The Dog Whisperer

Going away for an extended period of time can be difficult when you have pets. A facility that offers dog boarding is a way to ensure your four-legged family member has care and attention while you are gone. Before you sign up your pup, pay attention to these areas. Supervision and Staffing Find out how many people are working at a facility, and the ratio of animals to staff throughout the day. Find out if someone stays on the premises overnight, or if the center has a security system that allows for remote monitoring. Ask about their medical procedures, and whether or not the company keeps a veterinarian on staff or has one on-call. Food and Comfort Measures Check to see what kind of food, if any, is provided while your puppy is at the dog boarding facility . For pets with special diets, you may need to supply the food for while you are away. Also, inquire about toys and playtime for your pet. It can be more comforting for your dog to have some of his favorite toys to chew on or snug...

As much as you love your dog and want your pal to join you wherever you go, there will be times when this won't be possible. If your best option is a dog boarding facility, here are a few tips to ensure a positive experience for your pet. Convey Personality Quirks When choosing where to leave your dog, look for a facility that suits your dog's personality. If your dog is more comfortable hanging out with humans or afraid of some animals, be sure to communicate this to the staff. Surrounding your dog with enjoyable people or animals will help to avoid discomfort. Review Toilet Accommodations Some facilities have set schedules to accommodate dogs' elimination requirements. Some dogs may need to use indoor potty pads if scheduled walks don't coincide with their habits. Dogs that are usually not allowed to relieve themselves indoors may refuse to use pads and experience anxiety and discomfort. Be sure to confirm if a dog boarding facility can accommodate your dog's pot...

Are you in the market for a new dog kennel ? If so, many pet owners get confused about what is best for their favorite pooch. There are so many options on the market, and it is often hard to determine whether a luxury kennel or simple wire crate is efficient. Fortunately, deciding on the right enclosure is not rocket science. You only need to consider three things. 1. Size The primary concern for any dog owner is that the kennel is the right size. Too many people force their dogs into cages that are too small. Finding the right size is relatively straightforward. Measure your dog's height and length. You want the height of the kennel to allow your furry friend to stand all the way up, with its head above its shoulders. You also want to make sure that there is enough room for your dog to stand, turn and stretch. 2. Durability Some dogs are more energetic than others, which means having a durable dog kennel is crucial. Most enclosures come in wire, plastic or travel varieties. Wir...

Who wouldn't want to spend their workdays petting and playing with dogs? If you're looking for a way to do what you love and make an income, you may be considering opening a doggy day care . Keep these tips in mind before you open your doors. Think About the Logistics First The logistics of running any business matter. Will you run your doggy day care out of your home or from another property? How will you pay for the startup costs, such as licensing and purchasing supplies? Other things to consider are creating a business plan, what you'll charge, how you'll advertise, and what your hours will be. Don't forget to purchase insurance and determine if you'll need to hire any employees to help you. Consider Which Clients You Want to Serve Once you have the basics down, consider which types of clients you want to serve. If you are highly experienced, you may be willing to work with larger dogs or breeds that are harder to train. However, if you're n...

Many pet owners choose a dog hotel while they go on vacation. For a pet lover, running a doggy day care may be the perfect fit that combines work and passion. Here’s what you need to know to get started in the business. Business Opportunity Before you open up any business, you need to research the local area to see if the type of business is viable in the current market. An area packed with luxury dog hotels may not need another one. However, an area that has a large pet ownership population may benefit from the specific type of doggy day care that you have in mind. Research the area including the other pet hotels in the area to see the competition. Necessary Knowledge Running a dog hotel requires a variety of knowledge you should have prior to getting started. Not only do you need to have some business knowledge, but you also need to understand dogs and their needs. Common business knowledge includes creating a business plan, operating procedures, handling employees, human resources...

A dog kennel is a great option for those who can't take their pets on vacation with them. Still, leaving your dog with a stranger for days or weeks at a time can be a scary proposition. That is why you must make sure you pick the right facility. Below are some steps for choosing the best kennel for your pup. Visit the Locations The best way to judge a kennel is to visit it ahead of time. Observe the cleanliness of each facility and see how the trainers interact with the pups. Consider Your Pet's Lifestyle You wouldn’t send your sporty child to a summer camp for aspiring computer programmers. Similarly, you need to make sure the dog kennel you pick suits the activity level of your pet. If your pup is used to staying inside most of the day, you can pick a center that just lets the pets outside once or twice a day. However, if your dog is used to a lot of exercise, find a location that lets him roam around in a fenced-in yard or private patio. You should also consider whether yo...