Yes, in most cases. We require assessments for a number of important reasons. The first is that we want to get to know you and your dog. Everything that you have to share with us is critical to a deeper understanding of your dog.

Secondly, your dog needs every opportunity to get familiar with us. Dogs don't forget people or places once they have taken in all the new smells that come with friendly strangers and new environments. We want to communicate with your dog and let them know that it's safe here, there is a leader in charge and there’s lots of love to be had.

Finally, we assess for fear and aggression, dominance and submission and look for dogs that can be "pack neutral" without too much trouble. Most dogs are into "harmony and integration" when it comes to being with other dogs. Because we operate with a compatible pack philosophy, we want your dog to be happy here in the midst of his or her pack. We turn away very few dogs and have learned that almost every dog that comes to us is ready for days and nights of fun and nurture, getting to know other dogs in a natural pack-centered environment.

Statistically speaking, the answer is yes! However, every dog is unique and needs human leadership to guide the process of getting to know a new routine and the other dogs. Also, on most days at the Smiths, we will have a pack of veteran guests, totally familiar with the way things happen here. That means that a new dog will be "taught" very quickly how things work.

Because dogs live "in the moment," your absence is not experienced in quite same way we experience being away from our families or friends. The most important thing for a dog to feel is the safety that comes from being with a confident pack leader.

Providing an outlet for energy is the quickest way to help your dog adjust to the new environment. Sometimes, a dog that is a "first timer" will be excited and have lots of energy and perhaps, a temporary loss of appetite. Because we provide a full day of outdoor activity, including a big 5-mile walk in the morning (inside the fenced meadow area), most dogs settle down almost immediately. We carefully monitor the eating habits of all our dogs and have all kinds of fun ways to help a dog return to a normal eating pattern.

Dogs are "denning" animals. The discipline of crating a dog during natural sleeping times is in keeping with the basic instincts of all canids. Larger cages or runs do not provide the structure needed to cause a dog to feel cozy, occupying a private space, unbothered by other dogs. Larger cages sometimes cause dogs to pace, perpetuating anxiety. A crate causes the dog to assume a resting posture, helping the dog to relax, settle in, and get some much needed sleep.

The Smiths is an intense social atmosphere for dogs. Frankly, dogs need a break from all the interaction that happens throughout the day. Also, crates provide a private eating space so that the possibility of food aggression is eliminated.

Finally, many folks have told us that their dog would never go in a crate. We have not found this to be the case. Even 10 year old dogs that have never been crated seem to do just fine when they are introduced to the crate in an appropriate manner.

The real difference between The Smiths and traditional kennels or shelters is the relationship that we maintain with your dog. A healthy relationship with a dog is far better than a cage and 2 meals a day. When your dog comes to the Smiths, they will soon see that there are no strangers coming and going, no loud, scary echoes of helpless barking, no long periods of lonely isolation, no lack of affection and fun.

We have found that some rescue dogs are very resilient in new environments. Usually, the problem lies in us human folk imposing our own feelings on the new boarding situation.

Our mission at the Smiths is to create a seamless experience for your dog. We want him to come and go without feeling upset or disturbed by the experience, like going to the house of a good friend where we can have lots of fun.

We take an "all things considered" approach to placing dogs in their packs. We have a den room and play area for "small" dogs and a den room and play area for “big dogs”. However, we have 210 pound English Mastiffs that are so easy going and sometimes timid that they do much better in the "small" dog area! We also have short and squatty terriers that are "bigger" in spirit than almost any of our larger guests. We look carefully at age, size, physical condition, socialization skills, temperament, breed characteristics, and energy level when determining how we place our dogs in play packs. Because we have 3 full acres of fenced area for the dogs to explore, smaller sub-packs break out into their own activities like running, chasing a ball, wrestling, playing tag, digging holes, sleeping in the sun, or rooting through the willowbrush and tall grass area of the lower meadow. The important factor in all of this is teaching dogs limits and boundaries when it comes to things like barking, demanding attention, bossing the other dogs, or starting "alpha chases." Most importantly, we watch for "friendships" to emerge and offer dogs plenty of time to have fun with their favorite pals.

If your dog has a history of being overly fearful or reactive to other dogs, we recommend that you consider other forms of care while you are away. However, a dog that is socially shy or a bit timid can easily overcome this challenge with some help from a human pack leader and a group of settled canine companions. Dogs that can be a little grumpy toward other dogs while on their own turf often demonstrate calm or submissive behavior when “visiting” someone else’s territory.

If your dog has a medical condition that prohibits rompy play with other dogs, simply let us know. We can accommodate almost any kind of special need, often limiting your dog to the house or walking them on a “reverse” schedule, away from the pack. We take care of dogs that are arthritic, totally blind, deaf, have amputated limbs, or are simply “well aged”.

Our day care program is especially effective for young dogs needing to learn how to socialize with other dogs. We have become increasingly skilled at reading dog language as it is expressed between our guests. We can help new or young dogs speak the canine language in an effort to become a happy and healthy dog.

Entire males over the age of seven months are prohibited at the Smiths. Females that are suspected of coming into heat are also prohibited.

