Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility. Please stop in during one of the following times: Mon – Fri, 10 am – 12:00 pm or Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm. You can also easily schedule a tour online.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have you dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by filling out the registration forms, and providing us with all the proper health/vet documents required. You can also schedule a compatibility evaluation online to see if your dog will be a good fit. Once your dog has been approved you can register for both daycare and lodging online. We require all dogs that will be lodging with us come for a day of play so they’re familiar with the setting.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby to give dogs’ downtime, and allow our staff to do additional cleaning. It’s important to consider that dogs do need downtime, rest helps avoid accidental injury, or potentially becoming more aggressive. Some dogs can self-regulate rest while others may need to be placed in kennels to rest.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, We are open 365 days a year.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

We require all dogs to go through a compatibility evaluation. Dogs are separated by both size and temperament We have a low dog-to-leader ratio. All staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and go through a dog behavior training program. We’ve designed our facility with all sized dogs in mind – every shape and size. At least one of our pet loving staff with be present with dogs in each designated play area.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

We require all dogs to have a quick release collar. No buckles are allowed. If they need food it must be bagged, and all medication must be in original packaging.

What is the difference between Daycare and Day Stay?

Day Stay may be a perfect option for the dog that did not do well with our compatibility evaluation, or has not been neutered or spayed, or may need extra attention. This may be for various reasons, health, age or injury. Daycare is for those dogs that do play well with others.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most shy dogs, or dogs that haven’t been socialized enough, usually benefit tremendously from daycare. They become less shy, more socialized and have a great time! However, that said, NOT every dog is suited to the daycare setting. It’s our job to let you how your dog is doing and see what other options may work best to keep your dog happy. For ex: we offer one on one play or small group play or your dog may do best with an at home dog walker.

What if my dog is not neutered or spade what are my options

All dogs in daycare need to be neutered or spayed at six months. If you’re not comfortable with that, you could consider our Day Stay program.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of schedule stay. If less than 48 hours a flat fee of $55 will be charged. Cancellation during peak holidays must be made 10 days in advance of the stay. If cancellation is requested less than 10 days prior to stay you’d charged $150 dollar fee per animal.

Can I bring my own food?

You are required to bring your pets food. It’s much better for the pet to continue on their regular diet. All food must be placed in baggies for individual meals. For boarders, you are also welcome to bring a special blanket that will make them feel comfortable. No Rawhide, bullysticks or bones allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If the act is mild, the dog will be placed in a timeout until she/he has calmed down. If the aggression causes harm to another dog, you will be responsible for any veterinary care for that dog and your dog will not be allowed back unless the behavior has been modified through training.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the person has to be listed on your account when you drop off the dog. They’ll have to show personal identification

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several different training classes to meet your needs; however, we cannot train your dog without your help. An owner must be willing to commit to a minimum of 10 minutes per day to be successful with training their dog.

Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility while your dog is being evaluated. You can book a tour online through our registration portal.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have your dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation before joining.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by completing the registration forms and submitting the required vet documents. You may also call us to schedule a compatibility evaluation.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby daily to give dogs downtime and allow our staff to perform cleaning and maintenance. Rest periods help prevent fatigue and promote safety during playtime.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, we are open 365 days a year. However, on certain holidays our lobby may be closed for drop-offs and pick-ups, and hours may vary.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

All dogs must complete a compatibility evaluation and are grouped by size and temperament. Our trained staff maintain a low dog-to-leader ratio, and all are certified in pet first aid and CPR to ensure your dog’s safety.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

Please bring a quick-release collar. If your dog requires food or medication, ensure it’s labeled and medications are in their original packaging.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most dogs adapt quickly and benefit from socialization in daycare. However, every dog is unique. If needed, we offer one-on-one or small group play options to ensure comfort and happiness.

What if my dog is not neutered or spayed? What are my options?

