Dog Day Care Interview Questions

May 27, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Interviewing at a Doggy Day Care

Ask dog friends, your veterinarian and, especially, your dog trainer which doggy day care facilities they recommend and why. Then, take a peek at their websites for additional information. Once you’ve selected several locations, set up face-to-face interviews with dog day care staff before bringing your dog. Keep your dog home when interviewing. You need to focus on asking questions and watching play sessions in progress.

Don’t forget to print this article. It provides acceptable answers to questions asked as well as acceptable solutions to common issues during playtime. Lastly, trust your gut. If something seems off, leave. I wish more pet owners trusted their gut. It’s usually always right. 🙂

Remember: dog day cares teach dogs how to play politely with other dogs. This should not be a free-for-all, which teaches dogs to fend for themselves or bully and hurt other dogs. There should be rules and boundaries.

Person-to-Person Interview

How are your staff members trained?
- All staff members must be trained in canine body language, managing groups of dogs, recognizing illnesses, preventing dog fights and so forth.

How much experience do they have before managing a play session?
- Must have at least six months of experience before managing play sessions alone.

Is there a limit to the amount of dogs during a play session?
- Maximum of eight dogs per one staff member.

What happens during a pre-screening process?
- A staff member asks questions about your dog.
- A staff member meets and assesses your dog’s personality.
- If all goes well, your dog meets a friendly dog.
- For the next week, your dog learns to play with a small group of dogs.
- During screening, don’t allow your dog to jump in and play with eight dogs. That’s scary.

Do all dogs pass the pre-screening process?
- No, only dogs that enjoy playing with other dogs are allowed to play.

What vaccinations do you require?
- Minimum should be rabies.
- Contact your local veterinarian for required vaccinations in your area. Requirements depend on region.

What happens if my dog is injured?
- Your dog should immediately be driven to a local vet. Ensure the facility doesn’t employ a wait-and-see method. When in doubt, get it checked out.
- Once a vet examines your dog, then the staff member should contact you. So many dogs have suffered for hours, waiting for a call back from their pet parents. Insist your dog is seen first.
- The facility must work with a local veterinarian during the day and an emergency vet after hours (after 5pm). Ask for his or her name and location.
- Will day care reimburse vet bills if caused in their facility? It’s best to find out now.

Are staff members certified in pet first aid and CPR?
- If so, with whom? Red Cross and Pet Tech offer excellent training on pet first aid.
- If not, why are they not trained? What happens during an emergency?

If my dog is not having fun during playtime, what will happen?
- Your dog should immediately be removed from the play area.
- A staff member should call and inform you of the situation (after your dog is removed from the play area).
- I would highly recommend picking your dog up and not enrolling in play sessions any longer.
- Ask if there’s a refund if you decide to no longer bring your dog to day care.

My dog can be a bully, is he or she allowed to play?
- No. There should not be any promises of training, socialization or trial periods. Bullies should be removed immediately and not allowed in class.

Will my dog have plenty of rest time?
- Tired dogs get cranky and will squabble so quiet times (naps) should happen at least once per day. Older dogs may require more rest periods.

RELATED: Appropriate Puppy Play

Watching Play Sessions in Progress

When watching play sessions during your selection process, it’s important to observe structure and consequences:

What happens when a dog bullies another dog?
- The bully should be removed from the playgroup.

What happens when a dog is tired and lies down for a nap, but other dogs keep pestering him?
- Place tired dog in a kennel to rest.

When play sessions become too rowdy, what happens?
- A staff member interacts play by walking between dogs or separating them.

What happens if a dog yelps?
- A staff member must thoroughly check out the yelping dog or better yet, remove the dog and have someone check him or her out. Then, let the dog rest before bringing him or her back to playtime.

What are staff members doing during playtime?
- They should be constantly walking around and monitoring dogs playing.
- They should not be on their phones, only playing with specific dogs or ignoring scared dogs.
- Honestly, this is not an easy job. They are constantly hustling.

