How does Daycare and Boarding Help My Dog and Me?
Exercise and socialization: Our day care provides dogs with the stimulation, socialization and exercise they need to enhance their physical and mental wellness — and yours. A happy, socialized dog is a pleasure to be around and has the most well-adjusted home life, taking the pressure off of their owners after a stressful day at work. Plus well-socialized dogs learn to play well with other pets and people to set them up for confidence and success. By learning how to interact with a wide variety of individuals and other dogs, your dog will be better able to navigate new situations and you will be less nervous that your dog will suddenly snap or bolt when overwhelmed by new surroundings.
Relief from Boredom, Lonliness & Stress: A bored, anxious, or high-energy dog can develop destructive behaviors. Leaving a dog in the house all day while you are gone with no stimulation can create a stressful situation. To cope with this stress, these smart pups invent their own exercise and activities, often involving digging, barking, chewing, and the destruction of fences, furniture, and other expensive items. This is not just risky for your personal property but can can also be risky for your pet. But at our dog daycare, we make sure dogs get hours of structured social play time and human interaction to keep their minds and bodies stimulated so they can be on their best behavior when they get home.
How does Training Enhance Life for My Dog and Me?
Dogs love to learn and constantly look for your guidance and approval. Dog training sets them — and you — up for success!
Dog training helps owners build a strong bond with their dog and helps dogs build confidence and learn constructive life skills. By learning how to interact with a wide variety of individuals and other dogs, your dog will be better able to navigate new situations and you will be less nervous that your dog will suddenly snap or bolt when overwhelmed by new surroundings. PSFD uses a science-based training philosophy grounded in a rewards-based positive approach to learning. We focus on motivational training and socialization for overall dog wellness.
Dog training helps your dog understand expectations and boundaries, builds trust and confience, and creates positive behaviors. It also helps dog owners find solutions for issues like leash-pulling, barking, jumping, digging, chewing, and property destruction.
What is typical day at Boarding?
Boarding at Progressive School for Dogs is special—and Daycare is INCLUDED! PSFD members have the peace of mind that we are the home away from home where our dogs members love to stay. We believe that all dog members who stay with us deserve to have minimal disruptions from their normal routine at home PLUS activities throughout the day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. We provide supervised social playtime where dogs can have fun, be active, and learn to play well with others.
While specific times and activities vary based on dogs' needs and other factors like the weather, here is an example of a typical day:
Boarding dog members' day starts at 7am when they go outside in playgroups. After each time dogs come inside from play throughout the day, they are given a delicious treat. At approximately 7:30am, they will enjoy a room service breakfast based on their custom menu from home. As needed, dogs are also given their medications at this time.
After a post-breakfast lounge time to digest their food, dogs start their day of fun and activites in their Daycare playgroups! Our highly trained staff will supervise and engage with your dog to ensure stimulating play that focuses on healthy exercise that is active, social and safe for overall dog wellness.
Naptime typically begins at 11:30am and ends at 1:30pm. Dogs then resume their outdoor activities with their playgroups. Dogs go back inside at 3:30pm to wind down and prepare for their evening meal.
At approximately 4pm, dogs will enjoy a room service dinner based on their custom menu from home. As needed, dogs are also given their medications at this time. They go back outside again at 4:30pm for another round of play.
After play ends at 5pm, dogs have rest time in their kennels. Boarding dog members can bring their own beds and toys from home for added comfort and security.
Dogs get another outside break from 8-9pm, and are once again given a final yummy night time snack, prior to being tucked in for the night. As needed, dogs are also given their medications at this time.
Dogs are monitored closely throughout the day and the owner lives on site for added security.
What should I bring when I board my dog at PSFD?
PSFD members are welcome to bring practically anything (within reason) that you think would make your dog’s stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Please see the Boarding section for a detailed list of required and recommended items.
AT A MINIMUM, you should bring food and treats, medications and supplements, toys, and bedding. You may also want to include an article of clothing, like a T-shirt, with your scent on it. This will help make your dog feel right at home.
Note: Please make sure ALL ITEMS are clearly marked with your dog’s first and last name. We cannot be responsibile for unlabeled items. Please complete the Online Member Portal sections to provide detaied instructions for feeding, medications and any other notes.
What is a Temperament Check Screening and how do I schedule it?
A Temperament Check Screening makes sure that your dog is comfortable and compatible with groups of dogs with similar temperaments. Most dogs pass. Screening attempts to rule out dogs who are not well-suited to group dog activities like boarding, daycare or group training, such as dogs who display aggressive behavior.
