Questions

About Our Facillity & Services

* The Suites & Why No Runs Are Attached

In the Lodge we have Suites, or small bedrooms as opposed to a cage with runs attached. Some kennels with runs attached interact with your dog only at feeding time, since really, all they need to do is keep the run door open and the dog takes care of himself - a lot like jail if you ask me. Here we are in constant interaction with your dog - we take them out to use the bathroom, to play ball, or we just sit with them in their room for belly rubs. They receive attention here just as they would at home.

* Education & Training

As with any business, education & training in your field is ESSENTIAL - too many, if not the majority of kennel owners are in it because they "love dogs". That is fine & dandy, and a love for dogs is a necessity, but that alone is not enough, and could even prove dangerous. Before boarding your dog ask how long they have been in business, what they did for work prior to opening their kennel, and what courses/training they have - you may be suprised by what you hear. Operating a kennel is a hard job - it is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and understanding dog behaviour is a MUST!

* Our Play Yards & Your Dog

We love our play yards, and so does your dog! She gets to socialize & play with other dogs, stretch her legs with a full tilt run, and all safely behind a 6 foot chain link fence. However, not all dogs are sociable, some may be nervous if it is their first stay, some may not be neutered/spayed, others just want to jump right in and say hi to all their new friends right away. This is where education in dog behaviour is essential - understanding a dog's cues, how to properly introduce dogs, and what signs to look for while they are playing. Dogs are pack dogs and for them to be in a group is natural - but in each pack there are dominant & submissive dogs, and to find the right balance is what works - a mistake uneducated kennel owners may make that could prove disastrous.

* Gettin' Dirty

Dogs who play and have fun are just like kids, they will splash in the puddles, run through the mud, and scrape their elbows & skin their knees (though for the dogs more likely play nips as opposed to skinned knees!). This is normal and is to be expected at some point during one of your dog's stays. Any nips or cuts are cleaned & treated (no charge of course) and if, god forbid, anything major happens, our vet is only 8 minutes away. If your pooch has lots of fun and gets nice and dirty, he will be bathed before going home (at no charge of course!) Any dog staying 2 weeks or longer also gets a free bath, brush & blowdry regardless of playing in the mud or not! :)

*How often are their rooms cleaned?

The dog's suites are cleaned every day, as well as whenever a 'mess' is left (yes we know accidents do happen once in awhile!). The general facility is cleaned every evening after close.

*What are the procedures for special food, medication, uncommon food?

On our form we ask for your veterinarian's name & clinic name, as well as the medication name and directions (dosages etc.). We also ask for any special directions regarding feeding, allergies, etc. We ask that food left with us for your dog be exceeding in the amount you think he/she will need. It is always better to have too much than too little. Whatever food is remaining will be returned to you at pick up. Giving your dog his medication is done at no charge.

Home cooked/raw fed dogs are WELCOME! We have a fridge & freezer on site to keep your dog's food during her stay.

*What kind of food is usually fed?

Please supply your dog's own food, but if you would rather we provide the food, we feed Wellness or Eagle Pack Holistic Select for an extra charge ($1/meal). For dogs on a raw food diet we feed Urban Carnivore.

*Are dogs kept in a secure environment?

Dogs stay in their individual suites for meals, nap time, and bed time. The rest of their stay is spent either walking the trails on lead, enjoying group or one on one play with other dogs or staff in our securely fenced outdoor or indoor play area.

* Are vaccinations checked?

Yes, we ask for a copy of your dog's vaccination record every three years after their 1st birthday, and we do occasionally contact your vet for a 'health check'. We also understand that some dogs react mildly to severly to yearly vaccinations, therefore in these cases, we will still permit your dog to attend Mountain Dog Lodge, though his/her access to the other dogs will be limited, and you will have to sign a waver.

* What vaccinations are required?

We require Rabies, Distemper, and Parvovirus. We only require Bordetella, Corona virus & Leptospirosis vaccinations IF they are endemic in the local area (which they are currently not). After we have received the record the first time, we only require to see a new record every three years afterwards.

* How many hours a day are people at the facility?

We are at the Lodge 24/7.