What to Expect From a Puppy Hotel

When you’re traveling and staying in a hotel, but can’t bring your pets with you, they can stay in their own hotel. Puppy hotels provide a great place for pets to stay while their owners are away. What can you expect from one of these facilities? These are some of the benefits your pets will enjoy while staying at a puppy hotel.

Comfortable Place to Curl Up

Places that offer basic boarding services generally just have dogs sleep in plain kennels that don’t provide much in the way of comfort. Puppy hotels usually offer sleeping environments that are much more comfortable. Some places even give pups their own plush beds and private rooms to stay in. Others offer cozy blankets or pillows to make sure pets are able to get a good night’s sleep.

Perks for Pampered Pups

When your pets stay at a puppy hotel, there are usually perks available. In some cases, these perks are included when you book your stay. Other places offer these perks for additional fees. Some of the perks that puppy hotels offer include spa services, where pets can get facials, baths with special shampoos and conditioners to keep their coat and skin in great condition, and have their nails trimmed and even painted if requested. Some places also offer puppy massages, extra special treats and one-on-one playtime with a staff member, so pups won’t feel lonely or bored.

Peace of Mind for Pet Owners

Puppy hotels typically have a camera set up that allows pet owners to check on their pups. Some hotels have these cameras installed in play areas, which gives owners a chance to watch their pets play. Puppy hotels will usually provide pet owners with regular updates to let them know how their pets are doing. Owners can find out if their pets are eating ok, if they’re adjusting well to being away from home, and if any special requests they’ve made are being honored.

A Chance to Make Friends

Some puppy hotels have play areas set up where dogs are allowed to spend time together. This gives them a chance to meet new friends, burn off energy and work on their social skills. This is especially important for puppies as they learn how to play nice with other dogs and how to adapt to new surroundings and encounters with other pets and people.

Local Dog Kennels

Arranging for your dog to stay in a kennel is sometimes necessary when you need to travel without your pet. One of the most difficult parts of doing this is choosing a facility. When you compare local dog kennels for your pet, it’s important to keep certain factors in mind. This can help you decide which kennel to choose and provide you with peace of mind that your pet is in good hands.

Is It Clean?

Dogs should stay in kennels that are kept clean on a routine basis. While accidents can occur, they should be cleaned up promptly by staff members. Leaving messes around, or not wiping down surfaces on a regular basis, makes it easier for germs to spread, and infect dogs with illnesses such as kennel cough. Look for local dog kennels that have a clean appearance when you visit the different facilities.

Is It Safe?

Choose a kennel where you’ll feel safe leaving your dog. If your pet is a jumper or escape artist, make sure the place has sturdy fences and enclosures to prevent dogs from getting out. If your dog will be participating in playtime, check the facility’s policies. For example, do they screen dogs for temperament? The safest kennels perform these assessments in order to ensure that no aggressive dogs are around during playtime. If you’re concerned about emergencies, look for a facility that has staff on site at all times. Whether there’s a fire, flood or medical emergency, you can be assured someone will be around to make sure that your pet gets to safety or receives prompt veterinary care.

Are Staff Members Knowledgeable and Friendly?

Staff members should have enough experience to be able to provide high quality care. They should also make you feel comfortable about leaving your pet in their care. Talk to staff members at local dog kennels to find out more about their experience and skills. They should be able to answer any questions you have about dog boarding or your dog’s upcoming stay.

Is It Available?

Some dog kennels can fill up quickly, especially around the holidays. Although you might have found the ideal place for your dog to stay, you’ll need to make sure that they'll have space available. Try to find and book a dog kennel as early as possible, so you won’t miss out on being able to have your pet stay there while you’re away.

What You Should Know About Pet Boarding Costs

Boarding your pets help ensure that they’re taken care of while you’re away from home. If you’re traveling and need to look into boarding facilities, you’re probably wondering what to expect in terms of cost. Keep the following pet boarding cost information in mind, so you can stick to your budget while making sure your pets are being cared for at a quality boarding kennel.

Boarding Rates

Boarding rates vary depending on how many pets will be staying and how long they’ll be there. Charges are typically on a per night basis for dog boarding facilities. These prices will also vary based on location. For example, DoGone Fun charges $50 per night per pet. Additional dogs staying in the same kennel are $30 per night each, while additional dogs staying in separate kennels are $50 per night. Afternoon checkout after 12 p.m. is also available for $20 per pet if you need to pick up your pets later in the day.

