Note: The following requirements apply to the Dog Park, Doggie Daycare,
and Dog Boarding.
First, we at Peppy Paws Pooch Park will want to meet with you and your dog to evaluate it for
suitability at our place, since, unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly with others. Some
owners are surprised at how well their dog does off-leash with other friendly dogs. As new
and perhaps apprehensive dogs spend more time around friendly dogs and become more socialized,
initial fear-based wariness wears off and they become relaxed. I've found that visiting dogs
with previous good dog park experiences tend to be more laid-back right from the start. It is
important that a dog have a lot of good experiences with friendly dogs for it to overcome any
fear and I've noticed my own dogs' social skills improving over the course of the past year as
they have met mostly* very friendly dogs. For example,
they are better at respecting another dog's claim for respect & space (a growl if they get too
close when they are first meeting) and they back off more readily with play and/or submissive
posturing, defusing the situation and allowing the visiting dog to relax and realize that he/she
doesn't need to worry about my dogs, after which they can greet each other and get on with play.
*(mostly: Unfortunately, there have been a few dogs
that we've had to turn down at Peppy Paws in the interest of safety. Fortunately, only a few.)
Your dog must be healthy, current on its vaccinations, neutered if male, and not in heat if female.
Before you come to Peppy Paws Pooch Park the first time, you'll need:
1) A friendly pooch. (Neutered if male, not in heat if female).
2) Records from your veterinarian showing that your pooch is up to date on:
a) Rabies
b) DHLPP
c) Bordetella
d) Negative Fecal (within the past year)
3) Heartworm, flea, and tick protection is highly recommended.
4) A six foot leash and ordinary flat collar, preferably with a
quick-release buckle (the kind you just squeeze to open).
No choke, spiked, or prong collars.
5) Rabies, license, and owner ID tags.
6) Read the handbook (6MB pdf), please.
(If you haven't read it -maybe you have a dial-up
connection- at least read the rules summary.
7) Set up an appointment —you and your dog will need to
meet with us— 419-606-2395.
For a complete discussion of membership (except pricing, which is below), if you have a higher-speed
connection (probably not dial-up; it is about 6MB), you can view the Member
Handbook HERE (in pdf format, requires Acrobat
Reader). The version supplied when you join is designed to fit in your glove compartment for
ready reference. It not only includes information about the dog park but also lists area dog resources. Note: some of the park
items listed in the book still need to be added. For example, we are still adding to our agility course; so far we only have weave poles and a teeter. There
are trees (maple, oak, and pines) in the park, so there is shade, especially in the small area; not so much in the large area.
The doggie daycare and boarding is cage-free & smoke-free, in my house along with my dogs. For this reason, I only
accept a small number of dogs, so it is best to schedule as far in advance as possible to ensure a spot. I do
usually put the dogs in different rooms at mealtime to avoid conflict in that situation (food worries are common
in many dogs and often, in one-dog homes, the owner is not aware). We go out to the park for play several times
a day, so don't be surprised if, especially the first few times with us, your dog is dog-tired when he/she returns
home. It has been a big day! Normally, after having the above requirements verified, all you need to bring with you
is the dog with his/her collar and leash and any food needed for the time. It is best if you bring your
dog's regular food so that we don't upset their digestion. I have bowls, water, and comfy cushions for them
to sleep on (I've actually slept on the cushions before myself).
The only difference between doggie daycare and boarding is that boarded dogs stay overnight (in my bedroom with me and my dogs).
To save time at the park, here are the (pdf) forms available for you to complete ahead of time at your leisure...
Dog Park Forms Boarding & Daycare Forms
