Read customer reviews and see why Playful Pooch is at the top of the A-List and your best choice for dog boarding in the Denver area. Click here to see what our customers have to say.
It's always so hard the first time you have to leave your Pooch when you have to go out of town or don't want to leave them alone during the day while you are at work. We have many helpful suggestions about finding the perfect place for your pal, so just click here for advice and the latest Playful Pooch news. We would be happy to set up a tour and schedule your dog for a group play evaluation to assure that your pooch's boarding or daycare visit is stress-free and fun!
Char
Char is an adorable German Shepherd puppy who is almost four months old. He is very playful but well behaved and plays hard until he drops...then he sleeps like a baby until his batteries have been recharged and he's ready to go again. He is a perfect example of the benefit of socializing your puppies in a structured setting so they can learn how to play properly with other young dogs. He is a joy to watch play (and sleep!)
Playful Pooch is a Member
Have confidence that your pooch is at safe place with Playful Pooch, a proud member of the Pet Care Services Association (formerly known as ABKA - the American Boarding Kennel Association).
The Importance of a Well-Balanced Dog
When we first bring our new dog home, we think about what kind of food to buy, what color of collar and leash will look great, and what type of bed or toy they will like. But do we think about the commitment we've made to making sure they are healthy, secure, well-balanced and free from anxiety?
Some of our pals are adopted from shelters and may come with some behaviors that are hard to understand, often lead to frustration and confusion and, perhaps, even lead to them being returned to the shelter. These issues can all be addressed through education and training and supervised socialization. While trips to the dog park can be beneficial, one bad experience may lead to unnecessary trauma that may affect how they react to other dogs for the rest of their lives.
Just as we all teach our children, we should also take a role in our dog's life by providing both educational and socialization opportunities to assure that they get enough exercise each day and learn to communicate in an effective way - not through jumping, barking or chewing. Remember that dogs often express their anxiety in somewhat inconvenient ways which may even include destruction of items around your house.
While many people start out by taking their dog to a training class at one of the large pet stores, these large groups do not always provide for an optimal environment for you and your dog to communicate. We offer you many options and ways to learn more about your dog to make sure you enjoy every minute with himor her while they lead a secure and well-balanced life.
PETucation 101
Here at The Pooch, we don't like to think of it as TRAINING your dog, but rather an education in COMMUNICATING with your dog and learning to listen to each other! Our classes are small and personal and include a free class in your home at the end of each 8 week session. We offer a variety of classes that start every few weeks, so we are always ready when you are! We also have a free class the first Thursday of every month called PETucation 101, where we discuss many interesting topics that vary each month.
Feel free to call to discuss any questions you might have and ask for Will or Brenda. Our educational classes listed below are limited to 4 dogs per class and cost $150. You must register at least two weeks before each class starts, so CALL TODAY!
We have two Puppy Primary classes, two Pooch Elementary classes and two FREE PUPPY PLAYTIMES EVERY WEEK!
PUPPY TIME:
EVERY SATURDAY from 10:00-10:45 am - FREE PUPPY PLAYTIME! Yes, it's free! Come down to the Pooch and let your little pup romp, play, run and wrestle for an hour with other pups. Great for socialization, and let's admit it, who doesn't want a room full of adorable puppies!
SATURDAYS from 11:00 am-Noon - Puppy Pre-K class - This is the perfect way to follow up after an hour of romping and playing with some slightly serious business of teaching our puppies a few things that are so important at this early age. Everything from potty training to learning how to play properly is included in this class. Remember, dogs learn more between 5 -16 weeks of age than at any other time in their lives! Classes start April 10.
EVERY TUESDAY (starting March 30) from 6:00-6:45 pm - FREE PUPPY PLAYTIME!
TUESDAYS from 7:00-8:00 pm - Puppy Pre-K class - Classes start March 30.
POOCH ELEMENTARY:
MONDAYS from 6:30-7:30 pm - Pooch Elementary class - This class is for dogs 6 months and older with all their vaccinations and either neutered or spayed. They will learn the basic commands including sit, down, stay, wait, as well as loose leash walking. Behavioral issues such as biting, nipping, chewing and barking will also be addressed. This is the perfect class for dogs that have had no formal training. Classes start April 5.
WEDNESDAYS from 6:30-7:30 pm - Pooch Elementary class - Classes start March 17.
Our classes are taught by Mindy Jarvis of Noble Beast, who is double certified in Obedience Training and certified in Problem Solving and Behavior Modification.
Is Your Dog Feeling Lonely?
Many owners are unaware that their dog may be suffering from isolation. Dogs are highly social animals and crave interaction with living beings. This interaction is a necessity for a well-balanced dog. A dog who stays alone for 8 hours may seem fine when you get home, but being alone for so long can create a range of behavior problems. Studies show that most dogs respond well to four or five hours of isolation, but not for longer times.
If you have to be gone all day consider taking your dog to doggie daycare. Sometimes one day at doggie day care will wear your dog out for a couple of days. Also make sure that you set an hour or two aside every day for your dog. During this time, play is vital - not only games they like to play but getting on all fours with them as well. Many people will not take their dogs out and about because they lack acceptable manners to go outside the home. To cure this problem consider enrolling them into a small educational group that will help teach them basic commands and social skills that will make it enjoyable to take your dog on walks or weekend outings.
Simply put, be sure to include your pup in your outside activities and provide them with the social structure they are unable to provide for themselves. Doing this will keep a smile on your dogs face and yours too!
If you are interested in receiving information about individual or semi-private training classes, please call us at The Pooch. Our instructor is Mindy Jarvis of Noble Beast Pet Services and you can also call her at 303-523-8582 with any questions you may have.