Dogs attending daycare must be neutered or spayed by 6–8 months of age. If not, you may consider our Day Stay program as an alternative.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

A 50% deposit is required for all overnight stays. Non-peak cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the deposit. During peak periods, deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations made within 10 days will be charged the full stay amount.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, bringing your pet’s own food is required to maintain their regular diet. Please portion food into labeled individual baggies. Boarders may bring a blanket for comfort, but rawhide, bully sticks, and bones are not allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If aggression occurs, the dog will first be placed in a timeout. If the behavior results in harm to another dog, you will be responsible for veterinary costs and the dog may not return until behavior modification is demonstrated.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the designated person must be listed on your account and will need to show valid photo identification when picking up your dog.

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several training programs to help improve your dog’s behavior. However, consistent owner participation of at least 10 minutes per day is essential for lasting success.

Helping Your Dog Get Along With Kids

Published On: February 26, 2021Categories: Uncategorized

While your kids might love dogs, the feeling isn’t always mutual. One thing we’ve seen again and again at The Dog Retreat is that many dogs can feel apprehensive around children, often for good reason. Soon enough, clients and residents of the area will be able to visit our lovely facility for Dog Training with kids in Waltham MA alongside our hit dog daycare services!

However, with a little work, you can teach both your pets and your children to eventually become best friends.

Supervised interactions

Dogs and kids are unpredictable. You might have a day where your pooch feels sluggish, but your 5-year-old is ready to play.

That’s why you need to be there to manage playtime. You might be able to leave older kids alone with a dog once they can recognize their pet’s needs. Younger children will need regular supervision. If not, you’ll need to keep the dog in a safe, child-free area like a crate, ideally with a toy or something to keep them busy.

An important lesson for kids

It’s not unusual for children to view dogs solely as something to play with, rather than a living being with needs and feelings.

Teach your children:

Never tease dogs, which means not pulling their tails, ears or other body parts
Do not bother dogs when they’re sleeping, eating, or chewing a bone or toy.
Do not hug dogs.
Do not disturb dogs when they’re in their crates

Children should also know how to recognize dog body language, to know when a dog might be scared or stressed. Teach them that although dogs might growl when they are playing, growling is always a signal to step away.

Helping your dog love kids

Teaching your kids to interact with dogs is only half the battle. You can teach your dog to get along with children by creating positive associations. Give your dog a reward — treats, toys, etc. — whenever kids are around.

If you give your dog a treat every time a child approaches them on a walk, the dog will look forward to running into kids.

If the dog already feels some apprehension towards children, you’ll have a bit more work to do. Expose them to children at a level at which they feel comfortable, possibly from a safe distance away (another room, across the street). Give them a big reward when kids are around, allowing the dog to adjust and get closer and closer.

(This is an area where taking advantage of our dog training with kids in Waltham MA can help).

Appropriate dog behavior

Once your dog learns to like being around kids, you’ll need to make sure they can behave around kids. Teaching the dog some common commands — “sit,” “lie down,” “leave it” and “go to your place” — can keep them calm and children safe.

Show children the signals you’ve taught the dog so they can practice them as well and even give rewards — if the child is old enough — teaching the dog to listen to kids while also forming positive associations with them.

Dog Training in Waltham MA

Are you working to build the bond between your dog and your kids? The Dog Retreat and Spa can help. Our small-group dog training with kids program in Waltham, MA helps solve dog behavior problems with a full range of private dog and puppy training classes.

From advanced agility to Canine Good Citizenship courses, we can help your dog to be on his or her best behavior. Contact us today to learn more.

Helping Your Dog Get Along With Kids

Supervised interactions

An important lesson for kids

Helping your dog love kids

Appropriate dog behavior

Dog Training in Waltham MA

(781) 604-7387

info@thedogretreat.com

781-548-3248

PhysicalRehab@TheDogRetreat.com

219 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA, 02451

thedogretreatandspa

rehab_at_thedogretreat

The Dog Retreat & Spa- Waltham