Doggie Day Care Fun for Furry Set

Daycare can be tough, even for parents.  You can’t help but worry: Will he cry?  Will she listen? Will he like the treats? Will she nap? Will she bite someone?

Usually a little time and new friends lessen the anxiety, and that certainly seemed to be the case recently at The Dog House of Barrington’s inside play yard. From a tiny Pomeranian to a huge mixed breed, along with the 16 or so dogs happily playing together, one might even consider the frolicking group more buddies than a pack.

According to The Dog House of Barrington’s website  day care isn’t simply a luxury for our furry family members.  There are concrete reasons why a dog owner should consider doggie day care.  Among them: less time home alone eliminates destructive chewing, digging, and accidents; social interaction encourages mental and physical well-being; pack play helps make friends and builds trust in others; and calmer, less energetic dogs make for happier, less chaotic evenings at home.

Owner, Dylan Nelson, a enthusiastic lover of animals, is certainly in his element when he interacts with the dogs, receiving multiple sloppy kisses when he enters the 500 square foot indoor play area before galloping off with his furry companions.

Even the largest dogs have the necessary room to work off some energy and, for the explorer types, there’s a good-sized play set with tubes and slides.

“I have more space than most day cares. I have more staff per dog ratio; our max is 16, our max at night is 30,” he said.  The dog to staff ratio is always at least 10/1.

His job clearly is more passion than work-a-day.  A commitment to providing a home away from home for the canine set began in high school.  

“I’ve been in pet care for the last 15 years or so,” he said.  “I went to high school here in Barrington and started working at Barrington Kennels.”

After graduation, Nelson followed his other passion of music and theater to school at the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico.  While attending, Nelson set up a dog boarding facility in the nearby mountains.  

After returning to the Chicago area, he opened The Dog House of Barrington in June of 2007 as a day care facility, but soon expanded to nighttime boarding, grooming, obedience, and at-home care.

“We’re up to about 1,600 clients now.  We don’t go below 25 (per day).”

When seen from the street, the facility is deceptively small, with a greeting area just inside the front door and an adjoining all-purpose room. However, a walk through the doors at the back of the store revealed an expansive facility with individual kennels, a viewing room for pet parents and the massive play yard where about 16 pack friendly dogs were enjoying the company of like minded friends.

In order to attend The Dog House, Every dog must be current on his or her vaccinations (to include rabies, distemper, and bordatella). Heartworm and flea/tick preventatives also are checked. Puppies under six months can be accepted as long as they have had their first distemper booster and de-wormer.

If necessary, the dogs are relegated to smaller packs with such divisions like small puppy, high energy, low energy, seniors, large breed and small breed groups.

“We’re finding these days that the small dogs owners want them to be in the big group,” Nelson said.  “They have a bigger dog in the family, they have friends who are big dogs.  So we’re finding that we don’t have to do small group as much.”

Some dog owners prefer to keep their pet separate from the packs and individual boarding is available, but if the animal seems to be suffering from anxiety, Nelson will call the owner to see if they’re comfortable with the day care situation.  However, before the staff moves the dog from solo boarding to day care, they evaluate potential the pack mate’s temperament

“We use the test that the Humane Society uses to test dogs coming in off the streets to see if they can be adopted out,” Nelson said.  “We’re looking for dominance and aggression neither of which do well in the pack environment.  We do some handling tests; we do a test where we hop around in use a high voice.  Most dogs engage in play.  The dogs that are nervous or fearful tell us they might not do well with the other dogs.”

Nelson limits the amount of clients with regard for the dog’s comfort.

“A lot of people like to pack them in, but it causes a lot of anxiety, it causes a lot of stress that I’ve dealt with first hand,” Nelson said. “There’s lots more barking, and with stress comes loss of appetite.”

When stress, separation, and anxiety pop up, Nelson finds that many times other dogs will ease the anxiety of an ill-at-ease companion. 

“Usually the pack and the exercise that comes out of it will relieve that, but there are definitely some dogs which need multiple visits.”

Dogs, like people, deal with their issues in different ways, Nelson said.  Moreover, the staff is cognizant of those quirks. 

“Some labs come in and they’re totally fine.  There are some dogs have severe separation anxiety, so we deal closely with every single dog.  We like to tell the owners, exactly what’s going on so we can make a comfortable stay.”

Another service provided at The Dog House has been very effective when it comes to stress relief.  Both he and other staff members supervise doggie pajama parties by spending the night in the open kennel, on a mattress with the pack.

“Usually group sleep over will fix separation anxiety,” Nelson said.  “They’re with other dogs, they’re with other humans, and they cuddle up with a staff member.”

There are also spa services to help make the hound’s visit a memorable occasion.  Along with the more mundane treatments such as baths, nail trimming, and brushing, there are unique services for the discriminating dog-about-town.  Deep tissue massages with aromatherapy are available, “pawdicures,” and blueberry facials are on the varied menu.

Nelson doesn’t forget the less fortunate mutts and recently held a charitable dog wash to benefit Animal House Shelter.  The shelter often sends homeless dogs to the Dog House, for tips on manners and how to attract a new owner.  Many are terrified or shy when potential owners view them and are therefore passed by.  The change of environment often puts the pup in a better light.  This day a boxer was visiting from the shelter and getting to know his fellow canines with a game of chase in the playroom.

He seemed a little shell-shocked, after all, it was certainly a bright new world for him, but he was game for games and hesitantly began to make new friends. It’s doubtful that play has been on his agenda as of late so he watched warily as Nelson entered the enclosure and, before long was galloping along with the pack. 

“Here it’s fun and play,” Nelson said, as he ran by.   

Coupons for 15 percent off dog grooming and one free day of daycare are available for first time customers at doghouseofbarrington.com