Properly preparing your dog’s meals is an essential part of ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay at On Command Dogs. To help you get everything ready, we’ve put together a guide on how to prepare and pack your dog’s food, along with important details about feeding instructions and our kennel food option.

Why Bring Your Dog’s Food?

We strongly recommend bringing your dog’s regular food to keep them on their normal diet. Sudden changes in diet can cause upset stomachs, so sticking to their usual food helps maintain their digestive health and keeps them comfortable.

If needed, we can provide “Kennel Food” at a cost of $2.50 per meal, but bringing their own food is always the best option.

How to Prepare Your Dog’s Meals

When packing your dog’s food, make sure to bring enough for their entire stay, plus a little extra to account for delays or increased activity levels. Here’s how to prepare different types of food:

1. Dry Food

• We recommend bringing your dog’s whole bag or container of dry food to ensure they have enough.
• Alternatively, you can pre-measure each meal into Ziploc bags for added convenience.

2. Wet Food

• Wet food should be packed in cans, Ziploc bags, or plastic containers.
• Please note that we do not accept glass containers or raw meats.
• Our facility has multiple fridges and freezers to keep wet food fresh during your dog’s stay.

3. Treats

• You’re welcome to pack 1–3 treats for your dog.
• Be sure to bring treats in their original packaging for easy identification.

Feeding Instructions

At drop-off, our front desk staff will ask about your dog’s feeding schedule and any special instructions. These details will be recorded in our system to ensure consistency and proper care.

• Provide Clear Measurements:
  We use our own measuring cups, so please let us know the exact measurements for your dog’s meals (e.g., "1 cup per meal").
• Special Dietary Needs:
  If your dog has specific dietary requirements, be sure to communicate them clearly during drop-off.

A Stress-Free Mealtime Experience

By following these guidelines, you’ll help ensure that your dog’s mealtimes remain consistent and stress-free while they’re boarding with us. If you have any questions about meal preparation or special dietary needs, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!

At On Command Dogs, we’re committed to making your dog’s boarding stay as beneficial and enjoyable as possible. That’s why we offer a range of additional services to meet your pup’s needs, from training to grooming. Here’s a closer look at the services you can add to enhance their stay:

1. Bootcamp: Train While They Board

Our Bootcamp programs are an excellent way to combine boarding with professional training. These programs are designed to address behavioral challenges, teach new commands, or reinforce obedience—all while your dog enjoys their stay.

• Why Choose Bootcamp?
  Bootcamp is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to get your dog trained. It combines expert guidance from our trainers with consistent practice in a structured environment.
• What’s Included?
  The cost of Bootcamp includes boarding, so your dog will enjoy all the standard boarding benefits while receiving personalized training.
• How to Enroll
  Speak with one of our trainers to discuss your goals and schedule your dog’s Bootcamp. For more details on program options, click here.

2. Training Refresher

Has your dog already completed a training course with On Command Dogs? If so, they’re eligible for our $25 Training Refresher during their boarding stay.

• What’s a Training Refresher?
  This quick refresher reinforces previously learned commands and ensures your dog stays sharp and responsive.
• How to Request It
  Just let us know during drop-off that you’d like to add a refresher course for your dog.

3. Grooming Services

After days of fun and activity, why not treat your dog to a little pampering? We offer a variety of grooming services to keep your pup clean, fresh, and looking their best.

• Grooming Options
  From baths and nail trims to full grooming sessions, we have services to suit your dog’s needs.
• How to Schedule
  Contact our grooming team to discuss your dog’s grooming needs and book their appointment. For a full list of services, click here.

The Perfect Boarding Experience

Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s behavior, maintain their training, or pamper them with grooming, these add-on services help make their stay as rewarding as possible.

If you have any questions or want to add a service to your dog’s boarding stay, contact us today—we’d love to help you create the perfect experience for your pup!

At On Command Dogs, we know how important playtime and socialization are for your furry friend. That’s why we offer the opportunity for boarding dogs to join our daycare group—but there’s a process to follow to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Here’s everything you need to know about daycare eligibility for boarding dogs.

Daycare Evaluation: A Prerequisite for Playtime

Before your dog can participate in daycare, they must complete our daycare evaluation process. This evaluation helps our trainers assess your dog’s behavior, temperament, and social skills to ensure they’re a good fit for group play.

The evaluation is a critical step in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all dogs in our care.

Scheduling the Evaluation

Daycare evaluations must be scheduled with one of our trainers, and due to high demand, our evaluation appointments are typically booked 3–4 weeks in advance. If you’re planning to board your dog and want them to participate in daycare, we recommend scheduling their evaluation as early as possible to secure a spot.

Daycare During Boarding

If your dog passes the evaluation, they’ll be eligible to join our daycare group while boarding, provided capacity limits haven’t been reached. Daycare offers a fantastic opportunity for your dog to burn off energy, socialize, and enjoy supervised play with other friendly pups—all at no extra cost during their stay.

