What is Dog Evaluation?
Group Play is not for every dog and that’s OK. At Haven each dog wanting to join our open play needs to be evaluated to ensure their safety and compatibility.
The new pup begins acclimating to the new sights and scents alone with a senior staff member. Dogs are introduced one at a time to the newcomer based on their personality and activity level. The goal of the slow introductions and observing the dogs’ reactions helps us gather important information. The first several dogs introduced are usually ones known to be “low-key”, mild-mannered, or submissive dogs. We watch for warning signals, such as: stiffness, stress, high tail carriage, and ears/body forward – all signs of potential issues. If a dog’s correction is observed, it must be very mild (i.e., snapping to send a message, without actual contact). Obviously, for the safety of all, any dog who appears aggressive will not be allowed, although we never prejudge based on breed. Once a dog is deemed “safe for play” or is “accepted” into our program, he/she is free to attend our Play Day any day of the week or as an overnight guest.
Haven reserves the right to refuse admittance to any pet guest for any reason, at any time, who lacks proof of vaccinations, displays signs of untreated or potentially contagious conditions, demonstrates aggressive behavior, or who fails our standard health and temperament policies.
Haven requires a Trial/Temperament Day prior to first Day-Play Day and Boarding Stay. Testing is by appointment only and is performed by a Senior Haven Staff Member. We ask to keep your pup for approximately 4-6 hours, this will allow us adequate time to slowly evaluate, get to know them, and hopefully integrate them into our pack.
Our temperament test has a one-time fee of $20 and is done Monday-Thursday.
