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 dog park experience tend to be more laid-back. 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 space (a growl if they get too close when they are first meeting) and they back off more readily with 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, in my house along with my dogs. I do 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, er, dog-tired when he/she returns home. It has been a big day! Normally, after verifying the above list, 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.

To save time at the park, here are the forms you may complete ahead of time at your leisure...
Dog, Person, & Payment Information
Member Release Agreement A Hold-Harmless Agreement to be completed by dog owners after having read the Member's Handbook.
Guest Release Agreement A Hold-Harmless Agreement to be completed by Guests of Members. A Guest is someone accompanying a Member but doesn't have a dog of their own at the park.
Parental Consent Form Only minors over the age of 12 are permitted in the park, and this is a form for parents to give their written consent for their minor over the age of 12 to be in the park. (one example of its use would be if minor 4-H club members were at the park working with their dogs for their projects)