Frequently Asked Questions: Answered

As a dog owner, finding the perfect boarding and training facility for your furry friend is a task that requires careful consideration. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we understand the importance of choosing a boarding and/or training center that not only meets your needs but also ensures the safety, health, and happiness of your dog. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive guide covering the most frequently asked questions, answered, about the boarding and training that we offer.

General Facility Questions

1. What are your hours of operation? Understanding the operating hours of a boarding/training facility is crucial, especially if you have a busy schedule. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we offer flexible hours to accommodate various needs, ensuring you can drop off and pick up your dog at convenient times. Our regular hours are 8 am to 6 pm.

2. Do you offer tours of the facility? A reputable facility should always allow tours of their facility. Seeing the environment where your dog will spend their time is essential. We encourage prospective clients to visit Blaze a Trail Canine to see firsthand the cleanliness, safety measures, and overall atmosphere.

3. What is your staff-to-dog ratio? The staff-to-dog ratio is an important factor in ensuring your dog receives adequate attention, supervision, and consistency. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we maintain a one-on-one staff-to-dog ratio. As a small kennel and single-person operated facility, this approach ensures that each dog receives the personalized care and supervision they need.

In addition to Kelley, who plays the role of both owner and operator, Abbey Fennell, a certified vet tech at a local vet clinic, is on staff and a kennel tech who works to clean all dogs’ kennels and is responsible for walking all boarding and training dogs at least three times per day. This small team approach means that the same caring hands are responsible for all boarding and training dogs, setting Blaze a Trail Canine apart from larger facilities. Blaze a Trail Canine takes pride in maintaining such a personal and consistent approach.

4. What qualifications and training do your staff members have? Trained and experienced staff are critical in handling dogs effectively. Our team at Blaze a Trail Canine ONLY has certified professionals who are trained in dog behavior. For example, Kelley (owner and operator) attended Tarheel Canine Academy and was certified in basic and advanced obedience training. Along with this, Kelley graduated from Tarheel Canine Academy, the most prestigious canine training facility which required months away from her family. She was able to work hands-on with many breeds of dogs in both basic and advanced obedience training every single day for several months. Training is VERY important to Blaze a Trail Canine.

5. How do you handle emergencies? Knowing how a training/boarding facility handles emergencies can give you peace of mind. Blaze a Trail Canine has protocols in place for various emergencies, including medical issues and natural disasters, ensuring the safety of all pets in our care.

Health and Safety

6. Are vaccinations required for dogs to attend? Vaccination requirements are essential to prevent the spread of diseases. We require all dogs at Blaze a Trail Canine to be up-to-date on vaccinations for their age.

7. How do you handle medical issues or injuries? In the unfortunate event of a medical issue or injury, it's important to know how the boarding/training facility will respond. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we have a close vet tech on call trained to handle medical emergencies promptly.

8. Are dogs supervised at all times? Constant supervision is key to a safe environment. We ensure that dogs are supervised at all times, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring immediate intervention if needed. Because of our small facility and staff-to-dog ratio, we have the ability to keep a close eye on the dogs as much as possible.  We also have cameras in all kennels that are closely monitored at all times.

9. What measures are in place to prevent the spread of illness? To prevent the spread of illness, we enforce strict hygiene protocols, including regular cleaning and sanitizing with the Wysiwash Sanitizing System of all areas, which is a hypochlorite solution that disinfects everything it comes into contact with. It is eco-friendly and non-hazardous to both humans and animals. In addition to this, each dog is checked for illness before entering our facilities.

Services and Activities

10. What activities and exercises do you provide for the dogs? Engaging activities and exercise are crucial for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we offer a variety of activities, including group play, individual playtime, agility courses, and enrichment toys.

11. Do you offer any training or behavior modification services? Training and behavior modification can be beneficial, especially for young and energetic or aggressive dogs. We provide professional training services, including basic obedience, advanced training, and behavior modification programs tailored to individual needs.

12. Do you provide outdoor play areas? Outdoor play areas are essential for dogs to get fresh air, ample exercise, and stimulation. When dogs board at Blaze a Trail Canine, they are offered supervised social time at least three times daily in the spacious outdoor activity yard with secure fencing, offering plenty of room for them to run and play. In addition to this, dogs are also walked on the grounds as well.

Policies and Procedures

13. Do you accept aggressive dogs? Because of Kelley’s high level of training under her belt, we are able to accept dogs with aggressive behavior. This not only includes training but it applies to boarding as well. With each dog, we assess them carefully when deciding the next steps to take.

14. What is your policy on aggressive behavior? Handling aggressive behavior appropriately is crucial. We have meticulous methods in place to manage signs of aggression, including individualized behavior plans. (Reference our last blog HERE if you want to learn more about aggression and dogs.)

15. How do you handle dogs that are not getting along with others? Conflicts can arise, and it’s important to know how they are managed. We are trained to quickly and calmly intervene to redirect behavior and ensure a safe and peaceful environment. To take extra precautions, HDPE boards have been secured on either side of each individual kennel to protect dogs from kennel fighting.

16. What are your pick-up and drop-off procedures? Efficient pick-up and drop-off procedures can make your experience smoother. We have streamlined procedures in place to ensure a quick and hassle-free process, including designated areas for drop-off and pick-up.

Costs and Payments

17. What are your rates? Understanding the costs involved is essential. We charge $40 per day per dog for boarding, explained more HERE. We also offer competitive pricing for our training services - learn more HERE. We believe that our pricing is fair for the quality care that your dog receives.

18. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of? Transparency about additional fees is important. In addition to tax, there may be fees for dog food (If the dog happens to run out and the owner can not get the food to the kennel in time) and if any kennel items are damaged by any dog while being trained and/or boarded they will be added as additional costs.

What to Bring

19. What should I bring along with my dog when boarding? Please bring your dog’s flat collar, leash, dog food, medication, and favorite treats and toys when he or she is dropped off at Blaze a Trail Canine. These items can be placed in your dog’s individual cubby provided.

Client Communication

20. How do you communicate with owners about their dog’s stay and their behavior? Effective communication is very helpful in keeping you informed about your dog’s experience. We provide regular updates over text, with possible photos, and videos.

21. How do you handle special requests from pet owners? Special requests, such as dietary needs or specific care instructions, are important to address. We strive to accommodate all special requests to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding and training center involves asking the right questions and ensuring the facility meets your and your dog's needs. At Blaze a Trail Canine, we are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for all dogs in our care. We invite you to visit us, ask questions, and see why we are the best choice for your dog’s boarding and training needs.

Contact Info:

Email: info@blazeatrailcanine.com

Phone: 601-941-1840