DOG BOARDING FAQ
1. Do you take all dogs?
New Beginnings K-9 is not a traditional kennel. We strive to give each dog what it needs according to personality, age, size and health. That’s part of the reason we’re able to integrate all breeds and most dogs, even those who haven’t been successful in boarding elsewhere.
2. …even those that don’t like other dogs?
We accept all breeds and yes, even dogs who prefer the company of humans over canines. For an additional fee, dogs in our specialized One-on-One Boarding will be exercised and stimulated separately by our boarding team and kept apart from other dogs. We have a separate walking track specially designed for those dogs who cannot be integrated with other dogs in playgroups. Private training is also a good option for dogs with dog-to-dog aggression.
3. What vaccinations and records are needed to enroll?
We require three vaccinations for our canine guests six months and older– rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Puppies, 9-20, must have their first Bordetella and DHPP vaccines. We do accept titers. All vaccines must be administered at least 7 days prior to enrollment, for the protection and well being of your dog or puppy. We also ask that all puppies 9-20 weeks have a negative fecal within 2 weeks and dogs 21 weeks and older have a negative fecal within 30 days of entering our facility for the first time. All of the dogs in our care will need an updated negative fecal every 6 months thereafter.
4. What should I bring for my dog’s stay?
NBK9 asks that all clients supply enough food for their dog’s stay. Changing foods can create extra strain on the body and can cause digestive upsets. We encourage you to bring your dog’s bedding to help them feel more secure and at home. A t-shirt with your scent on it can help your dog feel at ease while boarding. Treats, toys and other extras are also welcome. We just ask that our clients refrain from packing squeaky toys, as they can upset other dogs.
5. Will you administer medication to my dog?
We are happy to administer topical, ear, eye and oral medications. Please provide a full list and schedule on the boarding questionnaire at the time of check-in to help us help your dog. Unfortunately, we cannot give injections.
6. Is NBK9 open on holidays?
Our boarding team is here to provide best-in-class care for your dog 365 days a year. However, we are closed for drop-offs and pick-ups on New Year’s, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DOGGIE DAYCARE FAQ
1. What are the benefits of bringing my dog to daycare at NBK9?
Our set schedule of group playtime, mental stimulation and rest creates a calmer, more relaxed furry family member. Group playtimes can increase socialization, and decrease stress and excitability. We base our daycare program on the science of canine behavior and use our knowledge to build healthy relationships between dogs and caretakers. Dogs in our care are given best-in-class service and commitment, and their human counterparts are given peace of mind.
2. What vaccinations and records are needed to enroll?
We require three vaccinations for our canine guests six months and older– rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Puppies, 9-20, must have their first Bordetella and DHPP vaccines. We do accept titers. All vaccines must be administered at least 7 days prior to enrollment, for the protection and well being of your dog or puppy. We also ask that all puppies 9-20 weeks have a negative fecal within 2 weeks and dogs 21 weeks and older have a negative fecal within 30 days of entering our facility for the first time. All of the dogs in our care will need an updated negative fecal every 6 months thereafter.
3. How does the structured daycare program work?
We find that the dogs receive the best care when we have a schedule for attendance. Dogs in our daycare program are scheduled for two to five set days each week, that way we can plan their playgroups and social time accordingly. So if Mondays and Thursdays work best for you then we’ll schedule Fido for those days for the whole month.
4. What if I can’t commit to a Daycare program due to scheduling conflicts?
Dayboarding is a great alternative to daycare. Dayboarding combines the socialization benefits of daycare with the convenience of boarding. You can schedule dayboards as frequently as you’d like without a preset agenda. Dayboards give dogs the benefits of both daycare and boarding by offering socialization in playgroups, and the comfort of a boarding suite. Dayboards are also great when you have daytime plans and don’t need to leave your dog overnight.
5. Is structured daycare right for my dog?
Most dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and people can be incorporated into our daycare program. We administer a daycare test run before enrolling a dog, just to make sure we’re the right fit for him. This will give us a better idea of your dog’s preferences and personality as well. Take a look at our daycare checklist for more information.
6. What if I want to keep my dog home on a holiday?
Our structured daycare program is offered year round Monday-Friday. We do observe New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, so that our clients can spend these important days with their furry family members.
DOG TRAINING FAQ
1. What type of training do you use?
We use only positive reinforcement techniques and operant conditioning. We believe that training should be fun for everyone involved, both human and dog. Positive reinforcement techniques give us the tools we need to create a happy, healthy learning environment, which can create eager and motivated students that are excited to learn. Whether you’re looking for some basic manners or work with more serious issues, positive, reward based training is the best method.
2. What types of tools do you use?
Positive reinforcement training is all about rewarding the dog for good behaviors. Our primary tool is always the reward that your dog is most fond of, whether that’s food, praise, petting or a playtime. Other tools that we use are six foot non-retractable leashes, treat pouches, clickers and harnesses. Every tool we use is designed to be friendly and effective, which is why we cannot allow choke collars, pinch collars or shock collars on our premise or in conjunction with any of our classes. Why subject your dog to the pain of these tools if you’re able to teach him without using them? The use of pinch collars, choke collars and shock collars can have such serious negative side effects as fear and aggression.
3. Should I sign up for a group class or private training?
Group classes are a great way to work with many dogs on skills such as basic manners, tricks and loose leash walking. These classes, however, are not for every dog. Dogs with severe phobias of new environments, people or dogs may prefer private training, where the trainer can get to know the dog in the comfort of his or her own home. Additionally, dogs with severe aggression are not permitted in group class settings, for the safety of themselves and those around them, but can make great strides in the one-on-one setting that private training allows them. Check out our group training checklist to learn more.
4. What vaccinations and records does my dog need to attend class?
We require three vaccinations for our canine guests six months and older– rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Puppies, 9-20, must have their first Bordetella and DHPP vaccines. We do accept titers. All vaccines must be administered at least 7 days prior to enrollment, for the protection and well being of your dog or puppy. We also ask that all puppies 9-20 weeks have a negative fecal within 2 weeks and dogs 21 weeks and older have a negative fecal within 30 days of entering our facility for the first time.
5. At what age should I begin training and socializing my dog?
You should begin training your dog (with realistic expectations in mind) the moment you bring him into your house. Additionally, early socialization is critical to the health and behavior of your dog and your relationship with him. We adhere to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position on puppy socialization, which recommends socializing your dog before he is fully vaccinated.
6. Can I bring a family member to training class with me?
Yes – Training is a family affair! If you’re working to stop your dog from begging for food while someone else in the family is feeding him chicken under the table, your training is not going to be effective. Inviting the family, even young children, to be involved in the training of your dog is a great way to get the whole family on the same page. Many times children can be the quickest learners when it comes to dog training. We do ask, though, that all children (18 and younger) be supervised by an adult, that way they are not disrupting another dog’s learning or putting themselves or a dog in harm’s way.
7. What should I expect as a result of my time in group class?
We’ll give you the tools, skills and knowledge you need to continue working with your dog at home. A few short weeks of class can go a long way – they cannot, however, magically erase years of unwanted behavior. Expecting too much from a class can put too much pressure on you and your dog- and take the fun out of training. Instead, come to class with an open mind and absorb everything you can. Take the skills from class and continue to work with your dog. Any of our trainers will tell you that their dogs are not perfect and that training is an ongoing, never ending process.