Let's Giddy Up!

Begin the Application Process:

Preparing for your evaluation

***PLEASE NOTE***
”IN PERSON” EVALUATIONS WITH THE DOG PHYSICALLY PRESENT ARE REQUIRED. DATES ARE NEVER FINALIZED OR COMMITTED UNTIL AFTER YOUR DOG HAS BEEN APPROVED FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL EVALUATION. DATES MAY BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF YOUR INITIAL INQUIRY, BUT MAY BE COMMITTED TO CURRENT CLIENTS AS BOOKINGS ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK AS YOU GET CLOSER TO YOUR EVALUATION DATE THAT YOUR POTENTIAL OVERNIGHT DATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

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Evaluation Options:

• BASIC EVALUATION: 30-60 minutes, free of charge for a brief introduction to determine if a puppy or dog may be suitable to request dates for overnight boarding. Following the evaluation, you will receive a welcome letter with instructions regarding the reservation request process if we believe we may be a good fit to try out overnight dates. ***Please note, if your puppy or dog is “accepted,” but during the approved overnight stay we find we may not be the best fit, we will suggest alternate options more suitable to fit the needs of your puppy or dog. During the evaluation dogs may lack confidence so therefore we may not fully see the extent of your dog’s behavior or manners vs. an overnight stay when they start to get settled.

• HALF DAY EVALUATION: 2 hours minimum - 4 hours maximum, $25.00 fee paid at pick up (cash, check, Venmo or Zelle) of a half day of “daycare” to serve as your puppy or dog’s evaluation to give us more time to submerge your dog into the routine at the Dog Ranch and handle your puppy or dog. Highly recommended for owners inquiring about a board & train stay as we will use this time to execute mini training sessions with your puppy or dog to help better determine if they are a good fit for our board & train program. Please supply high value training treats if you are interested in this option. ***Please note, if your puppy or dog is “accepted,” but during the approved overnight stay we find we may not be the best fit (for standard overnight stays) we will suggest alternate options more suitable to fit the needs of your puppy or dog. During the evaluation dogs may lack confidence so therefore we may not fully see the extent of your dog’s behavior or manners vs. an overnight stay when they start to get settled.

The Process:

• Puppy or dog attends both the standard/half day evaluation WITHOUT the owner present. It is important to assess how your dog does away from you in a new environment. Evaluations are scheduled IN ADVANCE of a dog staying here and the application and vet records are required. We also determine in advance the type of evaluation so time can be set aside accordingly on both ends.

• Observations will be made on initial greetings & reactions (fearful, reactive, friendly, hyper greeter, etc.)

• An introduction will be made with a neutral dog during the evaluation

• Your dog will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the indoor environment as well as outdoor (we are observing scent marking, pacing, salivating, chewing, whining, ability to calm and relax, fence challenging, recall, etc.)

• We will evaluate behavior, personality, and overall demeanor (this is my home, not a jungle gym or dog park and I take pride in housing well-behaved dogs in a clean and safe home environment)

• Evaluation of stress & anxiety (if your dog historically has a history of “kennel stress” or stress behaviors it is recommended you talk to your vet in advance of any overnight stay to make sure we have any calming remedies needed to help your dog have a positive experience

• Evaluation of overall house manners with other dogs present

• Overall comfortability to exist in a new environment

• If you are unsure if your puppy or dog may qualify, please look at our qualifiers page.

PLEASE:

• NO retractable leashes. Bring your dog on a four or six foot leash.

• I do not need food, toys, or treats for the evaluation unless we speak in advance and are assessing the potential opportunity for a board and train stay

• PLEASE ENSURE YOUR DOG IS FLEA AND TICK FREE. Please make sure your dog has healthy bowels and has not had any symptoms of discomfort or illness

• Please inquire about breed and size restrictions and requirements

• DOGS WHO ARE HUMAN AGGRESSIVE OR DOG AGGRESSIVE ARE NOT TOLERATED. THIS MAY ALSO INCLUDE SEVERE REACTIVITY. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, PLEASE ASK. WE ARE NEVER WILLING TO COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF ANY DOGS OR HUMANS.

• OWNER PUNCTUALITY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR. PLEASE BE ON TIME AND BE RESPECTFUL. READ THE “FOR YOUR EVALUATION” DOCUMENTS SENT OUT IN ADVANCE OF YOUR EVALUATION. THEY HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL LIKELY NEED, AND MORE.

 If dominance, aggression, lack of control, excessive barking/whining, fence challenging, extreme fear, or the inability to get along with others is observed once under care at the Dog Ranch, alternate arrangements will be recommended and in some cases may be required. Dogs who present symptoms of contagious illnesses will also be required to isolate and find alternate accommodations. We do our best to assist in this process.