Beyond the capability of the human sense of smell, there is a very evocative exchange of canine chemical aromas that can drive an entire pack of dogs to distraction. We choose not to manage this problem because it makes life very chaotic for everyone involved, especially the dogs.

We have a separate climate controlled bunk room for all our little squirts. They also play in an area separated from the larger dogs. We also desensitize some of our little guests to the presence of larger dogs by allowing appropriate contact with big dogs in controlled situations. Dogs are not as impressed with size differences as we are. Little ones can easily command respect when given an opportunity to set boundaries and send “calming signals” to dogs that might be bigger or have more energy. This makes for a more confident dog that can maintain its poise in almost any social situation.

Puppies must receive all of their vaccinations prior to coming to board or attend daycare. This includes Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza. Having all of these vaccinations helps ensure your puppy's safety and the safety of all our guest dogs. Contact us by phone so that we can give alternative suggestions if your pup doesn’t fulfill these requirements.

The answer is no! We have a structured routine that allows all of our guests to do their business outdoors, just like at home. Also, we ask all of our guests to sit before they receive their meals, to be invited through thresholds, to stay clear of another’s space.

Yes! Special medical needs aren’t an issue. Nancy is a trained veterinarian technician who has had experience with many different types of medical needs. We have guests who are blind and/or deaf, have knee or hip problems, diabetics, amputees, epileptics and senior citizens. If your dog is in need of daily medication, we ask that it come in its original container, clearly marked by the prescribing veterinarian. If your dog is taking over-the-counter medications, they must be clearly labeled with name and with clearl written instructions pertaining to dosage and frequency.

If your dog needs special attention on a regular basis, please let us know. We can restrict play time, increase one on one time with human friends, provide extra napping time or more rompy play time for those in need of more exercise. We can be very flexible. Just give us clear instructions about your preference for medical care.

The safest approach to scheduling your dog’s stay at the Smiths is to call when you know your travel dates. We are usually booked weeks and sometimes months in advance for holidays. Summer months are very busy and need to be planned well in advance. During normal periods we can usually accommodate last minute requests for our regular guests, especially for emergencies. Give us a call and we can set up your reservation based on our availability. We will do all we can to find room.

Yes! The Smiths is open for drop offs and pick ups Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. On Sunday, we are open from 1pm to 5pm, and from 7:30pm to 8:00pm ($10.00 charge for after hour Sunday pick ups. No late Sunday drop offs are allowed).

Because we are a family owned and operated business, we reserve the right to change the hours when necessary to fit into our family schedule. This happens very infrequently, but for this reason we ask that you make an appointment during these designated hours and call us if you need to change your arranged times.

We ask that you bring your dog’s food in a hard plastic (ie: Tupperware) or tin container, NO BAGGIES PLEASE! We want you to bring your dog’s bed or blanket, as well. This allows them to have something from home which helps them settle in during naptime and bedtime. Everyone likes things from home while away! Toys and favorite snuggly objects are allowed, but we cannot guarantee that they will return home. Treats are welcome and will be given to your dog following at different times throughout the day. Everything that comes from home must be labeled with your dogs first and last name with instructions, especially on the food container for appropriate feeding.

If your dog is taking any prescription medications, they must be in the original prescription container that clearly outlines your veterinarian’s instructions. If your dog is taking over-the-counter medications, they must be clearly labeled with name and with clear written instructions pertaining to dosage and frequency.

We require proof of vaccination for Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella and Canine Influenza. Because our guests romp on several acres for fun, we also recommend Leptospirosis vaccination. Leptospirosis is transmitted through wild animal urine. Bordetella is a vaccine against kennel cough and should be given at least one week prior to your dog’s stay at The Smiths. This vaccine can be given intranasal (due every 6 months) or by injection (due yearly). ALL vaccines should all be discussed with your dog’s veterinarian and after administering, you will need provide us a copy from your vets office, including the dates the vaccines expire. It is good to keep updated shot records on file with us in case of last minute travel. They can be mailed, faxed or dropped off (by appointment).

We welcome all children to come when dropping off their dogs! It can very important for them to know where their canine companion is when they are away from home. However, we cannot allow children to enter the dog play areas.

We have plenty of safe observation points where children and adults can see the dogs playing. We will do everything we can to help all your family members feel comfortable with having your dog here at the Smiths.

We think it is very important for you to check in with us when you feel it is necessary. Many of our owners feel funny about checking on their dogs, but we welcome your calls and understand what it feels like to be away from your beloved pet. Even though we all know your dog doesn’t get to speak with you on the phone, feeling assured that your dog is doing well makes your vacation or time away less stressful and more enjoyable.

When dropping off your dog for their visit, please be sure to get a business card. Nancy’s cell phone is listed on the card and is usually the best way to contact us to check on your dog.

Yes, we appreciate raw diets for dogs and are set up for keeping food fresh or frozen until it is prepared for your dog. We also appreciate having each raw diet meal prepared in advance and placed in individual meal bags. For long stays, we suggest bringing some frozen portions in order for the food to stay fresh. We will take it out and place it in the refrigerator as needed.

Yes, see our Custom Canine Images for more information.