Scooby Dooz Policies
Aim: For Scooby Dooz to remain a flea-free environment
All Scooby Dooz dogs should be on an effective flea treatment. We recommend an application should be given every two weeks if your dog attends Day Care two or more days a week and every 3-4 weeks if your dog is in for grooming. However we recommend you seek veterinary advice on this matter.
Should fleas be found on your dog the following will occur.
• Dog will be immediately isolated from other dogs
• Dogs will be given a capstar treatment (at a cost of $4 to you) and will remain isolated
for 30-40 minutes.
• Dog will then be given a basic flea wash and towel dry. (Fluffy dogs will have a basic
dry)
• Owner will be presented with a flea information sheet
If your dog is in for Day Care your dog will be charged a basic wash rate plus the cost of $5 for the capstar. If your dog is attending for grooming you will be charged an extra $5 on top your normal wash rate.
Should your dog continually turn up to Scooby Dooz with fleas, we reserve the right to deny
your dog entry or to only allow your dog to attend Day Care if on a flea prevention programme administered by the staff.
Aim: To ensure that Scooby Dooz remains a healthy & safe environment for all animals & humans
Scooby Dooz understands that dogs can often become unwell and that the reasons may remain unexplained. However if we suspect your dog of being unwell and in distress we will ask that they be collected from us and remain at home until well again.
Infectious diseases must be mentioned to a staff member so that we are aware your dog has had them and we can put up a notification If we suspect your dog of having an infectious condition we will ask for a vet’s clearance certificate or call to confirm that your dog is ok to return to Day Care and grooming.
It is important for us to maintain a healthy environment for our dogs and humans therefore we have the right to refuse your dog entry if they are suspected of being ill.
Aim: To ensure the behaviour of the dogs remains at an acceptable level and that all dogs can enjoy the Day Care environment without fear or aggression.
Dogs are carefully assessed upon entering Day Care to ensure their behaviour is non-aggressive or confrontational. Even with this in place as Scooby Dooz is a pack environment there may be times when the dogs need behaviour management.
Dogs’ behaviour will be managed by the procedures as explained below:
Barking
It’s natural for all dogs to bark especially in play and heightened emotional states! Scooby Dooz can tolerate more than usual barking, however if the barking is continuous and/or for attention at inappropriate times your dog will be given either a “time out/isolation time” or walked around the Day Care or asked to do some basic training such as sit/stay/down.
Sexual Behaviour/”Humping”
Again this is natural behaviour. All of our dogs are de-sexed. In the rare event that we have a dog attend who is not de-sexed we have the appropriate dog policy in place. We believe dogs should be dogs and in most instances the dogs leave each other alone after a few moments. Should this behaviour become distressing to either dog, the dogs will be separated and allowed to calm down.
Altercations
Even the best-behaved dogs can have altercations with other dogs. This again is natural in as “pack” environment. Most altercations are to do with status and dogs’ personal space.
Should an altercation occur the following will be put into place.
• Offending dog will be isolated from the pack by one staff member. Another will check the other dog for any injuries. Injuries will be dealt with according to the accident policy and owners of both dogs informed
• Offending will be allowed back to join the pack under supervision until staff feel that the altercation has passed.
Serious Altercations
Very rarely altercations turn serious and we may need to reconsider the acceptance of a dog in our Day Care environment. This decision is usually made after all other avenues have been exhausted.
• Altercation occurs and the dog is isolated as stated above
• Dog will be monitored in the Day Care environment to see if there are any triggers behind the attack
• Owners will be given a verbal warning regarding their dog’s behaviour
• Should another serious altercation occur owners will be given a written warning. Staff will be happy to work with owners at this stage towards as happy and safe outcome
• Should the serious altercations continue the dog will not be allowed to attend Scooby Dooz
Aim: To ensure all new dogs have a stress-free and fun first introduction to Scooby Dooz
1. Dog owner and assigned staff member meet and chat about dogs individual needs and history of behaviour in a dog environment
2. Once comfortable the owner will be asked to leave the building for a short time (this is because dogs can pick up on an owner’s anxiety/or remain owner protective when they are still there). It will be up to the individual owner as to whether they wish to return after a short period or leave entirely. Dogs can sense their owner’s presence even when outside the building.
3. Dogs will be walked through the reception and into the holding pen where they will remain for a few minutes while the other dogs smell them.
4. The dog will then proceed through to the Day Care. It is natural for all the dogs to smell and assess the new “pack member”. We will watch the behaviour of the new dog to ensure it remains calm and watch for any signs of aggression.
5. Dog assessments fall into 4 categories
• Dog appears happy and relaxed so is fine to remain in Day Care under supervision
• Dog appears nervous but not scared. Dog will be assigned a staff member who will remain with them until relaxed and more confident.
• Dog is nervous and unsure. Dog will be placed into puppy area to acclimatise to the noise and surroundings. Once dogs show signs of wanting to enter the Day Care they will be allowed out under supervision.
• Dog is aggressive, extremely fearful or tries desperately to escape. Dog will be refused entry to Day Care.
Scooby Dooz will work closely with owners, trainers and other professionals to ensure the dog has been given every opportunity to attend Day Care and grooming.
Orientation of Grooming Dogs:
Grooming dogs will go through the same process as Day Care dogs, in addition they will also be orientated to the grooming process.
1. The groomer will meet and spend time with the dog. They will give affection, play and ensure the dog gains the trust of them.
2. The grooming process is taken very slowly. First they will be clipped then allowed to play and relax. Next they will be washed and dried then allowed to play and relax and finally they will then be finished.
We ask you to allow between 5 and 8 hours for the dogs first full groom and between 3 and 5 hours for their first wash-tidy. Of course dogs are permitted to remain at Day Care all day if they wish.
Aim: To ensure all new dogs have a stress-free and fun first introduction to Scooby Dooz
The introduction of small puppies (usually less than 6 months) is very different due to their age. Also in this category are the elderly, those who are very small or those who have had a bad
experience with dogs previously.
All categories will be placed immediately into their appropriate areas to acclimatise them and
will usually spend their first few days at Day Care in this area.
Puppies have not learnt about personal space and are still learning canine signals. There it is
best to introduce them to the environment slowly to allow them to begin learning these signals.
We have a wide range of dogs from tiny Chihuahuas to St Bernards and Newfoundlands.
Whilst it can look daunting and over-facing to many owners, dogs tend not to worry about other dogs’ sizes and usually only show signs of fear when they pick up on their owner’s nervous energy.
We can assure you that at Scooby Dooz we take introducing your puppy to “our pack” very seriously and with great care.
Only when we feel confident that the puppy will be happy to cope in the main Day Care area will we allow them out.
