**WALKING**DAYCARE** BOARDING**TRAINING** I like to believe our daycare offers a unique and different experience from daycare services provided by the chain stores because we host far fewer dogs, usually no more than six dogs. I am careful to select dogs that I believe will enjoy each other’s company. This is not a part time job for me, so I'm almost always home practicing my training and observation skills with your pup. The days of leaving your dog caged in a stressful kennel or dog hotel (fancy kennel) are over! For about the same price or less than a kennel your dog can stay in our completely renovated 3100 Sq. Ft. home in Berwyn, just 7 miles west of the Chicago loop and 2 miles south of Oak Park. In a typical day we play physical games and mind games, both inside and outside when possible. In the summer we spend several hours outside playing fetch, tug, chase, keep away, flirt pole, or set-up a small agility course. We have a six foot privacy fence and I replace the grass yearly so the dogs still want to roll in it :) I've also laid cement under the fence line for any escape artists. On hot days we break out the kiddie pool! If it's too hot we limit our outdoor time to shade hours or just give up and enjoy the air conditioning. In the winter we play indoor games; I have lots of toys, treat puzzles and we play games like, hide and seek, which hand, keep away, and some basic obedience training. I also provide basic manners training, which includes, no barking at the doorbell, waiting for me to walk through doorways first, not tripping me going down stairs, no jumping, etc. My wife works from home too and so we're always having fun. At nap time if we're lucky she'll break out her violin and play a lullaby! I send updates daily with many pictures and an update about our day. Meet and greets are required for all first time dog boarding and daycare stays. If you’re interested in leaving your dog with us to play while you’re at work or on vacation, please contact me to set-up a meet and greet at our home. My wife and I have both grown up with dogs and been animal lovers for decades. I have Catch Certified Dog Trainer Certifications in Dog Psychology and Basic Obedience Training. This education gives me the knowledge and ability to read a dog's body language and helps me determine your dog's unique personality, likes, play style, anxieties and desires. For example some dogs love playing with a ball and other dogs, but maybe they have a strong resource guarding instinct and shouldn’t play with both at the same time. We take safety and your dog’s well being seriously. If you haven’t left your dog alone before, or you’re planning an extended vacation I require that you bring your dog for daycare at our home once or twice before you leave town to see how he does. It also gives your pup a chance to become familiar with the environment you’ll be leaving them in. Most importantly, your dog will learn that you’re coming back! If you know you’re dog will do fine, that’s great, but I still require a meet and greet for all new pups. It’s a good idea for all of us. Lastly, please understand that a week or less may not be enough time for us to have a meet and greet and make all arrangements, complete forms, confirm vaccination records, etc. Once we’ve gone through this process once, I can often accept last minute requests. DOG WALKING: Maybe your pup prefers to stay home, but needs a walk and relief? Not all dogs are cut out for daycare. Some dogs prefer to hang out with just one other dog or to be left in their own home, but would love to get out for a walk. On my walks I make certain your dog has time to sniff and explore, relieve themselves, go fast, take a roll in the grass, and return home feeling they have scared away all the dangerous squirrels and rabbits in the neighborhood for you! All walks end with water, treats, and love. Almost anyone can walk a dog, but my walks take into account your dog’s walk history and I pay close attention to your dog and the environment, not my phone. My first goal will always be taking great care to keep your dog and home safe. For additional peace of mind, you should know that I carry Rover’s insurance as well as my own additional animal care insurance. TRAINING: Promotes a stronger bond between you and your dog and teaches your dog social skills and manners that will prevent problem behaviors from developing during adolescence and adulthood. The benefits of training cannot be understated! Here are some of the most compelling reasons to train your dog: • Helps your dog understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not o I don’t want you to jump on the couch o I do want you to come on the couch and snuggle with me when I ask you to • Promotes well behaved social interaction among people and other dogs o Meet my friends without jumping, nipping or humping o Meet my friend’s dog - politely, with canine social norms • Reduces the likelihood of your dog developing problem behaviors: o Jumping or pulling on leash are easier to prevent than extinguish o Understanding how dog’s learn will help you prevent fear or anxiety • Pulling on leash, nipping, digging, chewing, etc. o All behaviors that can be difficult to extinguish once they are self-reinforced o You’ll learn why dogs pick-up these behaviors and how to prevent them • Teaches your dog how to deal with frustration and delay gratification o Barking at me results in no reward and loss of interaction with me o Waiting for me is great because I have treats and know what you love • Provides a familiar framework of learning that will help your dog learn new skills o The learning framework makes tackling new skills much easier o Helps you recognize improvement and stay motivated! • Provides your dog with the structure and guidance dogs love o Structure and guidance help dogs build confidence o Most dogs crave structure and guidance – training your dog provides both! Most importantly, training will open communication channels for you and your dog, which will strengthen your bond and help foster a blissful existence! If you read all of this - you must REALLY love your dog! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! Neville