Benefits of Daycare for Boarding Dogs

Participating in daycare while boarding provides numerous benefits for your dog, including:

• Physical exercise to keep them active and healthy.
• Mental stimulation to reduce boredom and stress.
• Socialization to help them feel happy and confident.

Plan Ahead for a Pawsitive Experience

To give your dog the best experience while boarding, it’s essential to plan ahead. Schedule their daycare evaluation well before their boarding stay and ensure they’re ready for fun and safe playtime.

For more details on our daycare services or to book an evaluation, click here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help you and your pup every step of the way!

Wondering what your furry friend’s daily routine will be like while boarding with us? At On Command Dogs, we ensure your pup stays active, well-fed, and cared for throughout their stay. Here’s a peek into a typical day for our boarding dogs, designed to keep them happy, healthy, and stress-free.

Morning Walks and Breakfast

Our day starts early, around 5:30 AM, with the first round of leash walks in our secure, fenced backyard. These walks are scheduled every 2-3 hours to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and bathroom breaks.

Breakfast is served starting at 6:00 AM, ensuring your dog gets the energy they need for the day ahead. If your dog requires additional feedings, we’re happy to accommodate up to three meals a day.

Midday Activities and Playtime

Throughout the day, your dog will continue to enjoy regular walks and, if they’ve passed our daycare evaluation, they can join our daycare group for social playtime with other friendly pups. Daycare offers a fun, enriching environment with opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

Best of all, daycare is included at no extra cost, provided there’s availability in the group. (For more details, check out our daycare services.)

Evening Meals and Final Walks

Dinner is served around 7:00 PM, and your dog’s evening wraps up with additional walks to ensure they’re comfortable and ready for bed. The final walk of the day takes place around 9:30 PM, providing one last chance to stretch their legs before settling in for the night.

Bedtime and Overnight Care

Once all walks are complete, it’s bedtime for our boarding guests. We dim the lights to create a calm, quiet environment that promotes restful sleep. And rest assured, your pup is never alone—our facility is staffed 24/7, so there’s always someone on hand to monitor and care for your dog, even during the night.

A Day Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs

At On Command Dogs, every dog receives personalized care and attention. Whether your pup thrives on playtime, prefers a calm routine, or has special dietary needs, we’re here to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable stay.

If you have any questions or specific requests for your dog’s boarding experience, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to giving your pet the best care possible while you’re away!

Boarding your dog can feel like a big step, but with a little preparation, you can help ensure your pup feels right at home. At On Command Dogs, we strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for your furry friend. To make your dog’s stay as smooth as possible, here’s a breakdown of what to bring—and what to leave at home—when boarding with us.

What You Can Bring

We encourage you to bring items that will help your dog feel more comfortable and maintain their routine. Here’s what we allow:

1. Your Dog’s Food: Whether your dog prefers dry kibble or wet food, bring enough to cover their entire stay. Consistency in diet helps prevent upset stomachs.
2. Treats: Feel free to pack their favorite treats, but be sure to keep them in their original packaging for easy identification.
3. Blankets (1-2): A familiar scent can provide comfort. One or two washable blankets from home are a great addition to their cozy spot.
4. Toys (1-3): Pack a few durable, non-squeaky toys your dog loves. These can help keep them entertained and relaxed during their stay.
5. Medication, Supplements, or Vitamins: If your dog requires medication or supplements, bring these in their original containers. Be sure to review our Medication Rules on our Dog Boarding page to ensure compliance.
6. Slow Feeder Bowls: If your dog benefits from a slow feeder, you’re welcome to bring it along. We provide regular bowls and water buckets, but we understand some dogs may need a specialized option.

What You Should Not Bring

For safety and practicality, there are certain items we cannot accept:

• Raw Food Diets: For sanitary reasons, raw food is not permitted.
• Beds and Crates: We provide cozy cots for all boarding dogs, so no need to bring beds or crates.
• Glass Containers and Liquid Medications: To prevent breakage and accidents, glass items and liquid medications or injections are not allowed.
• Heated Blankets or Electrical Items: Safety is our top priority, so we do not accept any electrical items, including heated blankets.
• Leashes, Collars, Bowls, and Measuring Cups: Our team uses standardized bowls, buckets, and measuring tools to ensure consistent care. Please leave these items at home.

A Note on Personal Belongings

While we do our best to keep your dog’s belongings safe and secure, we recommend avoiding items of sentimental or high monetary value. Accidents and misplaced items, though rare, can happen.

Preparing for a Stress-Free Stay

At On Command Dogs, we’re committed to making your dog’s stay as enjoyable as possible. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your pup is comfortable, well-cared for, and ready to have a great time. If you have any questions about what to bring, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!

When it comes to boarding your dog, their health and well-being are our top priorities. If your pup requires medications, supplements, or vitamins during their stay, we’re happy to help administer them. To ensure everything runs smoothly, here’s a detailed guide to our medication policy, including what we accept, what we don’t, and how to prepare for your dog’s stay.

Medication Administration Fee

Administering medications, supplements, and vitamins requires careful attention and adherence to your pet’s routine. For this reason, we charge a daily $5 administration fee for these services. This fee helps ensure our staff has the time and resources to properly care for your dog’s health needs.

