FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about boarding, training and all things Sharock Ranch….

My dog has never stayed overnight before, should we do anything special to prepare?

Yes, we often recommend a trial day to make sure your dog is comfortable, happy and finds their accommodations to their liking well before your planned longer stay. If this isn’t possible, bring a towel, blanket or shirt that you have had near or on you overnight. Please bring something you don’t mind getting washed if it gets dirty as we have fun at camp and do allow the dogs a chance to play and be dogs.

What vaccines do you require?

We require rabies, dhlpp-c, bi-valent flu, and bordetella. You may substitute a current and adequate titer.

What should I bring?

Please bring enough food for your dogs entire stay, this avoids any upset tummy issues. We do have a dedicated refrigerator and freezer if needed. Bring medication that your dog requires, including heartworm and flea prevention that will be due during their stay. You are welcome to bring treats and chews (no rawhides, nylabone edibles, or greenies type chews please) that they enjoy. 

We have plenty of toys and food/water bowls that can be easily sanitized. You are welcome to bring a couple of toys, but remember, dogs may treat their toys differently at “camp” than they do at home, so send toys that you are ok if they get damaged by your pup. 

You can bring your pups bed, but the same rules for toys apply. 

How does my dog get to participate in group play/Doggie Daycare?

Your dog can participate in group play once we do a temperament test with your dog. That happens before their first participation in daycare/group play. Dogs can only participate in daycare/group play if they have successfully passed the temperament test so that our play groups remain a happy, safe place for dogs to play and have fun. A Temperament test is when a trainer allows your dog to meet other dogs in the play group in planned, one at a time process working up to a group to ensure everyone has a fun, safe, and enjoyable time in daycare. As long as your dog comes to play a minimum of once every month, they do not have to participate in another temperament test, unless something changes with their behavior.

My dog isn’t fond of other dogs, how can I make sure they have a great time?

A stay and train or stay and chill may be better suited to dogs that don’t enjoy the company of other dogs and that is just fine with us. A stay and train will keep younger, active dogs busy both mentally and physically. A stay and chill is great for calmer dogs, older dogs, and dogs that are happy with people company and nature walks. We love them all.

*We have worked with special cases to help dogs who may just need behavior modification to be successful in daycare. This is not the case for every dog, but we are happy to speak with you about your specific dog and goals for group play.

Do you live on the premise?

Yes, we live on the premises. It is a running joke around our house that getting sent to the “doghouse” is an upgrade. We also have a camera system for the facility so we can monitor the dogs at any time.

You say experienced, what does that mean?

We have been involved with and training dogs since the late ’80s. We have trained thousands of dogs from tiny terriers to police K9s. Between working as a veterinary assistant for over a decade, raising imported working line German Shepherds, and founding K9 Officers in 2013, a 501 c3 nonprofit that has donated over 90 trained K9s and handler training as well as co-founding TLK9 in 2006, a therapy dog group that has had over 50 dog and handler teams that we helped train, we are well versed in all things dogs. We also offer AKC CGC testing, AKC trick dog, and AKC fit dog.

Give me details on your training program?

Our training programs are suited to you and your dogs needs. Although it would be much easier to have a one-size fits all program, it wouldn’t be very successful. One of the benefits of having experienced trainers is getting an individualized training program that helps you and your dog reach your goals.

To help you, this is a basic framework where we build your individualized program from. 

Puppy Headstart- This is the most ideal situation, and provides the best learning opportunity for your dog. We recommend 2 weeks of puppy “kindergarten” around 14-16 weeks old, once they finish their veterinary recommended vaccines. 

Your puppy will learn cues that are tailored to your situation and goals using all positive methods as well as get critical socialization. 

At 8-10 months you puppy will come back for the equivalent of elementary school for dogs. This is where some dogs will also begin their education if they missed the puppy head start window. It is still effective and well received, but may take just a little more time and effort. 

Then at 1 year to 18 months your dog will come for a stay for their advanced education. These stays can be planned around vacations, business travel or other times your dog may need to stay anyway to make their time away from you as minimal as possible. 

We have trained dogs up to 9 years old, so no dog is too old to learn. If you are having an issue with your dog, or just want to make life more enjoyable for both of you, there is no time like the present to begin training. We have dogs come for training at all ages and stages of life, we are happy to work with each unique stage of a dogs life.