Top Ten Tips for a Successful Dog Daycare

1. Make sure you have knowledegable, confident & experienced staff with common sense
2. Don't cut back on staff in the daycare to increase the profit margin (see Staff/Dog ratio)
3. Explore new business options in grooming, retail, walking services etc. to bring in more $
4. Have one set of procedures for everyone & make sure they follow them exactly
5. All issues need to be referred to the manager/operator so clients have one face to deal with
6. Try to incorporate a walking service for high-energy dogs to keep a harmonious atmosphere
7. Always have an open line of communication with your human clients
8. Make sure your clients respect your staff & your time; don't let them push their needs on you
9. Always give feedback to human clients about their dog's day
10. Don't allow dogs to attend daycare every day as this could lead to dominance & bullying

Sled Dogs in New Zealand!

Recently, I worked with a lady who is heavily involved in sled dog running in Auckland, New Zealand. Who would've thought it?! A place that does not get snow, and some of the dogs running are not even huskies. They train and race on either a "rig" which is like a wheeled sled, or a "scooter", which looks like a converted bicycle for all intensive purposes. We had such interesting conversations and I learned so much about this sport, hobby and career for some. The NZFSS website (NZ Federation of Sled Dog Sports) has loads more information and I personally am so stoked to find out that this even exists!! I'll definitely be going along to check out a race meet.

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Photo Courtesy of NZFSS website

The Right Food For Your Dog

If you aren't convinced that raw food is the go for your dog, or you're not sure how to do it right, make sure to read this article which covers alternatives when choosing the right food for your dog. This is courtesy of Cesar Millan's website from his 'Ask The Vet' specialist, Dr Sherry Weaver:
'The decision on what to feed our canine children is a complex one. There are pet food companies shouting at you that, if you don’t feed their food, you don’t love your dog, and well-meaning others who want to convince you that anything commercial is taking the lazy way out. There are foods that are “all-natural” and foods with tasty bits to convince your finicky dog to eat. Just like feeding ourselves, it is very hard to sort out the truth from the marketing.' Read on

Consistency in Training

Consistency is key in training!

It's hard work, but as I've said before, you have a dog so by association you are his/her role model and therefore, you are his Pack Leader.
Once you get in to your role, I guarantee you'll find it easy and rewarding beyond belief. And you will also see that there is plenty of time for cuddles, love and affection. Just not during your dog's 'work' hours - not while he's 'on the job'! This is a concept we human-doings must surely understand in relation to our own work lives. In light of professionalism, no matter how much we may like it, we prefer our loved ones do not disturb us or drop in on us during our work day for cuddles or random chatter.
Our 'work' gives us purpose in our lives and this is no different in our canine buddies. Your dog would have a job within his pack in the wild. He might be in charge of digging a hole for the pack to sleep in to keep cool, hunting to keep the pack fed, or watching out for predators. Give your dog a job, train him to do his job and make sure he works hard every day. Then at the end of the day you and he can enjoy the rewards of affection and share in the sense of achievement that comes with having purpose and responsibilities in your life.

Dog in Zero Gravity

Here's what happens when a dog goes up in a plane and gravity disappears..

There are no bad dogs, only bad pack leaders

Your dog picks up on your energy. High pitched, squeaky voices, angry yelling or soft, weak directions are all varying vocal tones a dog can become conditioned to react to. That sounds a little confusing so I'll give you an example.
The first time your dog heard angry yelling he came out to see what was happening and in the heat of the moment you or another person a) chased him away aggressively b) yelled at him or c) everyone stormed away and your dog was left alone.

In your dogs head now: angry yelling = negative outcome.

Here's another example: you come home from work and open the door. Happy to see your dog you speak in a high-pitched, excited voice and he jumps up on you to say hello also visibly excited.

In dog language: high-pitched voice = jump up on person.

Now of course when someone comes to your house that is scared of dogs they may walk in, see your dog and speak in a high-pitched, squeaky voice to say "please take your dog away from me!" and what will your dog do?? He'll jump up on the person because that's what he thinks he's supposed to do. Then you react aggresively to move your dog off the guest, most probably put on a stern voice to scold him for jumping up, so he slinks away as he's conditioned to do.

Can you see the confusion for your dog? Dogs don't think so much as they are conditiond by events, action = response, throughout their puppyhood. There can only be one outcome for one action and this needs to be consistently reinforced through continual training and practice.