Pawsh Pup Policy

Important Announcement: Introduction of Pawsh Pup Policy at Pawsh Park

Dear Pawsh Park Parents,

We hope this email finds you and your beloved furry friends in great spirits. We are reaching out today with an important update regarding the implementation of our new Pawsh Pup Policy, effective this month (May 2023) at Pawsh Park.  

As Pawsh Park continues to grow and accommodate more canine guests, we want to ensure that our facility remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all dogs. However, due to space constraints, we regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to provide a rotation yard for dogs that cannot participate in group play.  If your pup falls into this category, we will be contacting you soon to discuss further!

While we understand the disappointment this may cause, we believe it is essential to be transparent about our limitations. Our primary concern is to maintain a safe and secure environment for all dogs in our care.  Under the new Pawsh Pup Policy, we have implemented the following measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of all our furry visitors: See attached document.

We understand that behavior issues can be challenging to address, and we want to support you and your pup in finding the most appropriate solutions. Should you choose to work with a dog behavior specialist, we are more than willing to collaborate with both you and the trainer. By sharing our observations and insights, we can facilitate a better understanding of the specific issues we have observed.

At Pawsh Park, we genuinely care about the well-being of your furry family members. While we regret any inconvenience caused by these space limitations, we remain committed to providing the highest standard of care and safety for every dog in our facility.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your dog’s specific needs further, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to assist you and ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and attention.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and continued trust in Pawsh Park. We look forward to serving you and your pups with the utmost dedication and care.

Warm regards,

Pawsh Park

Pawsh Pup Policy

At Pawsh Park, the safety and well-being of all our furry guests are of utmost importance. We understand that some dogs may have behavior issues that prevent them from participating in group play, and we have implemented a policy to address such situations.

Meet & Greet:

• This is a time for us to provide support and guidance by gently introducing them to Pawsh Park. New places, new people, and new friends can be stressful, so this day is very important for the pup!
• Every dog that enters Pawsh Park will undergo an initial assessment and evaluation process to understand their behavior, temperament, and socialization skills.
• During the assessment, if we observe behavior issues that may pose a risk to the safety or well-being of the dog itself or other dogs, we will determine if the dog is suitable for group play.

Group Play Exclusion:

• Dogs with behavior issues that cannot safely participate in group play will not be allowed to join group play sessions.
• Currently, we do not have space available to provide individual play for problem dogs.
• Instead, we will focus on ensuring the dog’s comfort and well-being during their stay through other means, such as providing a separate, secure area for them to rest and relax. (Potty breaks included)

Two-Strike Policy:

• If a dog with behavior issues exhibits problematic behavior during their stay that poses a risk to the safety or well-being of themselves or other dogs, it will be considered a strike.
• Strikes will be documented by our staff and discussed with the dog owner to ensure transparency and open communication.
• A strike will result in a mandatory behavior assessment session with a professional dog trainer, which may be arranged externally and will be at the owner’s expense.
• If a dog receives a second strike within a reasonable timeframe, we will inform the owner that their dog is not the right fit for Pawsh Park, and they will no longer be allowed to use our services. 

Permanent Ban: 

• If the first strike involves an aggressive attack on another dog or staff member, it will result in an immediate and permanent ban from Pawsh Park.
• The safety and well-being of our guests and staff members are our top priority, and we cannot compromise on this aspect.

Safety Measures:

• Dogs with behavior issues will be closely monitored during their stay to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in our care.
• We reserve the right to refuse entry or continue services to any dog that poses an unreasonable risk to the safety or well-being of others, despite reasonable efforts made to address their behavior issues.

 Please note that while we strive to accommodate as many dogs as possible, we have limitations in providing individual play for dogs with behavior issues due to space constraints. Our primary concern is maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all dogs and staff at Pawsh Park.   

Examples of what could be considered strikes for dogs with behavior issues: 

Aggressive behavior towards other dogs:

• Biting, lunging, or attacking other dogs during interactions.
• Exhibiting possessive or resource-guarding behavior that leads to aggression towards other dogs.

Aggressive behavior towards staff members:

• Biting, growling, or snapping at staff members during handling, grooming, or other interactions.
• Showing territorial or protective aggression towards staff members.

Excessive fear or anxiety-related behaviors:

• Displaying extreme fear or anxiety that disrupts the dog’s ability to relax or engage with other dogs or staff members.
• Consistently showing signs of fear aggression, such as biting or snapping when feeling threatened or cornered.

Inappropriate or excessive mounting:

• Engaging in persistent mounting behavior towards other dogs despite corrections or redirection.

