FAQ on Day Care
How old must my dog be to attend the Day Care Center? Do you take puppies?
We take puppies into our Day Care unit as long as they have had their vaccinations and are ready to learn how to socialize. We have had several puppies who started coming to us just as we opened, and they have now grown up together to be sociable and well-behaved young dogs.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
We will check the vaccination certificates of all new entrants into day care. We require the basic vaccines such as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis, and ask you to have your dog vaccinated against kennel cough as well (both Parainfluenza and Bordatella).
May my dog still come if he has diarrhoea or an upset stomach?
No. We ask you to inform us in case of illness, and to not bring a dog which is not well.
Does my dog have to be assessed before being accepted in the Dog Day Care Center?
We assess all dogs before taking them into day care by having a Trial Day. We assess the initial suitability and potential for your dog to integrate with our groups safely, and shall have a fully transparent discussion with you at the end of the day about our observations and whether we feel this is an appropriate option for your dog, or whether he would benefit from training before trying again. Please note that as a principle, we do not take aggressive dogs into the day care unit. If in doubt as to suitability or socialization skills with other dogs, we would ask you to first book a 30 minute introductory session with one of our trainers for assessment.
What if my dog is not social or used to being with other dogs?
As a principle, we do not take aggressive dogs into the day care unit. If in doubt by the owner as to suitability or socialisation skills with other dogs, we would ask you to first book a 30 minute introductory session with one of our trainers for assessment. That said, we have taken in many dogs who have not been used to other dogs due to the pandemic and lockdowns, and these have become well adjusted and happy dogs, thrilled at spending their days in the company of their buddies!
Are there fights in the dog day care center? What happens?
Our personnel has had many years of experience looking after dogs, as dog walkers and having worked in boarding kennels and day care centers with large groups of dogs. Their primary goal is to foster and maintain harmonious and respectful relationships amongst the dogs without taking any undue risks. New dogs are integrated with great care and step by step. We do not accept resource guarding, for example. Our groups of dogs are selected on the basis of age, size, breed and individual character.
My dog is reactive and nervous with other dogs – does that disqualify my dog?
No. We assess the suitability of your dog during the Trial Day and have a frank discussion with you as owner. We have had many successful integrations of dogs who have grown up during the pandemic without having contact with other dogs, and are now thriving as part of our groups of dogs who are now their buddies. Please note, however, that we do not accept aggressive dogs in the day care unit. If your dog is reactive with other dogs, we suggest that you book an initial introductory appointment with one of our trainers to discuss what is and what is not possible.
Do you accept dogs that are not castrated or spayed?
Yes. However, bitches in season can not come to the Day Care unit during the whole period so as not to disrupt the harmony amongst the dogs.
What is the typical schedule for a day at the Dog Day Care unit?
The Day Care unit is open 07.00 – 19.00. For the schedule, think children’s nursery, with play time and learning interspersed with periods of rest. The dogs will usually arrive between 07 and 0900, and will be put into their usual groups for the morning. New dogs will be carefully assessed during these first few hours, carefully introducing them to the other dogs in the selected group, one by one, and later (assuming all goes well) with the other dogs in the group. Walks begin c. 10, either in the nearby forest areas or in the park adjacent to our building. The dogs return around lunch time, and those that have lunch will be fed separately. Quiet time is usually from c. 12.30 until 14.00, when the dogs relax with their buddies. The dogs have short walks, play and training sessions in the afternoons, with pick up to go home starting c. 17.00, depending on the schedules of their owners.
How many times do the dogs go out on walks? And what are the walks like?
The dogs are usually taken for one long walk (1-1.5 hours) in the forest or nearby park areas, and short walks in the afternoon. An additional long walk may be incorporated in your dog’s schedule upon request.
Do you let dogs off the lead when on walks?
We train walking on the leash and recall with the dogs on each walk. Only when we feel that we have the full attention of the dog and with the express permission of their owner, will we let a dog run on a long lead. Our existing dogs in the group also help with this training as they know how recall works. New dogs are always on long leads. The dogs are not allowed to stray from us even when off the lead for maximum security.
How much play do the dogs get during the day?
The days are strictly scheduled, with walks, play and learning, as well as ample time for “calm time” with naps and chilling with buddies on our comfortable sofas and in the dog beds. We teach the puppies and young dogs in our care to learn how to calm down and relax.
