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.

Solving Your Dog’s Behavioral Problems

Published On: May 26, 2022Categories: Uncategorized

The Dog Retreat treats your dog like family, and when you leave them in their trusted hands, you can put your mind at ease. We genuinely care about your dog and you, and that’s why we developed our own dog and puppy training programs. We have group classes too. You’ve listened to Cesar Milan, read dog training books, and scoured the internet for solutions to your dog’s behavioral problems. You just can’t fix the problems. Your patience is weary thin, and you’re at your wit’s end. You’re happy to hear that your favorite dog daycare has developed its own dog and puppy training programs. You’ve trusted our dog daycare in Waltham MA to care for your dog while away and know they can help. After all, since going to The Dog Retreat, your dog no longer has separation anxiety. Here is how we can help with solving your dog’s behavioral problems.

There are many behavioral problems in dogs. They include:

Digging

Dogs love to dig. Yours has dug up your flower bed and vegetable garden, killing everything. You’re sure they’ve buried a couple of their favorite toys where the tomatoes used to grow.

Chewing

When dogs are puppies and teething, they love to chew everything in sight. However, your dog is no longer a puppy but still chews up your slippers and a few legs of the dining room chair.

Begging

Dogs smell food and begin to salivate, triggering their desire to eat. You’ve made the mistake of feeding him from the table only a couple of times. Now he begs and whines every time you sit down to eat.

Not Coming When Called

Dogs don’t listen and never come when you call. They are worse than your kids. Just the other day, it took you 20 minutes to get your dog in the house and in their crate.

Pulls on the leash

Dogs get distracted easily. Sometimes it is tough to tell if the dog is walking its owner.

Whining for attention

Some dogs need loads of attention, and the whining gets worse when you look at them. It also doesn’t help when you pet them when they whimper.

Constantly barking

Dogs bark when they are frustrated, and sometimes they bark at things that are easy to ignore. They seem to bark at inappropriate times, like late at night or before the sun comes up.

Jump on you and your guests

It is usual for dogs to jump up to greet people. But some guests just don’t like it.

Biting

When a dog feels nervous or threatened, it will strike back and bite. It is essential to realize that any dog can bite. Always keep an eye on your dog to see if they are uncomfortable or acting strangely.

Aggressive behavior

A hostile or aggressive dog is typically afraid or nervous. If you know that the dog is aggressive, never leave it with children or strangers. The good news is that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. In general, many solutions to your dog’s bad behavior are to give them positive reinforcement and praise when they behave. You can also provide them with a sandbox to dig in or a chew toy to chew. You can also try whittling away at your dog’s boredom by giving them something to do. Take the time to exercise your dog and play with them too. It is also vital to address the unruly behavior as quickly as possible. Because changing their behavior will become more complex over time.

If your dog’s behavior doesn’t budge, it may be time to seek out the help of an experienced trainer.

Dog training is an essential component of changing your dog’s bad behavior. In fact, teaching your dog basic commands like stay, come, lay down, or sit may not seem connected to their bad behavior, but it is. Be consistent and ask other family members to follow your lead. Your dog gets mixed signals when you don’t feed them from the table, but others sneak them a treat. Changing your dog’s ingrained and unruly behavior won’t be easy. However, The Dog Retreat, a dog daycare in Waltham MA has a training program designed especially for you and your dog.