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IMPORTANT LIABILITY STUFF!
The fun and risky business of off leash play
Many of our clients choose The Grinning Dog because they like the idea of their dogs being able to play, off leash and outdoors. Unfortunately, like most fun in life, this is not without risk!
Off leash activities take place either within our fenced play areas (about 2 acres, 6' chain link) or unfenced and unsecured on about 50 acres of fields and woods surrounding The Grinning Dog. While both fenced and unfenced versions carry similar risks for dog/dog injury, disease and parasite transmission, the unfenced option is obviously much riskier in terms of escape, interactions with wildlife and bodies of water. The decision to take your dog on off leash, unfenced walks and swims should not be made lightly. We won't even entertain the idea of unsecured off leash walks until we have a solid bond (could take months) with your dog and have been on a trial run accompanied by you. Grinning Dog reserves the right NOT to take your dog out of the fenced yards if we get even an INKLING he/she may not come when called. Our judgement on this issue is final. We have a zero tolerance policy for any off leash behavior that scares us! The goal, after all, is that your dog is here when you get back!
If you authorize off leash Trail Walks and Pond paddles you will agree to indemnify The Grinning Dog, LLC, Alison Smith and her staff and family from any liability in relation to your dog being loose. Think your options (fenced vs. unsecured) over carefully and ask questions. Together we can design the off leash experience that is right for you and your dog.
The fun and risky business of off leash play
Many of our clients choose The Grinning Dog because they like the idea of their dogs being able to play, off leash and outdoors. Unfortunately, like most fun in life, this is not without risk!
Off leash activities take place either within our fenced play areas (about 2 acres, 6' chain link) or unfenced and unsecured on about 50 acres of fields and woods surrounding The Grinning Dog. While both fenced and unfenced versions carry similar risks for dog/dog injury, disease and parasite transmission, the unfenced option is obviously much riskier in terms of escape, interactions with wildlife and bodies of water. The decision to take your dog on off leash, unfenced walks and swims should not be made lightly. We won't even entertain the idea of unsecured off leash walks until we have a solid bond (could take months) with your dog and have been on a trial run accompanied by you. Grinning Dog reserves the right NOT to take your dog out of the fenced yards if we get even an INKLING he/she may not come when called. Our judgement on this issue is final. We have a zero tolerance policy for any off leash behavior that scares us! The goal, after all, is that your dog is here when you get back!
If you authorize off leash Trail Walks and Pond paddles you will agree to indemnify The Grinning Dog, LLC, Alison Smith and her staff and family from any liability in relation to your dog being loose. Think your options (fenced vs. unsecured) over carefully and ask questions. Together we can design the off leash experience that is right for you and your dog.
The centerpiece of our dog care model.
Customized care.
Customized care.
Dogs are not all the same, nor do their needs stay constant throughout their lives. Different breed types sometimes have different social profiles. Puppies have different needs than adults. Big dogs are differ from little dogs in more than size. Some dogs love nothing more than carousing with a group of friends all day, while others prefer joining the humans for a walk, brush-out or puzzle game. Seniors might enjoy sleeping in the sun, a gentle massage and a relaxed stroll around the pond. Lots of stimulation works for some, while others find it overwhelming. There are dogs that love chasing balls more than playing with the gang. Some love to swim and others that hate even the dew on their feet. Some clients would like their dog to get a full grooming, others need just an eyebrow trim or their nails clipped. And so on - the variety is endless.
Engaging dogs physically, mentally, and emotionally in activities they really enjoy, that suit their personalities, stage of life and individual needs- that's what makes a Grinning Dog grin...
Dogs are not all the same, nor do their needs stay constant throughout their lives. Different breed types sometimes have different social profiles. Puppies have different needs than adults. Big dogs are differ from little dogs in more than size. Some dogs love nothing more than carousing with a group of friends all day, while others prefer joining the humans for a walk, brush-out or puzzle game. Seniors might enjoy sleeping in the sun, a gentle massage and a relaxed stroll around the pond. Lots of stimulation works for some, while others find it overwhelming. There are dogs that love chasing balls more than playing with the gang. Some love to swim and others that hate even the dew on their feet. Some clients would like their dog to get a full grooming, others need just an eyebrow trim or their nails clipped. And so on - the variety is endless.
Engaging dogs physically, mentally, and emotionally in activities they really enjoy, that suit their personalities, stage of life and individual needs- that's what makes a Grinning Dog grin...
What to bring
- Bring anything that you think will add to your dog's sense of comfort and security, but nothing valuable or irreplaceable.
- It's best to stick with tried and true foods and snacks to minimize gastric upset.
- Write out anything you think we should know about your dog. Too much information is better than too little!
