Is Doggy Daycare Right for All Dogs?

Awesome for some dogs…. 

Not such a good idea for others

Benefits of Dog Day Care
For human owners and canine companions

The short answer is no, doggie daycare is not a good idea for all dogs.  That said, dog daycare can be an amazing experience for dogs with a compatible temperament. Moreover, it can offer lot of sweet benefits- for both dogs and their human owners. It provides dogs with boredom relief, a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, exercise, socialization and constructive interaction with humans. Busy human dog owners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their dog is well cared for while they are away at work or play.  Dog daycare can certainly provide relief from some of the many stresses that naturally come with urban dog ownership.

Good Dogs- Just Not Good for Daycare

Not all dogs, however, are good candidates for the doggy daycare scene. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy interacting with other dogs. Others may be too timid, fearful, or consistently exhibit behaviors that are not compatible with responsible off-leash group play. This does not, by any means, mean that they are “bad” dogs. It simply means daycare is not a good idea for them. Fortunately, there are other beneficial options for these dogs and their human owners, including Homecare and On Demand Dog Care from Woof!

Temperament Checks to Test Compatibility

At Woof! Play & Stay we screen all potential resort guests with a Temperament Check. This gives us a pretty good idea of whether or not the dog is a good candidate for doggie daycare, but is by no means definitive. That’s why we carefully monitor new dogs as they interact with the pack for the first few times. Our top priority is the safety, health, comfort and fun of all dogs entrusted to our care. Should it become apparent that off-leash group play isn’t working for a particular VIP (very important pooch) guest, we separate them from the pack and provide individualized care. Depending upon the situation, this could be a short “time out” or for the rest of the day.

Trial Days- Because You Just Never Know

Interestingly, behaviors incompatible with responsible off-leash group play don't always show up right away.   Sometimes they appear after a few play days, a week or even a month.  Regardless, after one or more doggy daycare sessions, it may be determined that the dog is not a good fit with the Woof! Play & Stay dog daycare scene.  Should this be the case we will likely be able to offer the owner home care and dog walking services as an alternative, and apply the appropriate credit.

Urban Dog Boarding- Not Exactly a Traditional Kennel

Most boarding facilities in the city are much more like a dog hotel rather than a kennel.  Woof is no different.  Dogs boarding overnight spend most of the day, cage free, in an indoor dog park.  As such they are engaged in supervised off leash group play (dog daycare) during most of the day.  At most urban dog daycare centers the only time a dog is in a "Suite" or "Den" (fancy names for kennel or crates) is to eat. sleep or rest.

Many traditional dog kennels don't offer daycare, but they can offer walks, 1 on 1 play time and training. The dog spends most of his or her time in a large caged enclosure alone. Traditional kennels or homecare / pet sitting is the better choice for dogs who are not well suited for responsible off leash group play.

Responsible Dog Daycare & Boarding in an Urban Environment

Is knowing when to say no, and declining business when it is the right thing to do.  But damn, it's sooo hard to do- especially when you are a brand new business.  But it must be done, and we do it for the safety and well being of our staff and canine guests.  It's a no brainer.

As of the writing of this post, Woof! Play and Stay Dog Daycare and Boarding Center has been open for about 4 1/2 months.  What I did not realize ahead of time was that we would be turning down about 1 out of every 4 dogs that walked through the door, based upon the initial temperament check alone.  It's usually not a good sign when a dog snarls at you and threatens to bite your face off when you go to pet it.

Once accepted, we have found that about 1 out of 7 or 8 turn out not being a good fit for either our day care or dog boarding services.  Sometimes it's a realization over time, and sometimes it's a specific incident.  Regardless, once we learn that a dog is overly stressed by daycare, or can't play in a manner we deem responsible and appropriate, it's over.  Explaining to the owner that their dog is not a good candidate for Woof doggy daycare or boarding is extremely painful.  Especially when the owners are super nice people and their dog is really sweet.  Yet it must be done for the safety and/or well being of all concerned.

