What exactly is DAYCARE FOR DOGS?

Simply put, dog daycare is a facility where dog owners can bring their dogs to gather and play together while being supervised by experienced dog handlers. Dog daycare differs from pet sitting or day boarding in that the dogs are allowed to play with other compatible dogs off leash while getting exercise and socialization in a neutral location. Dog daycare gives your dog a safe and constructive environment in which to dream up things to do. At The Dog Zone, there are many toys and a wide variety of playmates to keep your dog entertained all day long.

Why should I take my best friend
to the Dog Zone?

The purpose of dog daycare is to provide stimulation, exercise, socialization, confidence building, and in some cases, training, to a dog who might otherwise be left home alone. Many dogs are left home alone for extended periods of time throughout the day and busy owners often are unable to provide the amount of exercise and interaction their dog needs. If your dog can burn off energy playing with his pals all day, he is less likely to develop inappropriate behaviors. Without adequate interaction, dogs sometimes develop destructive behavior problems such as chewing, digging, incessant barking, or regression in their housetraining skills. Without the opportunity to interact regularly with others of “their own kind,” dogs often are socially inept, fearful, and/or aggressive. Dog daycare provides the exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation a dog needs in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. Your dog will return home tired & happy, and you will be at peace knowing your best friend was well taken care of while you were otherwise occupied. No more guilt, no more furniture or yard repair, and you will feel great about doing something constructive and fun for your four-legged family member.

What will my dog do at The Dog Zone?

While at The Dog Zone, your dog will spend the day playing, both indoors and outdoors, with other dogs while being supervised by professional dog daycare handlers. The typical daycare day at The Dog Zone is very casual and the dogs are allowed to play as much or as little with the other dogs as they wish. There are a wide variety of toys to play with, as well as swimming pools in the summer and snow drifts to play in and "king-of-the-mountain" games in the winter. We have special treats from Woofers and Whiskers pet bakery on "party days," and often have birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and lots of fun days. We are closed from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. for nap time, when everyone is supplied a comforter to snooze on. After a long morning of wild play, the dogs actually welcome a break and a quick snooze. After lunch, the dogs are again free to play as they wish, or cat nap as they please until time to go home.

Just like at a human daycare, dog play can sometimes get pretty rowdy. A staff member constantly supervises the group play. If a dog becomes over-stimulated or begins playing too rough, he may be given a "time-out" in the buffer zone to calm down before being allowed to resume playing. As with children, dogs may occasionally get scratches, nicks, or scrapes from playing with others. These incidents may be treated with the appropriate first aid and parents will be notified if deemed necessary.

We also love to have parties and special occasion days, and if your four-legged family member would like to bring treats for his play group, or have us help celebrate a special event such as a birthday or adoption day, we would be more than happy to try to help accommodate those special days. We have party hats, various decorations, and will work closely with Woofers and Whiskers Pet Bakery if a cake or specialty treats are desired. We also plan special party days around the holidays--some of our favorites are Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas--so if your dog is a party animal, be sure to ask when we will be partying so we can get him on the schedule!

What is the "Puppy Program" all about?

The "Puppy Potty Training Assistance Program" is specifically designed for puppies under six months old and puppies as young as eight weeks old who need assistance with their potty training skills. However, we can also accommodate older puppies who simply need socialization, work on manners, or a place to play while mom and dad are at work or otherwise occupied. The PPTAP is a four-week program, during which the puppy must attend daycare every day for 20 consecutive days. During this time, positive reinforcements and lots of praise are used to encourage the pup to develop positive potty habits, signals, and basic manners. Your family will also be given tips and suggestions to help support positive potty behavior in the home environment, such as scheduled feeding/watering, basic commands, and how to reinforce positive behaviors or correct undesirable behavior. The program also includes naptime (at least an hour each day), treats, feeding options, and crate training if desired. In addition, the pups receive a great deal of supervised social interaction with both puppies and older dogs, as well as interaction with the staff, which helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Puppy shots and bordatella are required to begin attending the puppy program, and your vet's recommended vaccination protocol for puppies will be accepted. Once the puppy has completed the puppy program, he/she may continue in daycare until six months of age, at which time spay/neuter and all vaccinations are required to continue in basic daycare. Once the pup has completed the four-week program, he/she does not have to attend every day and may only attend at your convenience if desired. Please call if you have questions about the puppy program or how it may help your pup.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No puppy can be guaranteed to be fully potty trained in four short weeks. Many puppies are not reliable with their potty training skills until 8 months or older. However, four weeks in the Puppy Potty Training Assistance Program will give you and your pup many of the skills and successes on which to build a lifetime of positive potty habits for your best friend!

Where Is The Dog Zone?

5517 North Towne Pl NE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Phone (319) 378-9DOG (9364)

E-Mail Us At: info@dogzonedaycare.com

Our Business Hours:

Monday – Friday

6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(Closed on Major Holidays)