When and Where Do the Boarding Dogs Play?

Centers that provide daycare and boarding services have several options when offering off-leash play services as an activity. Do you create separate groups for the boarding dogs? How long should they play? Do you use the same evaluation process? Keep reading for the pros and cons on combining versus separating playgroups for boarding dogs in your center.

Safety and fun for all dogs is the goal of every off-leash playgroup session you offer. The right answer to when and where do the boarding dogs play will depend on the operations of your pet center.

Do you create separate groups for the boarding dogs?

We would recommend separating boarding dogs if you meet more than one of the following attributes:

• Off-leash playgroups is a new service offering and staff is just learning how to lead playgroups
• Existing playgroup for boarding dog to join is described as high energy, body-slamming style of play
• Existing playgroups are large in number of dogs participating (e.g., exceed 20 dogs per group)
• Majority of boarding dogs wanting playgroups visit the center 4 or fewer times per year
• Boarding of “non-daycare” dogs for your center are adding 12 or more dogs to your playgroups

We realize that physical space and staff supervision can be issues in separating daycare and boarding dogs for playgroup sessions. Keep in mind that boarding dogs will benefit from playing in a small group of dogs that are matched by play style. As a result they can play in a small exercise yard, large boarding enclosure or small room that is “dog-proofed”.

Scheduling boarding playgroups during non-peak boarding duty time-periods provides a new responsibility for your boarding attendants. It’s a great way to cross-train staff and develop your own future daycare attendants.

Keep in mind that offering separate playgroups for boarding dogs can be a procedure you implement only during peak boarding times. Weekends, holidays, summer, and spring break are typical busy times when multiple boarding dogs are added to your daycare. The additional dogs during the busy time can make it challenging for your daycare attendants to keep play safe and fun for all dogs. During off-peak times it can be easier for your staff to monitor new and infrequent group play dogs in your existing playgroups.

How long should boarding dogs play?

Most boarding dogs that are not used to being in your center regularly will find the environment unfamiliar and as a result a little stressful. Playgroups can be a great stress-reliever for some dogs, but you do not want to over-tire them. A 60-90 quality play session in the morning and afternoon will provide positive social interaction, exercise and mental stimulation that is sufficient for the majority of dogs boarding in your center.

When playgroups are new to the dog or their evaluation indicates they are timid in social playgroups you will want to start with even shorter sessions. These dogs will most likely also enjoy playgroups that are smaller in the number of dogs participating (e.g., less than 7).

Each dog is an individual so it is best to customize the length of sessions to the needs and benefit to each dog. Create a system to log information from your initial evaluation session and initial playgroup visits so you set each boarding dog up for success (e.g., play style, personality, energy level, behavior concerns, etc.).

Do you use the same daycare dog evaluation process?

As this month’s bonus item points out the same evaluation process should be used for boarding dogs that are classified as a “yellow” dog or over 3 years of age. For green dogs 3 years or younger we are comfortable recommending the playgroup evaluation process outlined in the bonus document.

The biggest benefit to separating boarding dogs is more stability in your daycare playgroups. Your groups will be easier to manage when fewer new dogs are introduced to them.

You also have confidence that boarding dogs enjoy their off-leash play experiences when your staff can be focused on monitoring their emotional and physical well-being. Creating the option of separate playgroups for boarding dogs is a great way to customize activities for individual dogs. Let your clients know your focus is creating a fun and enjoyable stay for their dog by creating custom playgroup matches.