About Woof! Play & Stay

Woof Play! & Stay is an ultra-clean and modern dog daycare and boarding center located in downtown Seattle, near the Seattle Center and Space Needle.  Focused on the fitness and well being of dogs, services include premium dog daycare, luxury dog boarding, expert dog training and professional dog walking.

Dog Care Service Areas

Woof! Play and Stay is honored to serve Seattle, Washington, including the neighborhoods of South Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, Lower Queen Ann, Belltown, Uptown, Denny Triangle, Capitol Hill

Urban Dog Obedience Training

Group Classes Start February 2017

Basic & Intermediate Levels

Proper training is essential for the fitness and well being of dogs. It's even more important for the sanity of owners, especially when they live in the city. Not only will training strengthen the human-dog bond, it will open up a world of opportunities not available to those with unruly pups. Simply put, urban dog owners with well behaved dogs have so much more fun.

Woof will initially offer 2 levels of Urban Obedience Training (Basic & Intermediate). These classes have been specifically designed to help city dogs and their humans to not just survive in an urban environment, but to THRIVE in one of the most dog friendly cities in America.

Classes will be limited to a maximum of 8 members. To reserve space and receive details, pre-register by calling 206-397-4225 or emailing brad@woofplayandstay.com

The classes will be held in downtown Seattle at Woof! Play and Stay dog boarding and daycare center.  The address is 100 Taylor Ave N Seattle, WA 98109

Basic Urban Obedience Training

Instructor

Kelly Morrisroe

Prerequisites
Dog must be 6 months old, current on all vaccinations and non-egressive

Number of Classes & Cost
Series of 6 classes for $180

Schedule
Tuesdays 7pm - 8pm, starting February 7th
- or -
Saturdays 11am - 12pm, starting February11th

Intermediate Urban Obedience Training

Instructor
Kelly Morrisroe

Prerequisites
Basic Urban Obedience or pass a test

Number of Classes & Cost
Series of 6 classes for $180

Schedule
Saturdays 12pm - 1pm, starting February11th

Woof! Play & Stay is an urban dog resort and activities center located in downtown Seattle  Services include premium dog daycare, luxury dog boarding, expert dog training and professional dog walking.  Learn more about our dog and pet care services at www.woofplayandstay.com

In addition to group dog training classes, woof also offers private dog training classes that can be conducted  either with or without the owner present.

Combination dog training and boarding packages are also available.  Drop your dog off for a 3 or 5 day fun, but intensive dog training program tailored to your specific dog training goals.

                                                                    

Dogs Need Vacations Too!

Check out this fun home made promo video.

Located near the Space Needle in downtown Seattle, Woof! Play & Stay offers luxury dog boarding, premium dog daycare, expert dog training and professional dog walking.

Dog Boarding: How to Minimize the Stress Away from the Home

Leaving your best friend behind can be the hardest part of preparing for vacation. Take these extra steps to help the transition from home to boarding kennel go smoothly.

Do a Test Run: It’s good to know your dog will adapt to a specific boarding facility before you’re 1,000 miles away. Putting them up for a night of boarding a few days before you leave will help them get used to new surroundings and assure them that you’ll come back soon. If you have any questions about the facility or the daily activities there, ask if you can take a tour or interview the current dogs.

Pack Mementos: Dogs find comfort in the familiar, so bring anything along that might remind them of home during lonely afternoons. A T-shirt you’ve recently worn, for example, will retain your scent, easing separation anxiety. A favorite chew toy will both remind dogs of playtime at home and help relieve stress naturally through the act of chewing.

Pay Your Vet a Visit: Most dog-boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before your dog can stay there. Ask which ones are required and have them done in advance of your dog’s stay. 

Write a Note for the Staff: If your dog has special needs—such as a sensitive stomach averse to certain treats—the staff should be aware of it ahead of time. Jot down any specifics, such as how much food your dog gets at each feeding, how often your dog takes medication, and any other important information that will help them care for your pet.

