– Please Read This is a VERY busy, freestyle, adventure-style daycare and boarding operation with a staff of one. Your dog will experience fun, build confidence, learn patience, make friends with good dogs, and practice bell recall. I use bells and treats to recall and reward the pack. If you require one-on-one care or 24/7 supervision with cameras and constant monitoring, you are barking up the wrong tree. Use of services is entirely at your own risk. I am able to operate this way because I trust, in equal measure, that dogs, owners, and myself are welcoming pets capable of handling, adjusting, and acclimating to the environment described below. Important Reality of Dogs & Pack Behavior Dogs constantly interpret pheromones given off by humans and other dogs. These signals can sometimes trigger fight-or-flight reactions without warning. Minor squabbles do occur in group environments. These are typically brief, superficial, and harmless to everything but a dog's ego. Please have a plan in place if your dog: runs away becomes lost becomes involved in a fight (as initiator or victim) Veterinary or hospital bills are the responsibility of the owner(s) of the dog(s) involved. Licensing, Insurance & Emergency Limitations I am NOT licensed, bonded, or insured. Emergency response has limitations due to the nature of the operation. I carry first aid kits in both my car and home, including supplies such as: Benadryl wound flushing supplies chlorhexidine peroxide However, I am often caring for multiple dogs at once and am located in a remote area, so: Emergency vet visits may not always be immediately possible Participating in search efforts may not be feasible while multiple dogs are in my care A teacher cannot abandon a classroom for one rogue student — the same logic applies here. Please provide backup contacts and emergency contacts. Location & Environment We are located 5 miles off the highway, on top of a hill, on a dirt road, far away from traffic and distractions. The property includes: 14 acres 2700 sq ft home medium fenced yard dogs allowed on furniture 24-hour access to fenced yard Dogs may also be left home with backyard access while I am out doing pickups/drop-offs. Dogs may also accompany me on errands if appropriate. If requested in advance, dogs can be crated or restricted from backyard access while unattended. Please note: A panicked or determined dog may escape, especially if they have a history of running away. History tends to repeat itself. Wildlife & Natural Risks This is Idaho. Wildlife in the area has included: stinging insects bull snakes (no rattlesnakes observed) foxes coyotes skunks bats sheep horses mountain lions other big game In 10 years of caring for animals here, the noise and activity of the pack has kept wildlife away. Off-Leash Pack Adventures Dogs often hike off-leash on a private mountain trail near my home (southwest Bellevue). We also occasionally take field trips to the river or Baker Creek (about 20 minutes north of Sun Valley). GPS collars/tags are encouraged, as cell service is not always available. Owners are responsible for their dog's behavior and actions. Pack Compatibility Based on experience: 90% of dogs are naturally social and thrive off-leash 9% require an adjustment period 1% are simply not a good fit due to safety risk Owners ultimately determine if their dog is capable of this environment. I am always willing to work with patient, open-minded, accountable owners. Fees Fees are variable ("mercurial") and depend on: where the dog lives how early the booking is made how familiar the dog is with the routine I will provide a quote for your dates after reviewing the information above. Meals Meals are available for $5 per cup. Foods used may include a rotating mix of: Nulo Stella & Chewy's Farmer's Dog canned foods homemade dog food (roasted vegetables & organ meats) Equipment Used I may use bark / e-collars on beep or vibrate mode only (no shock). These are used free of charge. Optional equipment available: LED collars embroidered reflective collars ID tags with my contact info (additional surcharge) Pickup & Drop-Off Service Available 7 days a week, but times must remain flexible. Typical schedule: Pickup: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Drop-off: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM During these hours I am usually not home. Dogs staying home may be unattended with backyard access. Dogs must be ready and accessible for pickup/drop-off. If not ready: pickup/drop-off may occur later $25 "not ready" fee may be added Outdoor Activities & Natural Hazards Dogs may encounter: sticks animal bones occasional carcasses Dogs are sometimes allowed to play with bones to avoid pack competition or fights. If a carcass is present, I redirect the pack. However: pack leaders may reach it first retrieving a dog physically could trigger the entire pack to follow In those cases I may: use an e-collar recall wait for the dog to disengage What to Bring Please bring: your dog your dog's food Due to activity levels, dogs burn a lot of energy. This is not the time to restrict calories. Hungry dogs can become cranky. Larger dinners or double portions are encouraged. Optional: e-collar if your dog already uses one I discourage bringing: bowls measuring cups beds toys I already have these items. I am not responsible for lost or damaged items. Additional Notes Complimentary high-quality treats are provided during hikes. There is also an outdoor kiddie pool in warm weather. Travel-size treats and kibble are available for $10. Bark collars are available for $60. Donations of dog/cat items or outdoor gear are always welcome. Behavior Disclosure Please provide any relevant information about your dog, such as: history of running away poor recall aggression toward dogs or people eating non-food objects allergies surgeries disabilities swimming ability Dogs may behave very differently away from home. I frequently hear: "My dog has never done that before." While many situations can be predicted or managed, unforeseen circumstances do occur, and those fall under use of services at your own risk.