Food
- Kibble: should arrive in a large Zip-Loc type bag. Label the bag with a permanent marker to include your dog's name, feeding amount and frequency. Please pack enough for several extra feedings in case your return is delayed.
- Cans: should arrive labeled and unopened. We do have refrigeration available for cans we open here.
- Raw food: While we appreciate the potential health benefits of feeding homemade diets and raw bones, we prefer to limit our staff's handling of raw meat and bones. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, please save raw foods and bones for home. If raw feeding is necessary, it must arrive packed in individual, labelled, leak proof, meal sized portions. We are able to freeze and refrigerate as required.
- Treats, cookies, chewies: bring along any treats that your dog is used to (this isn't the time to introduce novelty to their diets!). Some dogs won't spend much time on their normal chew toys because they are so distracted by their playmates.
- Please label medication with the dog's name, name of medication and dosing instructions. Include several extra doses in case of pick up delay.
- Dog beds, blankets and "loveys": While we have plenty of clean bedding here, most dogs take great comfort from curling up at night with something that smells like home. This could include a worn t-shirt, an old pillowcase you've slept on, or even their own bed/blanket. Please don't bring anything of value. Sometimes a dog that never chews a bed a bed will when in a new environment and we aren't able to replace bedding brought from home.
Health requirements
Vaccines
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Rates
Overnight (Includes daycare):
$55
per dog/per night (check out by 9:30 am)
Extra Community Daycare: $40
Extra Custom Daycare: 40+
(extend checkout for one more day of play)
$55
per dog/per night (check out by 9:30 am)
Extra Community Daycare: $40
Extra Custom Daycare: 40+
(extend checkout for one more day of play)
Pick up/Drop off Hours
Holiday Closures
We are here caring for the dogs, but closed to humans!
Christmas Day
New Years Day
July 4th
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years Day
July 4th
Thanksgiving Day
CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations may be canceled prior to 24 hours before the scheduled stay. Cancellations made inside this 24 hour window will result in an additional 1 day per dog being charged to the owner on the next stay. Cancellations made during this window on stays that are over a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) will incur a 2 day additional charge.
Fine print
Coming soon...
Custom Care
A little something extra special
Meal Toppings
Perfect for Nervous, sensitive or picky tummies and gourmet eaters. Fresh, natural, juicy chicken (skin off) $6 Warm Chicken Broth $2 Pumpkin $1 Yogurt - $1 Freeze dried liver sprinkles: Sutter's $2 Parmesan cheese - $1 
Frozen Yogurt break $4
(seasonal) |
Hot lunch $2
We will serve up your pup's lunch with warm chicken/beef/vegetable broth 
Puzzle feeders $6
Interactive toys using treats/meals as rewards. Your pet will move pegs, slide doors, spin circles to unlock tasty morsels.The humans are there to help if need be!help Different models available (Kong Wobblers, Buster Cube, etc.) and will be chosen to suit your pet specifically |
Group Trail Walk/Swim $15
1/2 hour+ off leash romp with friends through the woods and fields of our own private 50 acre dog park. Includes a dip in the pond for those that enjoy water. |
Private Trail Walks $20 (per family) 1/2 hour+ on or off leash romp with one of the humans through the woods and fields of our own private 50 acre dog park. Includes a dip in the pond for those that enjoy water. |
Private Yard Time/Private Sniff and Run $12
A large grassy or wooded yard all to themselves to sniff, explore and run to their hearts' content. This is especially good for dogs who aren't comfortable in crowds. A private, low key 1/2 hour. |
Private Pond Swim $15 (seasonal)
On or off leash. Swim or wade. Practice retrieving floating toys. Explore and sniff your way along the banks. |
More Custom Activities Coming soon!
mani/pedi
$20
Clip or Dremel, depending on your dog's preference
$20
Clip or Dremel, depending on your dog's preference
Daily Brushout
$15-$40
Daily coat care helps maintain a tangle free coat, removes debris and just generally feels good!
$15-$40
Daily coat care helps maintain a tangle free coat, removes debris and just generally feels good!
Bath and blow dry
$35 - $75+
Simple bath and dry. Smell better!
No scissoring, clipping, nails or brushing out.
$35 - $75+
Simple bath and dry. Smell better!
No scissoring, clipping, nails or brushing out.
Massage
$15 (15 minutes)
Some dogs just love the quiet one on one time of a good full body massage. Some have no patience for it and just want to be out with their friends. Let's give it a try!
$15 (15 minutes)
Some dogs just love the quiet one on one time of a good full body massage. Some have no patience for it and just want to be out with their friends. Let's give it a try!
Top n' Tail Touch ups-
Face/ beard wash. $20
Does a certain someone's shaggy beard smell a bit too much like a mop right about now? Not for long!
Sanitary wash. $20 Clean up those nether regions!