Are potty accidents cleaned up immediately?
- Yes, and all accidents should be cleaned immediately. A mop and bucket should be in the play area.

Watch staff members’ hands. They should be gentle and friendly.
- There should be no hitting, slapping or roughhousing.
- Staff members should be happy to be there.

Choosing the Best Doggy Day Care

May 25, 2015 by Fanna Easter

How to Choose the Best Doggy Day Care

It’s not that hard. It just takes visiting several locations, watching and asking questions. Keep your dog at home when interviewing potential doggy day care locations. You’ll need to be focused and ask lots of questions.

Qualified Staff

This is a must, as qualified staff can spot bullies, scared or shut down dogs and ensure dogs are having a positive play experience. All staff must complete training on canine body language, manage dogs effectively, introduce dogs positively and break up dog fights (unfortunately, it happens). Plus, they must have at least six months to a year of experience before managing playing dogs alone.

Thorough Pre-Screening Exam

Oh, this is important too, but only if exams are completed by qualified staff. Your dog must be screened before being allowed to play with other dogs.

During the screening process:

Dog day care staff are gathering information about your dog’s play style, personality and health, which is invaluable in ensuring a fun time by all.
If all goes well, an experienced staff member may introduce your dog to another (one) friendly dog and then move along slowly. Dogs should be introduced to a small group of polite dogs (two to three) at first and allowed to play under supervision. After a week or so, your dog can meet and play with a full play group.
During a pre-screening test, your dog should never be placed in a room full of dogs as a screening test. Information must be gathered with you and your dog alone first. Before this happens, take your dog and leave.

Doggy Day Care is Not for All Dogs

Dogs that are scared, fearful, anxious, growl, snap, bite or refrain from engaging in play should not attend day care.

Forcing scared or aggressive dogs to meet other dogs will make fears worse. They won’t overcome their fears, but they will learn how to fight instead of play. I know you don’t think this can happen to your dog, but this happens every day, if not several times a day. If your dog doesn’t want to play, don’t make him. Think about it this way: if you’re scared of spiders and someone locks you in a room filled with fast-moving spiders, your fear will only worsen.

If a staff member is hesitant about adding your dog into a play session, listen to his gut reaction and don’t push the issue further. Many dogs are pushed into playgroups because pet owners want to socialize their dogs. Don’t do it. It’s not worth it. Invest in a fabulous pet sitter instead.

Limit Amount of Playing Dogs

One staff member for eight dogs is plenty. Staff members are present to ensure all dogs are having fun, playing politely and removing dogs that are tired and no longer having fun. With too many dogs, this won’t happen and it becomes a free-for-all, meaning your dog learns to threaten other dogs to keep them away.

Pushy Dogs are Not Allowed to Play

Bullies are everywhere: at schools, in our workplace and, yes, even at doggy day cares. Pushy dogs constantly pester (pick on) other dogs by pinning, holding a dog in a corner, chasing and rolling, and/or body slamming. Bullies should not be allowed to practice this behavior during playtime. They will only worsen and it’s not fair to other dogs. Bullies must be removed immediately. And if they continue the behavior, bullies should not be allowed to play again.

RELATED: Stop Bullying Behavior

Health Comes First

Potty accidents should be cleaned immediately with disinfectant and free from any odor. Also, dogs must be vaccinated with regular fecal checks, as disease spreads quickly when large groups of dogs are housed together. Lastly, play areas should be disinfected once all dogs have gone home for the day.

The Difference Between AKC, UKC and CKC

May 22, 2015 by Fanna Easter

AKC, UKC and CKC: What’s the Difference?

By far, this is the most asked question from pet parents searching for a purebred dog or puppy in the U.S. They’re looking for a reputable place to begin their research and choose a breeder. Understand, clubs set standards for events (shows or obedience trails) and keep track of puppy registration paperwork. That’s it. Not all breed registration clubs are alike. You will be shocked.

