Are the Client and Dog on the Same Page?

One of the biggest challenges during dog evaluations is helping dog owners understand that their dog really does not enjoy playing with other dogs.  Increase revenue by offering play alternatives for dogs and clients that prefer solo activities.

The focus on the importance of dog socialization has contributed to the growth of the off-leash play service industry, yet it has also resulted in some miserable individual dogs.  As fun as off-leash play is for many dogs there are actually more dogs that dislike, fear or merely tolerate being in off-leash playgroups.

One of the hardest conversations pet professionals need to have with a client is the owner that is very enthusiastic for their dog to be social when your evaluation indicates that off-leash play is not in the dog’s best interest.

Unfortunately, there are operators that will accept these dogs and either leave the dog in playgroup to be miserable or mislead the owner and keep the dog separated out of play for the day.  Excellent operators serve as the dog’s advocate with a goal of educating the client and helping them find a good social activity match for their dog.

Social Alternatives to Off-Leash Play

This scenario is actually an opportunity for everyone providing off-leash play services to add revenue.  The traditional off-leash playgroup model really fits a small percentage of dogs.  With increased education of dog owners on the importance of socialization there is an opportunity for excellent operators to provide other social services that are a win for both the dog and the client.

One of the most important questions asked of the owner in the Off-Leash Play Application is “why are you considering our off-leash dog play program for your dog?”  In the event the dog scores low in the evaluation process, go back to this question and find a better alternative that still meets the client’s goal.

As an excellent operator leading the off-leash play industry you may need to create new programs.  You have an opportunity to increase your client-base by adding programs that meet client’s social goals for their dog.   Keep them socially focused and emphasize fun and the good match for each individual dog.

Good alternative programs to offer include:

1. Doggy Day Out – Individual playtimes or activities provided by a staff member.  Great for dogs that like people more than other dogs. Include a special treat and many dogs will pull their owners in the door on each visit.
2. Doggy Manners Day School – Obedience training sessions offered in 2-3 short sessions during the day.  Good for dogs that are high energy with little previous obedience work or use in the home.  Dogs that respond with improved self-control and listening may be re-evaluated for off-leash play.  Other training options include teaching tricks, nose work, just-for-fun agility obstacles, or any other program offered in short sessions during the day.  All of these provide the dog with mental work, physical activity and fun interactions with people.
3. Private Socializations – Structured training sessions to build a dog’s confidence in off-leash play or to learn self-control and polite behaviors when interacting with other dogs.  A good fit for dogs that have interest in other dogs, but need time to adjust to a large group.  Also good for young dogs that are comfortable with other dogs, but need to learn polite play behaviors.  More details on creating private socialization programs will be presented in a future Dog Gurus product.
4. Doggy Fitness Program – Physical exercise and fitness activities provided by staff.  Options include dog treadmills, swimming, long walks or runs and Fit Paws equipment.  Recommend for overweight dogs or ones that the owner was looking for more exercise.
5. Specialized Daycare – Off-leash playgroups targeted to specialized groups of dogs like tiny breeds, puppies or seniors.  Offered on limited days with shorter play sessions.  A good option for safety of these targeted groups of dogs and to concentrate attendance on specific days.
6. Dog Buddies Play Sessions – A very small dog playgroup (2 – 5 dogs) with play buddies matched for good play.  A good option for dogs that enjoy a small group of dogs for shorter play sessions than provided by your regular off-leash play program.

All of these programs require individual enclosure space to house the dogs when they are not participating in activities.  For many centers this is a great use of boarding enclosures during the week when numbers are lower.  You can also use crates set-up in an area for housing when dogs are not participating in activities.

A small play space is needed for shorter time periods during the day.  Get creative by rotating groups into a play space or modifying other available physical space in your center (e.g., large hallway, exercise area for boarding dogs, large boarding enclosure, etc).

A staff member is also needed and you may free-up one if your playgroups are easier to manage by better matching dogs to their preferred social activities.  Scheduling new social programs on limited days and setting a price that allows you to pay for staff time are important practices when adding any new service.

When you offer social alternatives it makes the discussion with the client about getting on the same page as their dog much easier.  Focus on each dog’s behavior and finding a social activity that is a fit for the client and their dog.  In the eyes of most clients you’ll be viewed as a true pet professional looking out for the best interest of their dog.