By Heidi Dahms Foster
Doggie daycare has become increasingly popular for people who work and need an outlet for exercise and socialization for their canine companions. A great doggie daycare can provide a wealth of benefits to increase your dog’s health and happiness.
Doggie daycares provide a safe and fun place for dogs, breaking the routine of staying at home, and enriching their daily lives. Owners who connect with a good doggie daycare find that the experience can transform their dog and make for a better relationship with people and other dogs.
The Prescott area has several dog daycares popular with local dog owners.
Doggie Dude Ranch, Prescott
Doggie Dude Ranch, owned by KJ Skiby, is Prescott’s original dog boarding facility with more than 40 years serving the community. Its employees are made up of dog lovers, all with experience either as dog walkers, volunteers for local shelters, or who have animals of their own.
“I have been a dog owner all my life,” said Skiby. “My family always had yellow labs and I had a husky for 15 years. Chihuahuas, snakes, turtles, iguanas, chickens, and many other animals were part of growing up.”
Doggie daycare has many benefits, among them a change of pace. “The owners get a break, the neighbors get a break, the house and yard get a break,” KJ said. “Sometimes pet siblings need a break, too. We have a lot of everyday clients that rely on us to keep their pups exercised and active.”
Additionally, dogs that are unsure or have not been exposed to others can overcome those issues with time. “We have changed the undesirable patterns of many clients with thoughtful consideration. Any client that needs to be monitored during the day, has too much energy that is unspent, that is bored or lonely, is the perfect candidate for our facility.”
KJ said Doggie Dude Ranch has some clients who bring in their dog every day, but big improvements can be made with any sort of repetition. “Once a week goes a long way to put them out of their comfort zone and make new friends that they look forward to seeing.”
“We have the largest kennels in town,” KJ said, “with indoor and outdoor access, heated floors and swamp coolers for the summertime. New dogs are introduced by putting them in kennels facing the play yard so they can get an idea that this a fun place to be and not a shelter or a pound. We introduce them over time when we have an idea of who gets along, then move on to monitored play time with one or two new friends. This is a process that takes time and consideration, we do not allow new dogs to be thrown into ‘the pack.’”
KJ said the best part of this business is seeing the trust of both the animals and the humans increase over time. “My favorite clients either have had their own apprehensions at drop off, relaying that worry to the animal, or the dog does not want to be here at the first drop off. Within a couple stays the same clients are seeing huge improvements in their style of ownership and the dogs can’t wait to get back to their friends. The turnaround is gratifying to say the least.”
Doggie Dude Ranch is located at 3900 Willow Creek Rd. in Prescott. Phone is (928) 445-2259. Visit the website at doggiedude.com.
Wags Pet Resort, Prescott
Brandy Drey created Wags Pet Resort in 2015. The business was born out of a need to find a place for one of her own dogs who had some challenges and needed a place to stay when the Dreys were out of town. Drey had previous experience with dogs and missed working with them. She wanted to open her own business, so Wags was the perfect fit.
Drey bought the former Kennel Kamp Village in Prescott Valley and remodeled it to represent the Wags brand originally created in Iowa. She hired general manager Kerry Hunt to run the Prescott Valley location.
“This is my first year in the dog industry,” Hunt said. “I came from the world of hospitality and managed several resorts and hotels in my past life. I was also an elementary teacher at Coyote Springs Elementary School in the early 2000s. When I found Brandy, she said she needed a general manager who could run the business, and she would teach me about dogs. Being a dog lover, I thought this would be a great new adventure for me.”
Hunt has learned first-hand the benefits of dog daycare. “It provides socialization, communication, and mental stimulation for the dogs. This gives the owner a well-rounded dog with the potential of good behavior and an outlet for releasing energy in a positive way.”
Recommendations for frequency of play depends on the dog and their temperament, Hunt said. “Some dogs have a high energy drive and could use daily or three to four times a week in play. Other dogs are more neutral and only like to have play once in a while or less frequently, such as two days a week. Any dog can benefit from play if they enjoy the stimulation.”
Some dogs don’t enjoy the group play, and Wags has other options for those who just need a day stay with a one-on-one play time or walk. “This is why we do an assessment to see what works best for your dog,” Hunt said.
Keeping dogs safe during group play is a priority, and Hunt said structured play is managed with an attendant there at all times. “Every employee goes through a training process to make sure we are consistent from commands to processes. This in turn creates a routine environment that the dogs come to expect and they do well in it.”
Hunt said one dog who came in as a young puppy had not been trained or socialized. He was nervous and the play group was overwhelming for him.
“He was having to take a lot of breaks and reactive to other dogs. After staff worked with him using the tools and resources we have, over time he began to settle down and really enjoy play. Now he comes regularly and loves the play group and the other dogs.”
Another client dog, a rescue, was shy and timid. She was afraid of her surroundings and didn’t want people or other dogs to approach her. Not knowing her background, the staff were able to slowly work with her in small intervals to get her used to socializing with other dogs of her temperament. “Over time and with repetition, she became more confident and approachable with people and other dogs. She also has become a regular to play group,” Hunt said.
Wags Pet Resort is located at 9049 Florentine Rd., Prescott Valley. Phone is 928-923-6751. Visit the website at wagspetresorts.com.
Woof Woof Ranch, Prescott Valley
Woof Woof Ranch is a small, home-run, boarding and daycare operation that provides boarding and daycare for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
“We don’t put the clients in our home but have a nice facility that is cozy,” said owner Giselle Hall. “Dogs are only crated to sleep and eat. They have three acres to run and play on.”
Hall said she started the business because she wanted to work out of her home, and in talking with others, found there was a need for dog daycare in the community. She said she is not a trainer, but enjoys the company, compassion and desire to be appreciated of dogs.
One of the major benefits of dog daycare, Hall said, is socialization. “If you question whether your dog is ready for socializing, then try daycare,” she said. “We pay attention to our new clients and if they are lacking social skills, we will recommend a trainer.”
Hall recommends daycare sessions a couple days a week, and all dogs can benefit, she said, although there are exceptions. “Some may not enjoy it but I can’t say ‘this breed’ or ‘that breed.’ That’s not fair. Dogs’ personalities change based on their owners and environmental factors.”
Hall said constant supervision is the most important way she uses to keep the dogs in her care safe. She enjoys seeing the successes of good daycare.
“We had one dog that was afraid of everything and every dog at first, hiding all the time. As the visits progressed, she is now one of the pack. She is friendly and playful, and loves getting here for play dates,” Hall said.
Another daycare regular was a tiny protector of his owner. “The owner said he wasn’t too social, but she needed our service for appointments. Some social time helped the client and the dog get a break, and the dog became very social. Now they both enjoy dog parks as well.”
Woof Woof Ranch is located at 7445 E Cheyenne Springs Rd, Prescott Valley. Phone is 928-830-4308. Visit the website at woofwoofranchpv.com.