Good Breeder Checklist

Before discussing purebred dog registration clubs, it’s extremely important to understand the difference between dog breeders. They’re not all the same. A reputable (good) breeder will:

Be a member of a national breed-specific club.
Health test all parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
Show their dogs in conformation (dog shows prove parents fit the breed standard).
Keep puppies until 8-10 weeks of age (leaving the mother earlier will cause behavior problems down the road).
Vaccinate puppies before placing (vaccinations and deworming).
Provide a contract with a lifetime guarantee for inheritable health conditions.
Provide documentation on health testing of parents, grandparents and so forth. Don’t accept verbal promises. Ask for health testing certificates.
Take back a puppy or dog regardless of the issue.
Microchip or tattoo the puppy or dog to identify before placing in a new home.
Provide constant support and information about socialization, feeding, caring for and any other questions for the puppy’s or dog’s entire life.

If someone doesn’t meet the above requirements, keep looking and don’t let price spook you. If you forgo health tested parents, you’ll end up paying for it down the road with health problems. I see it every day.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

In my opinion, this is the best place to start your research, but tread carefully, as all is not what it seems. AKC registration doesn’t guarantee a mentally and physically sound puppy or dog. It just means the sire (father) and dam (mother) are AKC registered. Paperwork is meaningless unless a breeder is committed to bettering her breed by following the above requirements.

National Breed Clubs – Start Here

AKC is the mother ship of breed-specific parent clubs so, basically, each breed-specific club is its own entity. National breed clubs are the heartbeat of any puppy registration kennel club. It ensures healthy and sound dogs.

As an example, American Rottweiler Club (ARC) sets the national breed standard (describing how the ideal Rottweiler should behave and look like) with experienced Rottweiler breeders and club members. Now, ARC reports to AKC, which keeps track and enforces breed standards through dog shows and so forth. While it seems completed, it really isn’t and it’s a good thing seasoned Rottie owners make these decisions. Think of these experts as the boots on the ground for a specific breed.

Click here and search for your breed of dog, then click “more” and learn more about the breed, such as breed standard and breed club. Now, click on “National Breed Club” to locate and interview breeders listed. These are the good folks. 🙂

But Don’t Be Fooled

Many pet owners fall into the black hole of “AKC’s Online Breeder Classifieds” on AKC’s website so click carefully and don’t be swooned by glamorous promises or wording. If you’re browsing through it now, notice how many breeders skip over or leave sections of the Breeder’s Profile blank? Yup, do not buy puppies or dogs from these folks.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The United Kennel Club is a good place to search too. They are larger and recognize more breeds than AKC, however, they’re not as popular. UKC does a nice job hosting events (e.g. dog shows, obedience trails and so forth) since they focus on conformation and working titles.

National Parent Clubs – Start Here

Just like AKC, they have parent clubs, which create breed standards, which is the perfect place to locate a reputable breeder. Just don’t forget to follow the above guidelines.

Click here to locate a national breed club and learn more about your chosen breed. When browsing on the breed club’s website, search for breeders, begin locating and interview them. These are the good folks, but they must offer the above guidelines.

Don’t Be Fooled

When searching under “Dog Finder” and “Breeder List,” be careful of false promises and fancy wording. Now, each classified lists services, event participation and health screenings, which is a good thing, but ask for documentation before exchanging money.

Continental Kennel Club (CKC)

Continental Kennel Club is a newer puppy registration club, which registers all dogs regardless if pure or mixed breed. Don’t get this club confused with Canadian Kennel Club, also known as CKC. They are totally different. CKC is a tough place to narrow down reputable breeders–it’s equivalent to finding a teeny tiny needle in 20 acres of piled up hay.

No Quality Control

AKC and UKC have field personnel inspecting breeders unannounced to ensure registered dogs are indeed purebred and kept in clean and sanitary environments. CKC does not offer this type of quality control so it’s bad luck on your puppy’s heritage (which helps with health issues later in life) and temperament.

No National Parent Clubs

No national parent club means there aren’t experienced members (breeders) to create a breed standard (which ensures Rottweilers look like Rottweilers) or identify or require health testing–yikes! Also, no breed standard means no temperament requirements, which as a dog trainer, scares me to death. Anyone can breed anything he wants. There are no restrictions.

