I've put this information here so that everyone is on the same page. The interview process is very simple. We all meet, we like one another or don't. I have put this info here because people don't communicate with their significant other or some may not use common sense. Sorry, but I don't want to waste your time or mine.
*Please do not make any misrepresentations that you have a socialized dog if you do not. There are severe consequences for dog fights. * I try to have you visit when 100% socialized dogs are here. If you have to ask about the temperment of a dog who is already here, it alarms me that your dog is not socialized and not appropriate.
Your interview (you are interviewing me as much as I am interviewing owner and dog) will last about 15-20 minutes. Please come when scheduled. If you are going to be late or early, please phone ahead so that we can properly prepare for you. We are not a kennel, dogs are roaming free and we do not have a staff to "handle" the dogs while a prospective client arrives 10 minutes late or early.
When the door is open for you to come in: come in. The other dogs are anxious to meet you and your dog. Please do not come first to the door by yourself then get your dog.
At this time we will get acquainted. Please make sure your spouse, significant other or other companions know how to properly behave with dogs. Please tell your companions what has been discussed already. (i.e. where dog will sleep, eat, etc). Please try to ask as many questions on the phone beforehand to get the best picture about where your dog may stay and please tell your husband, wife, mother, nanny or friend so that there is no misunderstandings. All dogs that come here have been screened. They are all appropriate with dogs and people (even little children). Please be aware that other dogs will be excited to meet new people and dogs. A dog who may be barking or jumping up and down is NOT a sign the dog is vicious. Why would I have a vicious dog here?
We will then go outdoors. The area is completely fenced in. I require that you let your pet off the leash if you haven't released them yet.
Your pet is required to get along with the dogs who are present at that time. If I see hesitation with your dog, either your dog will be denied coming here or in rare cases (if I think it is all because the dog is with a shy owner) I may require you to come again without you present or perhaps leave your dog for a short period of time.
These are very simple things but it seems that some people don't take into consideration that standing in a doorway is taunting to an excited dog or knocking on the door more than once will send the whole house into a frenzy or leaving your pet leashed forces your dog to stand by you, not exploring and meeting new friends. All the info you need is on this website. If you look around all of your questions will be answered along with a few you did not think to ask. If you are concerned about the safety of your dog: See FAQs.
Once we meet, and your pet is approved, you are required to mail/fax back 3 sheets of paperwork. It will take approximately 10 minutes if you have all your contact info. I need to receive it no later than 48 hours from your initial appointment. Example You come on a Monday at 7pm- I need to have form by 7pm on Wednesday. If I don’t hear from you (by fax, email or postal mail) within 48 hours, I will not hold your temporary reservation. I can not accept oral agreements. I can not keep the time slot open as I do sometimes get multiple phone calls/email for busy times. I will always call you or email (if that is your preferred method of communication) to let you know I have received your form. If your deposit is sent in separately (later), I will call you that I have received it also. If you do not receive any communication from me once you have sent the form back- you must call me to let me know there was an error with the fax or mail service. I will not call you to ask you if you are interested in my services. If you have called references and there is a delay with their response, please let me know you are working on the sheets and will have the paperwork back soon.
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Things I watch for which alert me a dog is unsuitable: |
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hiding |
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growling |
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snapping repeatedly |
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overly submissive (rolling on floor & urinating) |
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staying by owner |
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not exploring yard |
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marking yard exccessively |
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barking non stop |
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not listening to owner |
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dominant behavior (staring at another dog in the eyes, hovering over another dog) |
