Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions about Train-n-Play Daycare:
1. Why is daycare good for my dog?
Daycare gives dogs the chance to play and socialize. Play is a very important dog social activity. Through play, dogs (especially puppies) learn about themselves, their limits and the environment. This is how they learn to use dog body language to avoid conflicts. While we are able to incorporate play in our Perfect Pups class, puppies need even more. Play is also an important energy outlet. It gives them a chance to run and jump, tug and chase. Our Train-n-Play staff keeps up-to-date on daycare research so we give dogs the very best!
Daycare is great for dogs that live in single-dog households. Daycare is also a great way to mentally stimulate your dog so he does not get lonely or bored while you are away at work and begin destructive behavior. Dogs come home happy and tired!
2. What is the difference between other daycare centers and Train-n-Play at Performance Plus K9 Activity Center?
Performance Plus K9 Activity Center is primarily a dog training school. Our staff has received YEARS of training in the art and science of dog training, including canine body language. The Train-n-Play instructors play with the dogs, as well as, work on individual and group training activities, including good manners training (teaching them to go into a crate nicely, not allowing them to jump or pull and waiting patiently at doors and coming out of a crate). We also offer optional individual training while your dog is with us in daycare to work on other obedience skills.
3. What is my dog’s day like in daycare?
Dogs play with other daycare dogs, as well as, our professional daycare staff in our large outdoor enrichment area. This gives them plenty of room to run, jump and play! When appropriate, daycare-safe toys are available for the dogs to play with.
Our daycare dogs are crated temporarily when dogs come into daycare and leave daycare during drop-off and pick-up. This insures no dog gets rushed by the other dogs when arriving and that we can concentrate on good manners when returning your dog to you. Dogs are also crated in rotation throughout the day. This based on the newest daycare research that state that dogs that are out all day may become over-tired and cranky towards other dogs or staff members. Rest assured, the dogs receive hours of playtime so they’re ready to rest when you bring them home each day!
4. Why should my dog attend daycare on a specific day(s) of the week?
We like our Train-n-Play Daycare clients to commit to a specific day of the week to provide a very stable, very consistent playgroup. The dogs on each day get to know each other and that helps prevent even the smallest incident from happening. This keeps all the dogs in the playgroup safe and happy!
5. Do we allow intact dogs into daycare?
YES! We understand that many people choose to keep their dogs intact for health reasons or because they wish to breed their dog in a responsible manner later in the dog’s life. These dogs deserve to go to daycare too! Our experienced trainers work with hormonal behaviors common in intact dogs, just as we work with any dog who exhibits other inappropriate behavior in daycare. However, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, we do ask that intact females do not come to daycare while they are in season. There is a special rate for intact dogs.
6. Why are there numerous playgroups based on size?
We have numerous daycare playgroups based on size, age, temperament and play style. This is to protect all the dogs in each group. Dog play can become dangerous when the weight difference doubles and we want to make sure everyone stays safe and all the dogs go home tired AND happy.
7. Why do we limit the number of dogs in a playgroup?
We limit the number of dogs in our daycare playgroups for safety reasons. Not even the most experienced dog trainers can pay attention to everything with too many dogs out and playing. We have the lowest trainer-to-dog ratio at 8 to 1 in the area..