Each screening takes about 10-15 minutes at PSFD.
What vaccinations does PSFD require?
PSFD requires that all dogs are up-to-date on Distemper and Bordetella vaccinations.
All dogs over 6 months of age are required to have current Rabies vaccinations.
How do I board my dog at PSFD?
If you’re already a member of PSFD, please check availability in the
Member Portal and request a reservation.
If you are not already a Member, follow the
Membership Application process first to get started. Although it is not generally required, we do recommend a trial day of daycare prior to boarding your dog at PSFD. This will give your dog a chance to become familiar with our environment and make your dog more comfortable during her or his stay.
We highly encourage PSFD Members to log into the Member Portal and book their holiday boarding early. We tend to fill up well in advance of the holiday and have long waiting lists.
Are reservations required for PSFD's services?
Yes, reservations are required for all of PSFD's services.
If you’re already a member of PSFD, please check availability in the
Member Portal and request a reservation or appointment.
If you are not already a Member, follow the
Membership Application process first to get started. As available, we do accept same day reservations and appointments.
How do I get my dog enrolled at PSFD?
All PSFD clients are PSFD members. To get started, complete the following Membership Application steps in the Member Portal:
Step 1
Register
Complete the PSFD Membership Application and Waiver
Step 2
Upload Upload proof of up-to-date bordetella, distemper and rabies vaccines.
Step 3 (Daycare & Boarding Only)
Schedule a Temperament Check Screening
Can I Take a Tour of Progressive School for Dogs?
Yes, absolutely. PSFD has an open door policy. We love to show off our beautiful facilities and talented team. We encourage you to bring your dog to the tour so that we can meet your pup and save time by completing your dog's screening at the same time. Schedule your visit in the Member Portal.
In the meantime, check out our
Virtual Tour in our Gallery page.
Will My Dog Be Safe?
Our highly-trained staff directly supervises all playgroups to ensure each dog is having fun, being active and, most importantly, staying safe, including:
* Our beautiful dog retreat is set on 10 private acres
* Climate-controlled indoor play zones have rubber matting for daycare
* Comfortable climate-controlled lodging areas are ultra-clean, spacious, and sized appropriately, including to accomodate multi-dog families for boarding
* Our dedicated staff customizes boarding dog member schedules — including food, medication and potty times — to align with their home routine to minimize disruption and anxiety
* Boarding dog members can bring their own beds and toys from home for added comfort and security
* Large outdoor play yards have artificial turf
* Our founder & owner lives on-site to ensure your dog's safety is the highest priority
* Our facility has state of the art security cameras
* 100% supervised off-leash group play from highly-trained and passionate staff
* Secure double fencing around all outdoor yards
* Dogs appropriately split into playgroups based on their size, temperament and play style
* Fun and safe playground equipment
Learn More About PSFD
Will Dog Daycare or Boarding Be the Right Fit for My Dog?
Dog daycare can be an amazing experience for dogs with a compatible temperament. Not all dogs, however, are good candidates for the dog daycare or boarding playtime environment. Daycare can be overwhelming and overstimulating and can bring out reactive behaviors in some dogs. Not every dog enjoys interacting with other dogs. Others may be too timid, fearful, or consistently exhibit behaviors that are not compatible with the dynamics of off-leash group play. This does not, by any means, mean that they are “bad” dogs or that you are not a good dog parent. It simply means daycare is not a good fit for their particular personality. Fortunately, there are other beneficial options for these dogs and their human owners, including training.
At Progressive School for Dogs we screen all potential dogs with a Meet and Greet that includes a Temperament Check. This gives us a pretty good idea of whether or not the dog is a good candidate for dog daycare, but is by no means definitive. That’s why we carefully monitor new dogs as they interact with the group for the first time. Our top priority is the safety, health, comfort and fun of all dogs entrusted to our care. Should it become apparent that off-leash group play isn’t working for a particular dog member, we separate them from the group and provide individualized care. Depending upon the situation, this could be a short “time out” or for the rest of the day.
After one or more daycare sessions, or one or more overnight stays, it may be determined that the dog is not a good fit for dog group activities like daycare or boarding with daycare.
Do you have a COVID-19 Policy?
PSFD has new COVID-19 Safety Protocols for all staff & clients. Please see our COVID-19 Policies page.
