Leash Walking Class

Dog Days Trainer/Behaviorist Jeannette Rybak will be offering Leash Training November 5 & 6 to help those dogs that need to learn how to better walk on a leash.

Owners and their pups will come to 1 two-hour session on each day and the cost is $180 for the 4 hours.

Times are 1PM-3PM.  Class size will be limited so reservations will be first come, first served.

Owners should bring a long leash (NOT a retractable one), a harness, some yummy treats (please not their dog food but a treat they truly love and will work hard for) and a positive and calm attitude 😊

If you would like to attend, please click the link below to register.

**For safety reasons children cannot attend this class**

Hiring

We’re currently looking for Dog Handlers, full time or part time (particularly on weekends) to help manage our playgroups as described in the following job description:

General Summary of Job

The Dog Handler is responsible for the supervision, control and management of daycare and boarding dogs and ensuring the safety of the playgroup. The Dog Handler is also responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the playrooms, play yards and other areas of the facility as assigned. The Dog Handler works under the supervision of and reports to the Lead Handler, Assistant Manager or Owner on duty. Dog Handlers are expected to report for their shifts a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the posted start time. May be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties

A. Dog Management:

1. Interact with dogs in playgroups using appropriate toys and tools to ensure safe levels of play and minimizing stress levels of all dogs in playgroup. Maintain visual observation of dogs at all times and spread attention and play among all dogs in playgroup.

2. Control level of play by following dog management and control procedures and instructions.

3. Use proper dog handling techniques and tools including use of obedience commands, rewards, positive reinforcement, appropriate corrections, slip leads, Gentle Leaders, belly bands, etc.

4. Ensure you know all dogs in the playgroup and can properly identify them.

5. For all dogs in playgroup, report any unusual behavior, eliminations and injuries immediately to the supervisor on duty.

6. Manage special needs and highly reactive dogs as instructed by supervisor on duty.

7. Ensure staff that relieve you for shift change know all dogs in the group, special needs dog status and any unusual behaviors or concerns you have been managing during your shift. If the next shift staff is not available, leave written notes.

8. Keep a working 2-way radio with you at all times when managing dogs. Request backup coverage prior to leaving the playgroup.

9. Ensure that clean, fresh water is available in the playroom and play yards frequently throughout your shift.

10. DO NOT LEAVE DOGS ALONE! Notify coworkers if you must leave the playgroup for any reason, and ensure that coverage is available.

B. Cleaning & Maintenance:

Safety and management of dogs in playgroups is always top priority. As time and activity level of playgroups allow:

1. Keep exterior play yards and interior playrooms free of feces and urine at all times; clean up, mop and disinfect.

2. Vacuum and mop playroom floor daily.

3. Sanitize toys, equipment, buckets, and bowls regularly.

4. Wash bedding, pads, mats, etc. regularly.

5. “Wysiwash” all exterior surfaces (gravel, artificial turf, grass, play equipment, etc.).

6. Report any broken or defective equipment to supervisor on duty.

7. Clean, dust, wash playroom walls monthly or more frequently as needed.

8. Change water in mop bucket as needed, using appropriate amounts of products supplied.

9. Empty indoor and outdoor waste receptacles whenever full and place in trash bins for pickup.

Job Requirements

A. The Dog Handler must be able to read and write, lift at least 25 lbs., use a personal computer and two-way radio, stand and walk for extended periods, and bend frequently.

B. High school graduate or GED preferred.

C. Good oral communication skills.

D. Previous work experience demonstrating dependability.

E. Previous experience providing animal care preferred.

F. Self-motivated, independent worker with strong work ethic.

G. Proven ability to follow instruction and learn new techniques/theories.

H. Ability to work in a team environment.

I. Demonstrated flexibility and proven coping skills.

If you, or anyone you know over age 18, love dogs and would be interested in joining the Dog Days family, please email a resume to service@dogdaysdaycare.org or call 908-431-0100 to schedule an appointment for an interview.

Robin

WOOF!

Supervised Puppy Playgroups

We are pleased to announce supervised puppy playgroups every Saturday, 11 am to 12 pm,  from October 15 through November 19 for puppies between the ages of 3 and 6 months of age. 

Focus will be on guiding puppies to properly interact and play with others. 

Properly socialized puppies grow into well-rounded adult dogs who know how to properly act around other dogs and humans alike.  Play sessions are limited to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 puppies, with a minimum age of 3 months and maximum age of 6 months.

Attend all six sessions for $180 (a savings of $30) or individual Saturdays at $35 each.

To attend, click below to complete the Puppy Playgroup Registration Form. 

We look forward to seeing you in the Ruff House (big building)!

 



We Are Reopening!

I'm very excited to tell you that I finally received approval from State officials to continue operating Dog Days Daycare Center as an essential business!

Beginning at 7 am on Monday, March 30, we'll be open for business as usual so your dogs, at least, won't have to practice isolation and social distancing.

Our entire staff is so excited to be doing what we love most and appreciate your continued support.

To help keep everyone safe, we will remain vigilant in practicing human social distancing and revise our intake process. For the time being we will only be using the front building and one of our Handlers will take your dog(s) from you in the parking lot. Your dog will be returned directly to your car in the same manner at the end of the day. 

Payments can be made via phone or through our owner portal. Let me know if you need assistance in utilizing the portal.

We can't wait to see you next week!

Stay well,

Robin

WOOF!

Coronavirus Temporary Shutdown

As you know by now, the Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to close. Since Dog Days Daycare Center doesn’t meet the State’s definition of a “pet store” (which is considered an essential business), I’m afraid we must comply with the order and temporarily close our doors.

HOWEVER, I’ve contacted the State Office of Emergency Management to inquire whether “kennels” would be considered essential businesses. Dog Days Daycare Center is considered a kennel by the State, and since live animals must be cared for in kennels (not to mention shelters and rescues which are also not identified as essential businesses), I think they will agree and add such businesses to the essential list. I’m especially hopeful because the State of Pennsylvania specifically names kennels and doggie daycares as essential businesses and those facilities are open to provide services.

So … while we’re closed for the time being, I do expect to be able to open our doors again in the very near future. When we do, all of us will continue with the safe practices outlined by the CDC and World Health Organization. We will ask you to allow us to take your dog from you and return your dog to you in the parking lot and not enter the facility, frequent hand-washing will continue, employees maintain social distance while working, etc.

While we wait for a response from the Office of Emergency Management, we must remain closed for daycare, boarding and grooming. In the meantime, please play with your pups, take them for long walks, brush them, stay safe and stay healthy.

I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Robin