Don’t Freak Out: When leaving your dog, it’s important not to make a big deal out of your departure or to cry into their kibble. Your dog can sense your stress, which could lead them to think something’s wrong. If you stay upbeat about the impending vacation, chances are your dog will, too.

This blog post is sponsored by Woof! Play and Stay urban dog resort.  Located in downtown Seattle near the Space Needle, Woof offers luxury dog boarding, premium dog daycare, expert dog training and professional dog walking.

Giardia In Dogs

This Parasite is lurking EVERYWHERE in Seattle

If you have a dog in Seattle it's not a question of IF your dog will catch Giardia, it's only a question of WHEN your dog will catch it, and how many times.

When Francis, the Flying Standard Poodle 
of Woof Play and Stay, was 4 months old he contracted Giardia.  After several days of progressively runny stools, without any change of diet, I became suspicious. So I took a Fecal sample to Northwest Veterinary Hospital in Wallingford.  KA-CHING!  The next day the Vet called and informed me that Francis had hit the Giardia Jackpot.  Shit, shit, SHIT I thought, pun very much intended.  How could that be?  He had not been around very many other dogs and he had not been to any dog parks either- he just went for walks, mostly in our neighborhood.

That was in April of 2016. I had studied Giardia, Bordetella and a whole bunch of other nasty canine pathogens, and how to control them in a dog boarding and daycare environment.  I was opening Woof! in a few months and I knew I had to be prepared.  But when Francis caught the bug I realized I didn't know shit about Giardia (yes, this awful pun may be repeated multiple times throughout this post, so brace yourself).  As the future owner of a dog daycare and boarding center in downtown Seattle, I knew I had to get my shit together, and REALLY know it as well.  Funny, the more I learn the less I know.  But I digress.

I was stunned when Dr. Mark Donavan, Francis's Vet and Woof's Veterinarian consultant, told me how prevalent Giardia was in Seattle.  But I was shocked when he said "living in Seattle Francis will likely contract it at least couple of more times in his lifetime".  So then I asked him the obvious question "what can I do to prevent him from catching it again?".  He replied "nothing, really, unless you put Francis in a bubble".  I went from shocked to absolutely flabbergasted. 

Don't Panic


I knew how to significantly reduce the risk of dogs spreading Giardia and other contagious dog bugs in controlled environments, such as veterinarian clinics, dog daycare centers and boarding facilities, but what can you do out in the cold cruel world to reduce risk?  Actually, quit a lot I learned. This post is not all gloom and doom and we will explore precautions you can take to fight Giardia, and cut the chances your pup catches that nasty shit whenever you venture beyond the four walls of your domain.  But first lets get to know that little shit better.  It will be well worth the effort, especially if you're an urban dog owner living in Seattle.


What Exactly is Giardia?

Guardia is a microscopic single cell protozoa parasite.  Guardia cysts are passed though feces and thrive in wet, damp and muddy areas.  When ingested they will cause an infection of the small intestine, a condition called Giardiasis.  Guardia are hardy little shits that can survive in the wild up to 7 weeks, just waiting to viciously infect their next victim.


How Contagious is Giardia?

Very.  Infected dogs can shed billions of cysts in a single poop, yet only a few need to be ingested to become infected.  Literally, one sniff of a few cysts and it's over.  Guardia really is that contagious.


How Does a Dog "Catch" Giardia?

Giardiasis can be contracted when a dog eats, drinks, sniffs or licks something , anything, contaminated with Giardia cysts.  This includes, but is not limited to, drinking contaminated water, licking contaminated mud and sniffing an infected dogs butt.  A dog can even catch Giardia by sniffing the bare ground that was contaminated two weeks ago!

Where Can a Dog Catch  Giardia?

Anywhere.  A hike in the woods, a dog park, a dog-friendly establishment- even a walk around the block.  Can a dog catch Giardia at a dog boarding or daycare facility?  Yes, of course.  But at a well maintained facility with an effective infection control plan, it is less likely for a dog to contract Giardia there than out on the streets or in the woods.