Perks and Amenities

Some dog boarding facilities offer certain perks and other amenities for an additional cost. These can range from treats to cuddle time and upgraded bedding. DoGone Fun offers several added luxuries for an additional fee. Biscuits at bedtime are available, as well as frozen yogurt treats, which are great treats for helping dogs stay cool in summer. Other amenities that are available include a home cooked Sunday brunch or a home cooked holiday dinner if you’ll be away during the holidays. Your pets can also have extra comfortable beds, one-on-one cuddle time with a staff member, a 15 minute walk outside and a Kong filled with treats. Freshen up services with dry shampoo are also available.

Cost vs. Quality

When you’re searching for boarding facilities and comparing rates, keep in mind that going with the lowest rate isn’t necessarily the best or safest option. Some boarding facilities have very low prices, but that doesn’t guarantee quality. It’s important to look into each facility to make sure they have well trained staff, clean kennels and play areas, and secure enclosures. At DoGone Fun, your pets stay in a clean and safe environment and are cared for by highly trained and skilled staff members. While our pet boarding cost might be higher than others in the area, we offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your pets are staying in a high quality boarding facility.

Affordable AND great service for puppy daycare

Daycare gives puppies a great opportunity to socialize while also burning off extra energy. However, that doesn’t mean taking your puppy to just any daycare facility. It’s important to find puppy daycare that offers a safe environment for young pups to play in, especially if they haven’t fully completed their vaccinations. If cost is a concern, you should also look for affordable daycare facilities that fit your budget. These are some of the top factors to consider when choosing daycare for puppies.

Safety First

Puppy daycare facilities should understand and take precautions to guard against potential dangers to younger dogs. These precautions include having a separate play area for puppies, so that they won’t be stepped on or hurt by larger dogs. This play area should be enclosed to prevent puppies from getting out and running off, especially if they haven’t gone through obedience training and learned to obey commands such as “stay.”

Daycare for puppies should also minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to parvovirus and other diseases that they haven’t received complete vaccinations for. Providing these young dogs with a clean environment helps lower this risk. This can be done by requiring older puppies and adult dogs in the facility to be up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Training

Obedience training is essential for puppies in order for them to learn proper behavior. Some puppy daycare places offer training classes or one-on-one training that owners can sign up for. Taking these classes means puppies can learn to obey commands from a trained professional who understands how to use positive reinforcement for obedience training. This can be beneficial for puppy owners who aren’t sure how to train or for those who don’t have enough time to devote to training.

Budget-Friendly

The cost of puppy daycare can add up for those who have their puppies go every day or even a few times a week. Those who are worried about these costs can find affordable daycare, such as places that offer discounts for regular customers or places that offer discounts for owners who have more than one dog. Finding a place that has discounts available or places that offer more budget-friendly rates can help owners save a considerable amount of money on the cost of puppy daycare.

The lessons learned by sending your dog to day care

Dog daycare can offer a number of advantages for dogs and their owners, although you should keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. Some dogs thrive in daycare settings, while others end up being stressed by this experience. If you decide to use daycare for dogs, keep the following lessons in mind.

Daycare Is Perfect for Some Dogs

Dogs who enjoy being around other dogs and have high energy levels benefit the most from daycare. These dogs have plenty of opportunities to play and socialize with others while also burning off a lot of energy. Even just going for a couple of days a week can be enough to prevent dogs from getting restless at home and acting up as a result. Daycare is even more important for these dogs if their owners aren’t able to take them for long walks or let them run around the yard when they’re home.

Daycare Might Help Curb Bad Behavior

Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time day after day can end up engaging in bad behavior out of frustration, a lack of stimulation or boredom. This might include having accidents indoors even when they’re house trained, barking a lot or chewing on doors or objects around the home. Daycare for dogs often benefits these pups by giving them an outlet to release feelings of boredom or frustration. This can be enough to stop bad behaviors from occurring in the home. Keep in mind that dogs who act up due to severe separation anxiety usually don’t do well in daycare settings. In fact, these settings can make them more anxious.

