banned Pit Bulls and any aggressive breed. Many Pittys are really sweet, loving companions that wouldn't hurt anyone or anything, however, there are some that are not this way. Yes, it is sad that the entire breed has become social outcasts because of a few bad apples. As a result of this, when asked, most people say they wouldn't put their dog in a daycare that has a Pit Bull in it. Bad press, bad breeding, many dog/people attacks and unthinkable training methods have spoiled it for the dogs who are sweet. Its unfortunate but this is a reality of the breed.