At Woof Play and Stay dog daycare center we take specific precautions to minimize the risk of contagious disease  transmission.  Whenever a dog goes potty on our specially designed flooring, the area is immediately cleaned and disinfected.  Additionally we vacuum, clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with the dogs every evening.  I've never seen a human disinfect the sidewalk after picking up their dog's poop, so it stands to reason that a reputable dog daycare facility is a lower risk bet.

What are the Symptoms of a Giardia Infection

Guardia is a tricky little shit.  Some dogs can be totally asymptomatic (without any noticeable symptoms) and appear to be perfectly healthy, yet sheding billions of cysts with every poop.  Clues can be found, however, in the frequency and attributes of a dog's poop- but not always.  Dogs infected with Giardia often develop diarrhea, which can be mild or explosive.  The stool can be more foul smelling than usual, liquidy or soft.  Additionally, it can appear pale, be loaded with mucus, or even contain blood.   The net - net is that if your dog has unusual smelling or looking poop for more than a couple of days in a row, a trip to the Vet is definitely in order.

In addition to persistently unusual stools, other symptoms may include any, all or none of the following:

• Change in behavior- such as lethargy or listlessness
• Apparent pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Gas (extra stinky farts)
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

If your dog has an immune disorder or a secondary infection the symptoms are often much more intense.

How is Giardiasis Diagnosed?

Did I say that Giardia was a tricky little shit?  Well, it REALLY is!  That's because infected dogs shed cysts intermittently.  That means some poops contain cysts, while others may not.  So a negative fecal sample is not a guarantee that you dog is Giardia free.

Guardia is typically diagnosed by some combination of medical history, clinical symptoms and lab tests.  I won't bore you with the details of the various fecal lab tests, but some are more accurate than others.  In some cases an accurate lab diagnosis may require 3 or more fecal samples in the span of one week.

What is the Treatment for Giardia?

The treatment of Giardia is dependent upon the severity of the infection and symptoms.  If the dog is dehydrated and week, supportive therapy  (IV's etc.) to nurse it back to a better level of health may be prescribed before beginning an anti Giardia drug regime.

An antibiotic called Metronidazole is the most common first line drug used to rid a dog of Giardia.  Fenbendazole, an antiparasitic drug can also be effective and many Vets use the two drugs in combination.  A course of treatment typically lasts 7-10 days.  Keep in mind there are drug resistant stains of Giardia.  While Giardia can run it's course and resolve on it's own, a dog with long term untreated Giardai can experience severe health issues and damage to the GI tract.

What is the Prognosis for Giardia

Finally, a ray of light and good news in this dark and gloomy shit storm!  The prognosis is good for a majority of otherwise healthy dogs who are diagnosed and treated for Guardia.  Unfortunately, however, not so good for geriatric dogs, sickly dogs and dogs with compromised immune disorders.  They're at much greater risk for serious complications up to and including death.

Can Giardia be Prevented?

No, but the risk of infection can be minimized.  Here are some measures you can take in the battle against Giardia:

• Have have your dog's feces tested every 6 months. That way if she or he does contract Giardia you will catch it early and reduce the possibility of complications.
• Avoid wet or muddy areas that may be contaminated by animal feces (like in many of Seattle's dog parks).
• Don't allow your dog to drink from water sources that may have been directly or indirectly contaminated by animal feces.
• Promptly pick up and dispose of your dogs feces after it poops.
• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently.

This blog is sponsored by Woof! Play & Stay, a dog daycare and dog boarding center that focuses on the fitness and well being of dogs.  Located in downtown Seattle, Woof also offers dog training, dog walking and in-home pet care services available 24/7/365.

CANINE FITNESS SERIES

Part 1

10 Amazing Ways 

Exercise Helps Your Dog

Exercise plays a vital role in fitness and just about every average Sue or Joe knows it's good for them.  But what about dogs?  As you might imagine, dogs can reap most of the same benefits from exercise that people do.  Simply put, exercise generally equals better health and better health can lower doctor (and Vet) bills.

