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FAQ 1. What are the requirements for our dog to participate in the adventure outings? Each dog must be at least six months old, licensed, fully vaccinated (rabies, bordetella, corona, DHPP), neutered or spayed, nonaggressive and well socialized. These requirements are for liability reasons; of course, vaccinations and nueter or spay are documented. Nonaggression and socialization is subjective; While I always use conservative guidelines for assessment, for the safety of each dog group, I encourage everyone to schedule a "meet and greet" courtesy consultation to get an objective determination; often shy, insecure or nervous dogs quickly become more out going and confident when participating in group outings. 2. How do we sign up our dog for your service? Simply call or send us an e-mail and we will arrange a convenient time to visit and get to know each other. We can also e-mail you several information forms for you to fill out ahead, so that we can spend more time getting to know you and your dog. This usually takes about thirty to forty five minutes. 3. How do you determine if a dog is suitable for group outings? Most people have a fair idea of how well socialized their dog is; during our initial visit, I will ask lots of questions about your dog's behavior and history. I will observe your dog's behavior and introduce myself; I will walk him or her around your neighborhood; introduce your dog to my dog and walk them briefly together; and let your dog sit in the vehicle we use to get familiar with the smell of the vehicle and other dogs. I am mainly looking for behaviors that will tell me how able and willing your dog is to learn and adjust to new situations. No dog is perfect; and most dogs will benefit immensely from our outings. 4. What are the pick up and return arrangements? Pick ups and returns are done in the first and last half hour of each outing. Because we are fully bonded and insured, we are able to pick up and return each dog whether or not the owner is home. Each client's key is security coded and the code always remains separate and secure from the key. At the end of each outing, your dog is returned home safe and sound, cleaned and brushed as necessary, with any instructions regarding inside or outside, feeding, etc., always followed; each dog is left secure and with adequate water supply, as well as a daily activity note; on request, periodic e-mails with photo attachments are sent. 5. What emergency plans do you have in place? Each dog's information record is included on the outing and contains the owner's phone numbers, the veterinarian of record and the dog's medical history; we also keep prepared consent forms and a current list of available veterinarian offices and clinics in our service area. We are pet first-aid CPR certified and carry a first-aid kit on the outings and keep an additional kit in the vehicle. We have a network agreement with several local pet sitters (all bonded, insured and first-aid CPR certified) to serve on an emergency fill in basis. However, network pet sitters will not be engaged without an owner's prior aproval. 6. What do you do in bad weather? Fortunately, we live in an area of the country where "bad weather" is pretty rare. Even on a rainy day, there are usually clear windows that allow sufficient time to conduct each group outing. At the minimum, we guarantee that each dog will receive adequate excercise and potty break for that day and full activities will resume on the next scheduled outing. During extreme hot weather, we adjust our outing schedule slightly and make trips to Mt. Lemmon where the relative temperature is cool enough to give the dogs safe excercise. 7. Is there a minimum number of outings we need to enroll our dog in? No, but we recommend participation at least once a week. This does not need to be the same day or the same time; however, the more consistent, the better. This promotes familiarity and stability in the dog groups. Ideally, a dog that participates once week is also enjoying several extended hikes each week with it's owner. Daily adventure outings for a dog is great when combined with fun week-end activities with the dog's owner. And a dog that participates in several adventure outings each week and enjoys frequent walks with it's owner is certainly living an enhanced quality of life. 8. Do you take all the dogs to the dog park each outing? No, not every outing includes time at a dog park; sometimes the location of the outing is not convenient to one of the dog parks in our service area. The emphasis on each outing is the benefits of excercise gained from brisk, energetic walks, the stimulation of new sights and smells in varied settings, and the companionship of the dogs in the group. The time spent at the dog parks is usually fifteen to twenty minutes and allows for the dogs to play unfettered by leashes and practice playing fetch, name recall, some obedience commands, and an opportunity to play with other dogs at the park. Each dog is closely supervised with safety always in mind. The dog park time serves as a supplement to the outings. It is not an appropriate substitute for excercise. The dog parks in our service area are attended by conscientious, responsible dog owners and the dogs are well socialized. Of course, we always excercise caution and end a dog park session if any behavior problems arise. 9. Can we use your cage free dog boarding, canine counseling or dog training service if our dog is not actively participating in outings? Yes; however, you will still need to enroll as a client. Most of the training and counseling involves loose leash walking and other out door activities, as well as certain types of social interaction, that require liability insurance, as does the cage free boarding service. We hope that after the dog training, canine counseling, or cage free boarding, you will consider continuing with adventure outings. 10. What dog training methods do you use? We adhere to a positive reinforcement philosopy that utilizes praise, rewards, consistency and timing to foster comprehension and trust in the dog's mind. You are the dog's leader; and when you provide clear, positive leadership, your dog will respond with respect, obedience and "dog love." We do not use choke methods, prong collars, electric shock collars, or any other harsh or violent techniques. 11. What is required for private, cage free dog boarding? All that is required is reservations, made as early as possible to insure availability. It is recommended to provide ample supply of your dog's regular food and any special care instructions; any bedding, crate, toy, etc., that you wish to include is fine but not necessary. We have all types of dog friendly comforts in our home. Your dog can be picked up and returned home at a time convenient to your travel schedule. 12. Can you transport our dog to the veterinarian or groomer? Yes; provided that your dog is participating in regularly scheduled outings, that the groomer or vet is in our service area, and is willing to allow your dog to be dropped off and picked up at a later time. If you have any additional questions, please contact us by phone or e-mail. (business and personal references available on request.)    Dog Day Adventures! Expand Your Dog's Horizons Come Join Our Pack! (520)398-7880 |
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