Trained Staff Members Are Essential

Dog daycare facilities should have staff members who are trained to handle all kinds of canine temperaments and any issues that might come up. Knowing that you can rely on staff to intervene if a fight breaks out or separate dogs from the main group if they’re showing signs of being overwhelmed provides you with reassurance that your dog will be left in good hands. Staff should also be kind and compassionate when dealing with dogs.

If your dog ends up being a good fit for daycare, you’ll most likely learn more lessons along the way. You’ll also have a tired yet happy dog waiting to greet you at the daycare facility.

Why dog training benefits you as an owner

Training your dog is an important part of making sure that your pet is well-behaved around you and other people and pets. It also boosts your pet’s quality of life overall. Dog training helps your pet learn how to behave, but it also offers a few important benefits for you as a dog owner.

Less Stress

Living with a dog who has not been trained can be incredibly stressful for pet owners. Dogs who have not been through obedience training are more likely to engage in troublesome behaviors, such as chewing on your belongings or jumping up on you and other people. Training helps you set boundaries on what is appropriate or inappropriate, so your dog can learn proper behavior. This makes your dog easier to live with and more pleasant to have around when you have guests over. If you live in an apartment, having a well-behaved dog also means you won’t have to worry about neighbors complaining to the landlord about your pet.

Strong Bond

Working on obedience training provides you with an opportunity to create a strong bond with your dog. You can make this bond even stronger by focusing on positive reinforcement while training, so your dog associates obedience training with something good. Making training fun for your dog can also strengthen the bond between you and make it seem like less of a chore for both of you. Building this relationship with your dog through training is a rewarding experience that can improve your quality of life, as well as your dog’s quality of life.

Safety

Having a dog who is properly trained can keep you and other family members safe by lowering the risk of aggressive behavior. Dog training helps your dog understand that you are in charge, which makes your pet more likely to listen to you when you issue commands instead of being bossy or pushy. Training also means you can worry less about your dog getting into fights with other dogs or other animals. Keep in mind that obeying commands such as “stay” also prevents your dog from getting into potentially dangerous situations, such as running into the street or approaching a harmful object.

Just remember that dog training takes patience and persistence. Take your time, focus on positive reinforcement and your dog will eventually learn to listen to your commands.

When is it the right time to send your dog to daycare

If you’re planning on sending your dog to daycare, when should you do so? It’s important to make sure that your dog is ready for this change in routine and that you have a dog who is a good fit for daycare. Take the following factors into consideration before you decide when to start dog daycare.

Age

How old is your dog? If you have a puppy, daycare provides a great chance for socialization, which is ideal to do before puppies are 12 weeks old. Just keep in mind that your puppy won’t be fully vaccinated at that time, so it’s important to find a place that minimizes the risk of infectious diseases among puppies. If you have an older dog, consider whether or not your pet will be able to handle being in a noisy environment with several other dogs. Some older dogs prefer being in environments that are calmer and quieter.

Temperament

Your dog’s temperament is another important factor to take into consideration. Dogs with a friendly nature usually enjoy dog daycare, since it allows them to play with other dogs. Many facilities conduct temperament assessments to determine if dogs will do well in daycare. These assessments check for signs of aggressiveness or shyness, which can affect whether or not they are allowed to participate in play groups. If your dog is friendly and social, daycare shouldn’t be a problem. Your dog should be able to adapt to this change of routine easily.

Energy Levels

Taking your dog’s energy level into consideration can also help you determine when to start daycare. Dogs with a lot of energy can end up having behavioral problems if they don’t get enough exercise during the day. If you’re at work all day and your high-energy dog stays home, you might come home to find things chewed up or soiled. Starting daycare sooner rather than later can help your dog burn off energy and fend off boredom. Dogs with lower energy levels might take longer to adjust to daycare, especially if they are in a large play group. Look for dog daycare that offers smaller play groups or calmer areas where dogs can rest.

Since you know your dog best, it’s ultimately up to you to decide when the right time to start daycare is. Just make sure that you find a quality daycare with trained staff and a safe environment.

Do shock collars work for training your dog?