In this post we will outline 10 key ways exercise can benefit your dog. Future posts will take a deeper look into each benefit.  So here they are in no particular order:

1.  Removes toxins

2.  Slows aging

3.  Enhances the senses

4.  Improves behavior

5.  Eases skin conditions

6.  Promotes weight management

7.  Boosts the brain

8.  Strengthens bones, muscles and tendons

9.Helps prevent disease

10.Super charges the immune system

and, as a bonus, enhances the human - dog bond.

How do you start an exercise program for your dog?  Just get out there and do it!  A game of tug-o-war, keep away, fetch  or a jog around the block are all great ways to clear the cob webs.  A trip to the outdoor dog park a couple of times a week is another way to  keep your dog on an exercise routine- but beware.  Some dog parks are like the wild west.  Dog daycare is another option, and while it's not free, it is generally a safer environment than the rough and tumble anything goes dog park.

This blog is sponsored by Woof Play and Stay, an urban dog resort that focuses on the fitness and well being of dogs. In addition to dog daycare and dog boarding, Woof! also offers programs to help keep your dog fit and healthy. Woof Play and Stay is located in beautiful downtown Seattle near the space needle.

Chic Human-Dog Lobby & Lounge with free refreshments for all

Woof Play & Stay is now 75% Booked for the 2016/2017 Holiday Season

Only a few spots left at downtown Seattle's Luxury Dog Boarding & Daycare Center

Forget about old school dog boarding, Woof! Play & Stay has a five star dog hotel in downtown Seattle with lots of fun activities!

Woof's overnight guests enjoy a full day of Resort Play Care plus all the amenities you might expect from a Boutique Dog Hotel.

• • Luxury Suites, Private Dens, or dormitory style sleeping accommodations
• • Turn down service with a bed-time treat
• • 24 Hour Concierge
• • Meal service
• • Relaxing Chill Music
• • Aromatherapy
• • Optional Fitness and VIP activities

Indoor Dog Park Playground

Dogs Have More Fun at Woof!

Dogs checked into overnight boarding for short or extended stays enjoy their days woofing it up at the ultimate urban dog resort.  Dog boarding in Seattle has never been so much fun!  Woof! features a brand new 2000 SF Indoor Dog Park with all of the amenities our VIP (Very Important Pooch) guests might expect.

Luxury Dog Boarding Sleep Suites

Check out what Woof's Resort Guests enjoy every day:

• Fresh filtered water
• Tasty organic treats
• Climate controlled environment
• Sparkling clean facilities
• Attentive & loving care
• Supervised off-leash group play
• Healthy exercise
• Socialization
• Super fun Indoor Dog Park
• An amazing experience

When you board dogs at Woof! it's like you're sending them on their very own doggie vacation.  No, we don't have doggy Jet Skies or Mountain Biking, but we do have fitness and agility classes, play workshops and group training sessions. The only problem is your pampered pup just might not want to go home.

Need Dog Boarding for the Holidays?  Book Now!

Going out of town but cant take your 4 legged Best Friend with you?  Regardless of whether your leaving to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or The Winter Solstice-  visiting family or friends- going skiing- or whatever- No worries we've got your tail covered, but you need to book soon.  If you need dog boarding in the downtown Seattle area you can check availability by calling 206-397-4225.

Holiday Home Dog Care

If our Dog Boarding sign has switched from "Vacancy" to "No Vacancy" we might still be able to help.  We can care for your dog in home by making four 20 minute visits per day. However we currently have limited availability for this service and we can't guarantee it until you request it and we confirm it.  Learn more by clicking here Holiday Home Dog Care.

To check availability of any of Woof Play and Stay's services please call:

206-397-4225

www.woofplayandstay.com

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL CONFIRMED

Happy Holidays
&
Season's Greetings

From Brad @ Woof Play & Stay!