Classified Ads

There are lots of pictures and promises of beauty, wonderful temperament, no health issues in their line (every bloodline has health issues!), limited health guarantee (um, they should have a contract for life) and cheap prices–very alluring for a novice pet owner. Don’t forget, a reputable breeder will follow the above guidelines so you better lace up your running shoes. This is a difficult place to find a good breeder.

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Finding a Dog Breeder: How to Find the Right One

May 20, 2015 by Fanna Easter

How to Find a Good Dog Breeder

Not all dog breeders are the same. It’s important to understand the differences between responsible breeders who invest in your puppy’s mental and physical health, breeders chasing the almighty dollar (looking for financial gain) and uneducated breeders.

Don’t Let Price Fool You

Many potential pet parents assume reputable breeders charge more for their puppies. This is not true. In 25 years of experience, I’ve noticed non-reputable breeders charging the same amount or more, and they have a lower overhead because they don’t health test or take puppies back.

Responsible breeders lose money because they’ve invested so much in the beginning. Health testing one adult dog costs between $350-$600, depending on the amount of inheritable diseases plaguing a breed. As you read the requirements for a reputable breeder, keep a mental note of cost. You’ll quickly realize they’re not breeding dogs for profit, but they breed dogs to improve the breed–that’s their motive (currency).

You May Have to Wait

Yes, I know you want a puppy now so read on impatient reader. 🙂

Reputable breeders only breed dogs when they want a puppy so they may breed a few times a year. Unethical and uneducated breeders churn out unlimited amounts of puppies, which attracts impatient pet owners.

Oi, I can’t tell you how many people have asked my advice when searching for a breeder. They listen, take notes and ask lots of questions, then they stubble upon a kind lady (who doesn’t health test or so forth) with puppies on the ground and impatience wins.

Understand that’s a smart business plan for unethical and uneducated people looking to make money. They have a ready supply of puppies, as most consumers crave instant gratification. Puppies are not a commodity. They live, breathe and love. Please wait for the right puppy from a reputable breeder. It will be well worth the wait. 🙂

Responsible breeders are educated and follow specific guidelines, as they’re looking to better the breed instead of making money.

If someone doesn’t meet the below requirements, keep looking.

Good Dog Breeder Qualifications

Health Test – No Exceptions Ever

All dog breeds (even mixed) have health issues, and health testing adult dogs (over two years old) is the only way to identify and prevent chances of passing these onto puppies. Check out this article on understanding the importance of health testing and acceptable documentation verifying dogs have been tested and passed.

Never accept verbal promises. Always ask for documentation. If someone says, “I don’t have diseases in my lines,” they are lying.

Keep Puppies Until 8-10 Weeks Old

Puppies must stay with their mother and littermates until 8-10 weeks to develop mentally and socially. If someone allows puppies to leave earlier, don’t get a puppy from him. As a dog trainer, I can’t stress this enough. Most unethical breeders send puppies home earlier because they don’t want to feed or clean up after them–that’s the real reason.

Provide a Lifetime Contract

Yes, lifetime contracts. Contracts protect you and your puppy. If someone doesn’t offer a contract or limits inheritable heath issues within a 2-4 year period, walk away.

Take Puppy or Dog Back

Reputable breeders state in your puppy’s contract they will take your puppy or adult dog (at any age) back for any reason. They want to make sure their puppies have the best home, and if you don’t want that precious puppy any longer, they will take her back and find a forever home.

With that said, take a long deep look inside and make sure you’re ready to provide a forever wonderful life for a dog. If not, it’s okay and be glad you made the decision now instead of disrupting the life of a puppy or adult dog.

Microchip Puppies

All puppies must be permanently identified. This ensures your puppy is returned home if she becomes lost. If a breeder refuses to permanently identify a puppy, walk away. Perennially, I don’t trust breeders that refuse to microchip or tattoo. There’s this ugly game that some unethical breeders play. They provide puppy buyers with heath testing for dogs, which are not even the parents. Yup, and the only way to disprove is by identifying parents by scanning their microchips.

