Puppies are not just small dogs. Puppies have very different needs, safety concerns, and intentional care must be given to have healthy, well adjusted, happy, friendly adult dogs. Every dog is born with his own innate potential – potential for intelligence, sociability, athleticism etc. At The Bark & Call Inn, there is a structured approach to help each puppy reach his unique potential.
There is a separate suite for puppies, the Calvin and Hobbs Suite. This suite is not accessed by the other rooms and enjoys a sense of privacy and separation from the hustle and bustle of the adult dogs’ play activity. The Calvin & Hobbes Suite has an enclosed deck that overlooks the play yards extending the puppies’ play area. Here, puppies can become accustomed to a new space in their own time, away from the pressures of the larger playgroup.
Once the puppy is fully acclimated, comfortable, and curious, a single dog is brought into The Calvin & Hobbes Suite for the puppy to meet and play with. The companion dog is chosen based on compatibility across a wide array of factors, for example, size, sociability, play style and energy level. Once a friendship is established with that dog, that dog rejoins the larger playgroup and another dog is brought in for the puppy to meet and socialize with. The same factors for choosing a compatible dog apply. This continues over the course of days/weeks/months within the puppy’s own timeframe and comfort level. As the puppy ages, longer periods of time are given for play with each dog, allowing an age appropriate, graduated method of introduction to social play.
This process allows puppies to safely socialize, have positive experiences that stack on each other to help build confidence and encourage healthy social interactions with other dogs.
A typical puppy coming to The Bark & Call Inn has made friends with all the routine daycare dogs by the time the puppy is 5-9 months old and ready to join the larger playgroup. The transition into the larger playgroup is smooth and seamless because the puppy has already formed individual relationships with each of the dogs.
This process was developed thoughtfully over the 20+ years The Bark & Call Inn has been operating. Positive experiences are critical for healthy puppy development. We as owners, hope our dogs live very long and healthy lives. The quality of the companionship we can look forward to starts in puppy-hood. The Bark & Call Inn takes this responsibility seriously. The Puppy Pathways at the B&C gives pups the best possible start in life.
Learn more about keeping puppies safe.