Do dogs bark a lot in day care? Will my dog start to bark more at home?
Visitors to our Day Care unit are always surprised at how quiet it is! New dogs may bark out of excitement and at the unfamiliarity at first, but soon learn from the others to stay calm. We discourage over-excitement, and want to maintain good relations with our neighbours – as you would at home. That said, we recognize that some dogs “talk” more than others: we will have to assess whether this barking is due to the personality of the dog, or whether this means that the dog simply is not comfortable in a day care environment.
Do you accept all breeds?
We accept all breeds but can not look after dogs which are classified as dangerous under the Luxembourg rules. Please refer to the prevailing regulations on this subject.
Can I book other services for my dog attending day care? Do I have to be there with him for these?
Yes, you may book lessons or grooming during the day. Most of our courses are with both dog and owner, but we can organize private lessons without you upon request, for leash pulling and/or other general educational issues you would like to have help on. In any case, our personnel typically work with the dogs in our care during the day with the aim of fostering good behavior generally.
How many dogs do you walk in the groups?
The size of the groups out walking depends on the breeds, sizes and individual characters of the dogs, as well as how familiar they are with our routines and with the others. Excluding our own dogs, who may or may not accompany the groups, we would normally walk out with groups of 4-6 dogs.
What if my dog is old or injured – how does he get exercised in this case?
We devise the exercise and walks according to the needs of each dog. An old or injured dog would only have short walks as required. We would organize more mentally stimulating and taxing activities for the more sedentary dogs.
Do you feed the dogs during the day?
Yes, as specified by the owners. Each dog should have their own food rations brought with them, or we can store dog food in the individual labelled boxes of the dogs. The same goes for medication if required.
Do the dogs stay in rooms or in boxes?
Our Day Care unit is based on dogs staying with their friends in large well-lit and ventilated and air-conditioned rooms. We have 8 rooms ranging from 20-50m2. We do not keep the dogs in boxes or cages.
Do you take dogs in during holidays or for short stays?
Martha & Friends Dog Wellness is not a boarding kennel. However, for dogs who are regular visitors to our Day Care unit and whom we know well, we offer the possibility of boarding, depending on availability of space, to look after them for holidays, weekends or during your business trips.
For all other questions on Day Care, please contact us on daycare@marthaandfriends.lu
FAQ on Training
How early can I bring my puppy to puppy classes?
Socialization needs to start early with puppies. We therefore require that the first set of vaccinations have been given and that the puppy is healthy. Then you may come and join the group.
How old should a dog be when I start training?
You should start training your puppy as soon as the puppy arrives in your home and join a puppy class as soon as he/she has been vaccinated. Puppy classes are for dogs from 8 up to 24 weeks of age.
How long does it take for a dog to be fully trained?
Training a dog is a lifetime occupation and one of the greatest pleasures of dog ownership!
What equipment should I bring with me and my dog?
You need a normal collar and/or harness and lead. No retractable leads please! You should also have some favorite training treats with you – although we have a good selection of training treats in Martha’s Boutique. Should your chosen class require any other particular accessories (such as a clicker or other), we would let you know in advance.
May I book a "test" session of a class which might be of interest before booking a whole Block Course?
You may book an individual private lesson or introductory appointment if you would like to try out a specific technique or class, such as Nose Work for example. Our trainers will show you the essentials you need to know.
What happens if I cancel a class?
We would ask you to let us know in advance if you are not coming. Please note that we have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Furthermore, missed classes in booked Block Courses (e.g. you book a series of classes in advance) can not be replaced.
Am I allowed to bring a bitch is season to training?
For individual training lessons, yes, but for a group session, please contact one of our trainers as this will depend on the composition of the rest of the group.
If I do not know what course I should choose for my dog, what should I do?
Just book an introductory appointment with one of our trainers! We’ll be glad to advise you on which course we think would be most suitable.
My dog is a senior dog. Is it still possible to train him?
A dog is never too old to be trained and to have fun. Senior dogs sometimes need to have a “refresher” course to remind them of good manners or to correct a a bad habit. But most importantly, a senior dog should come to a course which he/she would find mentally stimulating and fun! The course should naturally be adapted to his/her physical and mental abilities.
For all other questions, contact us on training@marthaandfriends.lu