Provide Support Throughout Lifetime of Puppy

They will answer all your questions and provide tips on feeding, socializing and training your puppy. They’re right there with you, celebrating milestones and supporting you through tough times like when your puppy needs surgery to remove a swallowed toy. 🙂 These folks are educated and continue learning. You can’t put a price on having an expert a phone call away.

Member of National Breed Club

National breed club members create breed standards (describes temperament and conformation of a specific breed of dog). These folks show in conformation (dog shows) and are extremely educated about your chosen breed.

This is the perfect place to locate a reputable breeder, but make sure to interview them just like they will surely interview you too. When adding a purebred dog to my home, I’ve found my breeders through national breed clubs. The only time I didn’t, I lived to regret it–one day I’ll write about it, but it’s so painful. I’d rather keep it boxed inside my heart for now.

Don’t forget to print out these guidelines and ask lots of questions.

Find national breed clubs through AKC or UKC. Select a breed and scroll down for breed club information. To learn more about AKC, UKC or Continental Kennel Club (CKC), check out this article explaining the differences. I don’t recommend Continental Kennel Club because it’s a tough place to locate a reputable breeder. This article will explain further.

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Capturing Dog Behavior

May 15, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Capturing a Dog Behavior: That’s It!

A teacher uses basic teaching fundamentals for humans, dogs, cats, fish and snails so let’s discuss capturing a behavior. This is a powerful way to teach your dog a new behavior.

What is Capturing?

Think about using a camera. When taking a picture, you’re capturing a moment in time. When capturing dog behavior, it’s the same process, except you’re using a clicker to capture a moment in time. And then giving your dog a treat so that moment in time continues.

Imagine you and I standing in a room. Then, after a few minutes of chatting, I move a chair in the middle of the room and you moved toward it to sit. As your behind touched the chair, I clicked and gave you $100. What did you just learn? Ha, that it pays to sit in that chair, right? This is capturing.

Capturing works best for naturally occurring behaviors.

When encouraging participation during a business meeting, reward questions with small bits of chocolate or mints. At first, participants will giggle, but after 10-20 minutes, you’ll have an actively engaging meeting. For introverts, I reward with two pieces of candy. These folks are tough to engage.

If you find need to slow down participation, withhold rewards a bit and reward every third question. Capture and reward know-it-all attendees every third time because constant rewards will ensure their hand is always raised. At first, they’ll become a little perplexed, but they will learn to control their behavior and hand. 🙂

How to Capture Dog Behavior

When using a clicker to mark behaviors you like and then giving your dog a treat, you’re saying, “That’s what I want so keep doing it.”

Capturing is very powerful so be careful of what you capture. 🙂 When dogs bark at us, we look at them–you just captured that behavior. Your dog jumps up on you so you push them down. You just captured that behavior. That’s why, as dog trainers, we ask you to choose good behaviors to replace naughty ones. If your dog jumps up, wait for all four feet to touch the ground and click/treat. When your dog barks, click and treat when she’s quiet.

Naturally occurring examples are:

Sitting.
Lying down.
Calming down.
Loose leash walking.
Stretching.
Barking.
Not barking.
Picking up a paw.
Looking at you.
Whining.
Licking.
Standing.
Yawning.
Keeping four feet on the floor (not jumping up).

Capture Often

If you attend my group classes, you’ll hear this phrase often. The more you capture good behavior, the faster your dog will keep offering it. Even if you must click and treat 10 times in a row when your dog stops pulling on the leash, you’ve taught your dog that keeping the leash loose pays!

Check out these videos to watch capturing in action.

VIDEO: How to Teach a Dog to Sit

VIDEO: Teaching Your Dog to “Touch”

You really can’t give too many treats. Just make sure your dog has earned them for good behavior. 🙂

READ MORE: Shaping Dog Behavior