Uncontrolled excessive barking or vocalization:

• Consistently barking excessively and without cause, causing disruption to other dogs or staff members.
• Displaying intense or aggressive vocalizations towards other dogs or staff members.

Inability to follow basic commands or respond to redirection:

• Demonstrating an unwillingness or inability to respond to basic commands, making it challenging to manage the dog’s behavior in a group setting.
• Ignoring redirection attempts or continuing to engage in disruptive behavior despite corrective measures. 

Please note that these are just examples, and each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Strikes will be determined based on the severity, frequency, and potential risk associated with the behavior exhibited. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs and staff members at Pawsh Park.

PAWSH ALTERATION POLICY

 At Pawsh Park, the safety and well-being of all our furry guests are of utmost importance to us. In order to maintain a harmonious and secure environment for all dogs in our facility, we have implemented a pup alteration policy. This policy outlines the requirements and timelines for the alteration of pups based on their size, age, and behavior.

Size Level Categories: 

• Tiny Size Pups:
  • Definition: Pups weighing up to 25 pounds or measuring under 15 inches at the shoulder.
  • Alteration Timeframe: 6 to 9 Months
  • Exception Timeframe: 9 to 12 Months
• Small Size Pups:
  • Definition: Pups weighing between 25 and 50 pounds or measuring between 15 and 22 inches at the shoulder.
  • Alteration Timeframe: 6 to 9 Months
  • Exception Timeframe: 9 to 12 Months
• Medium Size Pups:
  • Definition: Pups weighing over 50 pounds or measuring over 22 inches at the shoulder.
  • Alteration Timeframe: 9 to 12 Months
  • Exception Timeframe: 12 to 18 Months
• Large Size Pups:
  • Definition: Pups weighing over 100 pounds or measuring over 30 inches at the shoulder.
  • Alteration Timeframe: 9 to 12 Months
  • Exception Timeframe: 12 to 18 Months 

Exception Timeframe:

• Exception Criteria: In certain cases, where the alteration of a pup may adversely affect their behavior or their ability to interact positively with other dogs in the yard, an exception to the standard alteration timeframe may be considered.
• Exception Approval: Exceptions to the alteration timeframe will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our trained staff.
• Documentation Required: Pet owners requesting an exception must provide supporting documentation from a certified veterinarian explaining the reason for the delay in alteration and demonstrating the steps taken to address the behavioral concerns.
• Exception Timeframe: The exception timeframe will be determined by our staff based on the specific circumstances, behavioral improvements, and recommendations from the veterinarian. This timeframe will be communicated to the pet owner. 

Compliance:

• Proof of Alteration: Pet owners must provide proof of pup alteration, such as a certificate or documentation from a certified veterinarian, before their pup can attend Pawsh Park.
• Reevaluation: Pups granted an exception timeframe will be reevaluated periodically to assess their progress and behavior in the yard. Pawsh Park reserves the right to revoke the exception if the pup’s behavior remains problematic or poses a risk to other dogs.
• We believe that this pup alteration policy will contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all dogs at Pawsh Park. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to this policy. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our staff.

There can be several reasons why unaltered dogs may not be allowed to participate in group play at a doggie daycare.

Here are some common considerations: 

• Health and safety: Unaltered dogs may have different hormonal levels and behaviors that can affect the dynamics of group play. Intact males can be more territorial, aggressive, or dominant, especially around females in heat. This can potentially lead to conflicts, fights, or injuries among dogs.

• Behavioral issues: Unaltered dogs might exhibit certain behaviors, such as mounting or excessive marking, which can disrupt the harmony of group play. These behaviors can trigger reactions from other dogs and create tension or even fights.

• Risk of unwanted breeding: In a daycare setting, it is crucial to prevent any accidental breeding. Unaltered males may show heightened interest in intact females, potentially leading to unwanted pregnancies. This risk can be mitigated by only allowing spayed or neutered dogs in group play.

• Reduced social compatibility: Dogs that are not spayed or neutered may have difficulty socializing and interacting appropriately with other dogs. Intact males, in particular, may have a stronger desire to assert their dominance, leading to conflicts with other dogs, especially if there are intact females present.

• Staff safety and handling: Unaltered dogs may require extra attention and supervision from the daycare staff due to their unique behaviors and tendencies. Staff members may need to be trained in handling intact dogs properly to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs and staff involved.

• Preventing stress or discomfort: Female dogs in heat may experience physical discomfort, and intact males can become highly stressed or agitated when there are females in heat nearby. These factors can increase the chances of conflicts or disruptive behavior during group play.