Dog training includes different approaches to helping dogs learn to obey commands. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding dogs for performing the correct behavior, while aversive training uses punishment or an unpleasant experience to stop dogs from performing unwanted behaviors. Shock collars are sometimes used for dog training that involves an aversive method. Are these collars effective, and should they be used for training dogs?

How Shock Collars Work

These collars produce an electric current that can be used to shock dogs when they behave in an undesirable way, such as barking excessively or jumping on people. They can also be used during training when dogs perform the wrong behavior instead of the correct behavior. These collars are also used to keep dogs from roaming outside their owners’ property when used with an electronic fencing system. Dog owners can control the force of this shock, which can range from mild to strong enough to be painful.

Effectiveness of Shock Collars

These collars can be effective when training dogs, but they do so through negative methods. Using a shock collar punishes dogs and can potentially hurt them, which can make them fearful and anxious. This can result in a higher risk of dogs becoming aggressive toward their owner and other people. It also has a negative impact on the bond between dogs and their owners. It’s also important to keep in mind that these collars can be used incorrectly or in an abusive way, which causes more harm to dogs and leads to ineffective training. They can also cause inflammation in the skin when they are worn for long periods of time.

Alternatives to Shock Collars

Although these collars can be effective, using aversive training methods is not recommended. Negative training methods usually produce short-term results while raising the risk of harmful consequences in the long run. Using positive reinforcement for dog training is a more effective method that benefits dogs and their owners. Positive reinforcement involves giving dogs a reward for successfully obeying commands, such as a treat or praise. This causes dogs to think of training as a positive experience that results in them getting something desirable. Positive reinforcement methods encourage dogs to learn to obey commands and to continue obeying them even when the reward is gradually phased out. This has proven to be a more effective training method with long-term results.

What to Know About Boarding for Pets

Having pets stay in a boarding facility when you’re away means you don’t have to worry about arranging for someone to come to your home to care for them. If you’ve never looked into boarding for pets before, keep the following information in mind.

Find a Clean and Safe Boarding Facility

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a boarding facility is to find one that offers your pets a safe and clean environment. This facility should have at least one staff member around at all times in case of emergencies, and should be secure enough to prevent pets from getting out. Boarding facilities should also be cleaned regularly to reduce the spread of disease, and all pets should have access to clean water.

Look Into Playtime for Dogs

Some boarding places offer playtime for dogs to help relieve boredom and give them a chance to make new friends. DoGone Fun provides dogs with several hours of playtime each day, which helps them burn off energy and get regular exercise. All dogs who stay at DoGone Fun undergo a behavioral assessment beforehand to help ensure that they’ll do well and get along with other dogs during playtime. This helps keep all dogs safe in the facility’s spacious play area. At DoGone Fun, dogs also have a comfortable place to sleep and receive plenty of attention from staff.

Consider Your Pets’ Needs

When looking into boarding for pets, make sure you take your pet’s needs into consideration. If you have cats, for example, look for a place that offers a separate boarding area for cats and dogs to ensure a quieter environment that is less stressful. For any type of pet, let the boarding facility know about medications, dietary restrictions or any other special needs they have.

Avoid These Dog Daycare Red Flags

When you’re choosing a dog daycare for your pet, it’s important to find one that provides a safe environment. Give yourself enough time to search for a place that will take good care of your dog, and keep an eye out for the following red flags.

No Tours Allowed

Being able to see where your dog will be spending the day can give you peace of mind. It also lets you see for yourself whether the facility is a clean one with a secure enclosure that your dog can’t get out of. Reputable facilities won’t have a problem with letting dog owners see the place, and they might even invite you to take a tour without you having to ask. Stay away from dog daycare places that won’t allow you to take a tour.

Aggressive Dogs

If you notice dogs acting aggressively when touring a daycare facility, look for another place instead. Ideally, you should be looking for a place that does temperament assessments before letting dogs participate in playtime. This helps ensure that your dog won’t be injured by an aggressive dog that bites or snaps.

Dirty Environment

Dog daycare facilities should be kept clean on a regular basis to prevent germs from spreading. Messes made by dogs should be picked up as soon as possible rather than left lying around. Water bowls should also be filled with clean water. Avoid places that have dog messes left on the floor and bowls filled with dirty water.