Complete Top n' Tail $40 - face, sanitary and feet
Tidy head, face and eyes $25(+-) - having trouble seeing Fluffy's gorgeous eyes, beard getting in her food? Ears need more airflow? Takes about 1/2 an hour and your dog can get right back to playing with friends.
Face/ beard wash. $20
Does a certain someone's shaggy beard smell a bit too much like a mop right about now? Not for long!
Sanitary wash. $20 Clean up those nether regions!
Complete Top n' Tail $40 - face, sanitary and feet
Tidy head, face and eyes $25(+-) - having trouble seeing Fluffy's gorgeous eyes, beard getting in her food? Ears need more airflow? Takes about 1/2 an hour and your dog can get right back to playing with friends.
- Full Groom $65- $150
- The Full Groom includes a thorough bath, blow dry, complete brush-out, nail trim, ear check, scissoring and clipping as needed.
Prices are variable. Factors considered are size, behavior, age, whether your dog is on a regular grooming schedule, and whether its coat is matted or has burrs. Coat length, texture and density determine both bathing/drying time and scissor/clippering difficulty. Disposition frequently affects how much time and how many breaks we will need to plan for. We'll give you as accurate an estimate at the time of your first appointment as possible, but while we will always contact you when it looks like costs will change, it is not unusual for your dog's grooming budget to vary throughout the year and over your dog's lifetime.
Puppy grooming 101
Gentle introduction to grooming basics for your pup. We will intersperse pup's daycare/boarding with short sessions playing and eating treats in the grooming area, on the grooming table and in an empty bathtub. The goal is to establish comfort and familiarity before any real grooming is ever done. They will hear water running, sounds of the dryers and scissors/clippers. Gentle foot/nail handling and brushing is introduced. Price varies.
Gentle introduction to grooming basics for your pup. We will intersperse pup's daycare/boarding with short sessions playing and eating treats in the grooming area, on the grooming table and in an empty bathtub. The goal is to establish comfort and familiarity before any real grooming is ever done. They will hear water running, sounds of the dryers and scissors/clippers. Gentle foot/nail handling and brushing is introduced. Price varies.
In order to create an online customer account with us, you must first be a registered customer who already uses our services and has a valid email address with us.
If you have not setup your online account with us yet, you can find out how to do so here. Your user name is the main email address you have chosen to be associated with your account. If you ever forget which email address we have on file, give us a yell and we'll send it to you. Forgot your password? No worries! It happens to the best of us. Click "Forgot Password" to reset your password.
If we have your information in our system, you will be able to create your account and enjoy benefits such as:
If you have not setup your online account with us yet, you can find out how to do so here. Your user name is the main email address you have chosen to be associated with your account. If you ever forget which email address we have on file, give us a yell and we'll send it to you. Forgot your password? No worries! It happens to the best of us. Click "Forgot Password" to reset your password.
If we have your information in our system, you will be able to create your account and enjoy benefits such as:
- View your calendar of upcoming reservations and appointments
- Schedule your own daycare and boarding reservations any time of the day or night
- Receive email confirmations of boarding and grooming reservations
- Receive reminders when vaccinations are set to expire and your Peace of Mind program (coming!) renewal is due
- Upload vaccination documents and pet photos
- Add/modify feeding and medication instructions
- Add detailed notes about your pet
- Update veterinary and health information
- Keep Emergency contacts current
- Maintain your personal information (phone numbers, address, etc.)
- Sign updated Owner Agreements and Contracts
- Make payments (coming soon!)
Cancellation Policy
Reservations may be canceled prior to 24 hours before the scheduled stay. Cancellations made inside this 24 hour window will result in an additional 1 day per dog being charged to the owner on the next stay. Cancellations made during this window on stays that are over a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) will incur a 2 day additional charge.
Health Requirements
Vaccines
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations may be canceled prior to 24 hours before the scheduled stay. Cancellations made inside this 24 hour window will result in an additional 1 day per dog being charged to the owner on the next stay. Cancellations made during this window on stays that are over a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) will incur a 2 day additional charge.
We are very flexible about almost anything, EXCEPT our drop off /pick up hours, Sundays and the occasional holiday closure. There are three main reasons why....
-
- First, our primary focus is on keeping the dogs in residence calm, content and under threshold. There is considerable attention paid to the placement and grouping of dogs during pick up/drop off in order that the excitement of some doesn't agitate the rest. They quickly learn that a car pulling in the driveway means a new dog is arriving or, better yet, that they might be going home. When cars come and go all day long the dogs stay hyper-vigilant, less focused on each other, less able to rest, more likely to vocalize and thus stress dogs and humans alike.
- Secondly, barking.... Our neighbors are saints - we've never had a noise complaint and we'd like to keep it that way. Small , local businesses benefit their communities, but must also respect their neighbors!