What We Accept

To maintain safety and consistency, we require all medications, supplements, and vitamins to meet the following criteria:

1. Original Packaging: All items must be in their original packaging with clear labeling. This ensures accurate dosing and prevents any mix-ups. Please include the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions if applicable.
2. Clear Dosing Instructions: Provide detailed instructions for each item, including dosage, frequency, and any special notes (e.g., "must be given with food").
3. Pill Organizers (Optional): If you use a pill organizer at home, you may bring it along for convenience, but the original packaging must also be provided for reference.

What We Do Not Accept

For the safety of all pets and staff, we are unable to administer:

• Liquid Medications or Supplements: We do not accept liquids due to the higher risk of spillage, contamination, and inaccurate dosing.
• Injectable Medications or Supplements: Injections require specialized training and equipment beyond our facility’s scope of care.

If your dog requires liquid or injectable medications, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for alternative boarding or care options.

How to Prepare Your Dog’s Medication for Boarding

To streamline the check-in process and ensure proper care, follow these steps:

1. Organize Medications in a Separate Bag: Place all medications, supplements, and vitamins in a clearly labeled bag to keep them organized and easy to access.
2. Provide Detailed Instructions: Write out clear instructions for each item, including dosage, frequency, and any specific requirements (e.g., “administer with morning meal”).
3. Communicate Special Needs: If your dog has any specific needs related to their medication (e.g., difficulty swallowing pills), let our staff know in advance.

Ensuring Your Dog’s Health and Safety

Our team at On Command Dogs is dedicated to providing high-quality care tailored to your pet’s needs. By adhering to these medication guidelines, we can work together to keep your dog healthy and comfortable throughout their stay.

If you have questions about our medication policies or need assistance preparing for your dog’s stay, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!

Hey there, pups! Summer is here, and while that means more time for playing outside, it also means hotter weather. Just like your humans need to stay cool, you do too. Don’t worry, we’ve got some tail-wagging tips to help you beat the heat and stay as cool as a cucumber!

1. Hydration Station
First things first, drink up! Just like when you play fetch non-stop, you need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure your water bowl is always full of fresh, cool water. If your human has a garden hose, they can even set up a little doggy fountain for you to drink from. It's like having your very own water park!

2. Cool Down with a Doggy Pool
Speaking of water parks, how about a pool party? A kiddie pool is perfect for splashing around and cooling off. Get your human to fill one up in the backyard, and you can have a blast jumping in and out. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your doggy paddle skills!

3. Shade is Your Best Friend
When the sun is blazing, find a nice shady spot to relax. Whether it’s under a big tree, a patio umbrella, or even indoors with the air conditioning, shade helps keep you cool. Your human might even set up a special shaded area just for you with your favorite blanket or mat.

4. Frozen Treats
Ever heard of pupsicles? They’re frozen treats made just for dogs! Your human can make them with dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, yogurt, and a bit of water or broth. Freeze them in ice cube trays or molds and voila! A delicious and refreshing treat to enjoy on a hot day.

5. Avoid Hot Pavement
Imagine walking on hot sand at the beach – ouch! The pavement can get super hot and burn your paws. Try to walk on grass or dirt paths instead. If you have to walk on pavement, do it early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler. And hey, maybe your human can carry you part of the way. Who doesn't love a good carry?

6. Doggy Sunscreen
Did you know that dogs can get sunburned too? Especially if you have a light coat or pink skin. Ask your human to get some dog-safe sunscreen and apply it to your nose, ears, and belly before you go out. It might feel a bit weird, but it’s better than a sunburn.

7. Haircuts and Grooming
Long fur can make you feel like you’re wearing a winter coat in the summer. Regular grooming can help keep your fur manageable. A shorter haircut might be just what you need to stay cool. But remember, don’t go too short – your fur also protects you from the sun!

8. Chill Indoors
Sometimes it’s just too hot to be outside. That’s okay! Stay inside where it’s cool. Find a nice spot on the tile floor, in front of a fan, or even cuddle up next to an air vent. Indoor games like tug-of-war or hide and seek with treats can be just as fun as outdoor activities.

9. Car Safety
Never, ever stay in a parked car. It can get dangerously hot very quickly. If your human needs to run errands, it’s better for you to stay at home or go inside the store with them if pets are allowed. Remember, safety first!

10. Watch for Heatstroke
It’s important to know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, or even collapsing. If you’re feeling too hot, let your human know right away. They’ll know what to do to help you cool down quickly.

11. Ice Pack Snuggles
If you’re feeling extra hot, cuddle up with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. It’s like having a chilly pillow to lie on. You can even have your human make you an ice pack out of a damp towel and freeze it for a bit. Instant cool-down!

12. Timing is Everything
Plan your playtime for the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are perfect for walks and runs. You’ll have more energy, and the temperature will be much more comfortable.
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So there you have it, pals! Follow these tips, and you’ll be the coolest pup on the block. Remember, summer is all about fun, but staying safe and cool is the most important part. Happy summer, and keep those tails wagging!