Unfriendly Staff

Staff members who work in dog daycare facilities should be friendly and have the skills needed to make dogs feel at ease. Look for a place with staff members who make you feel comfortable about leaving your dog in their care, and avoid places with staff who seem rude or unprofessional.

How Much Are Dog Care Prices?

When you need to have someone else watch your dog for you, what can you expect to pay? This mainly depends on the type of dog care your pet will be getting and the kinds of services that are offered. While dog care prices vary, keep the following general information in mind when making arrangements for your pet.

Type of Care

Dog day care, pet sitting and dog boarding are the main options available when you have to leave your dog behind while traveling or working. Pet sitting generally has lower rates than day care or boarding, but keep in mind that you’re usually only paying for someone to stop by a couple of times a day to walk and feed your dog. You’ll have to pay extra if you want your pet sitter to stay at your house.

Dog day care rates are usually charged per day based on whether you have your dog there for a full day or a half day. You might be able to lower the cost by taking advantage of available discounts, such as booking day care for a certain number of days per month instead of just a day or two.

Dog boarding usually has higher rates compared to pet sitting and dog day care. With boarding, you’re paying to have your dog stay at a facility the whole time you’re gone.

Amenities and Services

If you choose dog boarding or dog day care, the dog care prices you’ll pay depend on the types of services and amenities that are available. Some places offer obedience training classes or grooming for an extra fee. Some also have certain amenities, such as extra treats or one-on-one playtime with a staff member. The amount you end up spending depends on whether you add these on or not.

10 things you should know about dog boarding

If you’ve never boarded your dog before, it’s understandable that you might be a bit concerned about what to expect. Here are some important things to keep in mind to ensure that you have some peace of mind.

1. Make reservations early.

Some boarding places get booked up fast, especially around holidays. Reserve your dog’s spot as early as possible.

2. Your dog won’t necessarily spend all day in a kennel.

Some places offer dogs playtime so they can stay active and be social. This is a good way for your dog to get exercise and make friends.

3. Dogs need to have updated vaccines.

Dog boarding facilities typically require dogs to have up-to-date vaccines, including rabies and distemper.

4. You can usually bring your dog’s food.

Many boarding places allow you to bring your dog’s usual food instead of eating the food that they provide.

5. Some facilities aren’t staffed 24/7.

Some only have someone come in for walks and feeding. Other places have someone there around-the-clock.

6. Some places offer special perks.

Some dog boarding facilities offer spa services and other perks for an additional fee, such as treats at bedtime.

7. Your dog will receive emergency care.

This usually means bringing dogs to the closest emergency clinic when immediate care is needed.

8. In person visits are a must.

It’s important to take a tour of the boarding facility to make sure it offers a clean, safe and friendly environment for your dog.

9. Boarding facilities can handle special care instructions.

If your dog needs medication, a special diet or any other special care, leave instructions with the boarding facility.

10. Information on your dog’s temperament is important.

Let the boarding facility know if your dog has any behavioral issues, such as being shy around other dogs.

Typical Doggy Day Care Prices

Doggy day care offers a chance for your dog to meet other pups and stay busy while you’re not home. If you’re trying to determine whether or not this option is within your budget, the following information on doggy day care prices can help.

Day Care Rates in General

In general, day care rates for dogs have a wide range depending on location and the types of services offered. These ranges include between $12-38 for a full day and between $6-25 for a half day. Keep in mind that rates in larger areas, including big cities, usually cost more than rates in smaller towns and suburbs. You might also pay more if you go to a doggy day care facility that offers a number of services, such as training and grooming. Some places offer discount rates or packages that include a few days or an entire month of day care.

Doggy Day Care Prices at DoGone Fun

At DoGone Fun, we offer reasonable prices for high quality doggy day care in the Chicago area. These include the following:

• One full day (6 to 12 hours): $35. $30 for each additional dog
• One half day (1 to 6 hours): $25. $25 for each additional dog
• 10 full days: $320. $210 for each additional dog
• 20 full days: $600. $400 for each additional dog
• 10 half days: $230. $155 for each additional dog
• 20 half days: $440. $300 for each additional dog
• Late night rates from 7-10 p.m. from Monday through Friday: $5/hour per dog

We also offer introductory packages of three full days for $80 or three half days for $55. If you need more information on doggy day care prices, please contact DoGone Fun.