 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|||||||||
 |
Refer a client who comes for a day of daycare - Get a
Refer a client who purchases a PACKAGE – Get |
||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is Doggy Daycare? Your dog will enjoy the day running, playing, socializing, and relaxing. Quiet periods are a part of each day at Barkalounge—we want your dog to come home tired and happy but not exhausted!
Why BARKALOUNGE DOGGY DAYCARE? Barkalounge believes one of the most critical factors in assessing a play group is based on the dog’s TEMPERAMENT and not necessarily size. A typical play group at Barkalounge is 12 dogs. It is a primary part of our written business plan to provide training on behavior and socialization for each and every dog. Contrary to popular belief dogs do not always have an intrinsic understanding of how to APPROPRIATELY interact with other dogs in a group setting. Like people, this comes from practice and training. Sure most dogs know how to play and know how to be dogs but it doesn’t mean they are a natural at walking into a group or pack and understanding what is or is not acceptable! More importantly than the DOG knowing what is and isn’t acceptable is the knowledge of your daycare staff on what is and isn’t acceptable and the ability to work with the group towards that end. If staff are not appropriately trained or lack canine behavior knowledge you can do more harm than good by deciding to intervene or correct a dog’s behavior. A common error many make is responding to a dog’s behavior with a HUMAN emotion and definition. Animal behaviorists (such as Patricia McConnell whom we love) have written multiple book-length works on the subject. After all, it would be highly disturbing for someone to interact with you using doggy language. Dog behaviors can and DO mean decisively different things than from a human standpoint. For example typical mounting behavior is rarely of a sexual nature—more frequently it is determining and/or establishing the hierarchy of the pack and more frequently even a predecessor to PLAY! Sadly, so many dogs are expelled from daycares because of the assumption all dogs interact and play exactly the same and a severe lack of canine behavior knowledge on the part of the staff. The parent is left feeling they have a problem child and are instantly turned off from ever trying a daycare, dog park or social setting for their furbaby again. Supervision levels and the form of supervision differ greatly from daycare to daycare. Often the supervision ratio can be as high as 50+ dogs to 2 humans or even 40 dogs to 1 human! The actual form of supervision is also a critical factor for safety of the daycare, staff and dogs. Is supervision at a level of 100%? If so, how is the supervision provided—does a single person patrol different areas or are staff present in the play area(s)? More importantly are staff present in ALL sections of the play area at all times. For example, if an outdoor area is open all day to the dogs, is someone dedicated to supervising the indoor area as well as the outdoor area? Does 100% supervision mean staff members are assigned to other duties or locations in the facility and monitor from a closed circuit camera/TV system or are they physically present with the dogs? What is involved in a daycare supervisor’s training? What are the credentials required for the supervisor position? Of course loving dogs and even having dogs should be a given. If you didn’t love dogs and at minimum have a basic knowledge of dogs through ownership why would you ever want to work in a dog daycare? If the knowledge level of the individual responsible for your dog’s safety and socialization training does not at minimum meet or ideally highly surpass your own, is this a good match? Would you drop your child off at a pre-school without investigating the knowledge base and the skills of those responsible for caring for your child? Does the staff have training AND certification in Canine First Aid and CPR? Are any members knowledgeable in behavior modification, temperament assessment and testing, or training techniques? Barkalounge was founded on and operates on the premise that ALL dogs are good dogs. There are no bad dogs, there are only bad owners, and there are dogs that have not had the same opportunity to learn how to properly socialize with other dogs. Every dog, like a person, is unique and a product of their past and present experiences and environments. Having the facility, knowledge, and commitment to integrate these factors is what makes Barkalounge unique in a saturated market of doggy daycares. If a dog has been assessed and found to not be ready for group interaction and play, they leave with a suggested behavior plan and a list of resources their parent can utilize to aid their dog in acquiring more of the important behaviors necessary to grow and enjoy group socialization. EVERY new dog coming to Barkalounge must be scheduled for attendance on their first day. Only one new dog per day is admitted to Barkalounge to allow us the ability to focus on our new student and adequately assess and address their existing social skills. We want everyone to have a safe and FUN day—most new dogs need a little extra TLC and assurance they are doing well and fitting in. It is our honor AND commitment to provide this level of training and assessment to every new client. As a special service to our daycare clients Barkalounge offers overnight services for individual nights or extended stays. Once we know the temperament of your dog through daycare they can be approved to stay over in one of our lavish bedrooms without the confinement of a cage! During the day your dog will be in 100% supervised daycare and then at night they will have their own bedroom which can be shared with siblings if desired. Barkalounge does NOT provide overnight services to any dogs who have not regularly attended daycare and been through evaluation. Ask us for more details on this special service! Bonus Retail Barkalounge proudly retails the following products within our facility:
Training ClassesBasic Training and Manners Class You will be learning basics such as sit, down, stay, come here, stand, loose-leash walking, leave it, and more. The two of you will work as a team in a friendly, small-class environment using a non-threatening, non-abusive, dog-friendly method of dog training. We encourage other members of your family, or anyone who has significant contact with your dog, to come along to class with you so that everyone is receiving the same instruction and information. Consistency is one of the keys to success! Also in class, we will problem-solve behavior issues that dogs are having at home. Small changes in your behavior and home life can reap huge rewards relative to happily co-habitating with your canine companion. Frequently, all people need is a little guidance, instruction, motivation, and structure to make this endeavor successful, as well as fun and rewarding, for you and your dog! Class size is limited so that everyone can receive personal attention and instruction. Class participants are not required to be enrolled in Barkalounge Doggy Daycare. Class Particulars
|
| WHERE: |
Barkalounge Doggy Daycare; 5555 Elmwood Avenue |
| WHEN: | 18 August - 22 September, Wednesdays, 7:45 -
|
| NEXT: | 6 October - 10 November |
| UPCOMING: |
2011 Dates Coming Soon |
| COST: | $100.00 per dog/handler team for the 6-week session, which is due on or prior to the first evening of class. Cost is for the same dog throughout the session. Changing sessions after the first class is not permitted. No refunds are available after the first class. |
| ENROLL/?’S: | If you would like to enroll or have questions, please call Brigitte at Barkalounge at (317) 788-8551 or email info@barkaloungedaycare.com |
| REQUIRED: | A copy of your dog’s vaccination records on or before the first night of class. Also see class pre-requisites above. |
Other Training Assistance
If group classes do not fit your needs or schedule, personal, one-on-one, private training help is also available with our trainer. This can be accomplished at your home or at Barkalounge. Destinations further away than 20 miles will be subject to an additional gas/time fee.
Instructor Information
Jackie Pondy has had a life-long passion working with animals. This connection to fauna began in early childhood in northern Ohio in her home environment and with 4-H, continued to a zoology degree from The Ohio State University, brought her to the Indianapolis Zoo’s Plains Biome, and currently volunteering as Rescue Coordinator for Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. Jackie’s interest in making animals’ lives better, as well as improving peoples’ relationships with their pets through education, knowledge, and practical application has been the motivation behind both her personal and professional life. Jackie is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), member #68261.
If you would like to enroll or have questions, please call Brigitte at Barkalounge Doggy Daycare (317) 788-8551.
Birthday PartiesPlan your doggy birthday party here and leave the planning, pictures, baking, party favors, and CLEAN UP to us! Photography of your event can be scheduled as well. Please inquire for specific pricing based on party size and desired services.