- Finally - we live here. There are pros and cons to having kennel owners living "on site". The pro is that we are here, 24/7, in case anything happens. The con is that we have to balance our private family time with the needs of our human clients. While we are always on duty to care for your dogs, we do need to carve out windows of time that we can be assured of privacy. Plus, it's nice to take care of dogs in your pajamas with your hair unbrushed occasionally!
Drop off/Pickup
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Hours
Mo - Sat: 8-9:30 am 4:30-6:00 pm Sunday : 5-6 pm ONLY |
Holiday Closures
Christmas Day New Years Day July 4th Thanksgiving Day |
CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations may be canceled prior to 24 hours before the scheduled stay. Cancellations made inside this 24 hour window will result in an additional 1 day per dog being charged to the owner on the next stay. Cancellations made during this window on stays that are over a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) will incur a 2 day additional charge.
Reservations may be canceled prior to 24 hours before the scheduled stay. Cancellations made inside this 24 hour window will result in an additional 1 day per dog being charged to the owner on the next stay. Cancellations made during this window on stays that are over a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) will incur a 2 day additional charge.
Overnight: $55
per dog/per night (check out by 9:30 am) . Includes daycare each day.
Additional Daycare: $40
(if needed to extend checkout until evening hours)
Different Strokes...Custom Daycare
Socializing with friends in our fenced play yards, trail walks, pond swims in the summer, snow play in the winter, hanging with the humans, maybe even some manners practice. Something for most everyone...
Vaccines
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Our email is: thegrinningdog@me.com
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal exams
Required for each new client and then every six months thereafter.
Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.
Our email is: thegrinningdog@me.com
Please note: Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
The Grinning Dog is unable to accomodate dogs with any kind of bite (humans/dogs) or escape history.
Different strokes....
One size does not fit all when it comes to the care of living things. Each individual dog has its own social, physical and temperamental profile. That profile can even vary over time with maturity, family changes, health challenges and outside experiences.
Our emphasis is on individually tailored programs. Some dogs thrive in a group, others prefer the space and calm of solo activities. Some dogs are sensitive and easily overwhelmed by boisterous playmates, some could rabble rouse until the cows come home. Some love tearing through the woods and others hate getting their toes muddy. Many prefer the company of humans and seem perfectly content to nap, watch us work (riveting, we know!), enjoy a few scratches under the chin and get out to stretch their legs a few times during the day.
Between your recommendations and our temperamental evaluations and observations, we will choose the appropriate daycare activities for your dog. Communication is key - we will always keep you in the loop if we see anything that might need tweaking and we ask that you do the same. Together we can do the best job keeping your dog and the whole community safe and happy.
One size does not fit all when it comes to the care of living things. Each individual dog has its own social, physical and temperamental profile. That profile can even vary over time with maturity, family changes, health challenges and outside experiences.
Our emphasis is on individually tailored programs. Some dogs thrive in a group, others prefer the space and calm of solo activities. Some dogs are sensitive and easily overwhelmed by boisterous playmates, some could rabble rouse until the cows come home. Some love tearing through the woods and others hate getting their toes muddy. Many prefer the company of humans and seem perfectly content to nap, watch us work (riveting, we know!), enjoy a few scratches under the chin and get out to stretch their legs a few times during the day.
Between your recommendations and our temperamental evaluations and observations, we will choose the appropriate daycare activities for your dog. Communication is key - we will always keep you in the loop if we see anything that might need tweaking and we ask that you do the same. Together we can do the best job keeping your dog and the whole community safe and happy.
Tour
Daycare
Overnights
We are very flexible about almost anything, EXCEPT our drop off /pick up hours, Sundays and the occasional holiday closure. There are three main reasons why....
-
- First, our primary focus is on keeping the dogs in residence calm, content and under threshold. There is considerable attention paid to the placement and grouping of dogs during pick up/drop off in order that the excitement of some doesn't agitate the rest. They quickly learn that a car pulling in the driveway means a new dog is arriving or, better yet, that they might be going home. When cars come and go all day long the dogs stay hyper-vigilant, less focused on each other, less able to rest, more likely to vocalize and thus stress dogs and humans alike.
- Secondly, barking.... Our neighbors are saints - we've never had a noise complaint and we'd like to keep it that way. Small , local businesses benefit their communities, but must also respect their neighbors!
- Finally - we live here. There are pros and cons to having kennel owners living "on site". The pro is that we are here, 24/7, in case anything happens. The con is that we have to balance our private family time with the needs of our human clients. While we are always on duty to care for your dogs, we do need to carve out windows of time that we can be assured of privacy. Plus, it's nice to take care of dogs in your pajamas with your hair unbrushed occasionally!
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Food & Snacks
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Activities
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Special Spa
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Check out our new website!
www.thegrinningdog.com
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