Scampers Weekly Recap – April 8, 2016

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Scampers Weekly Recap - April 8, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 Dear --Valued Customer--

Wow! That's some pretty good timing! We're enjoying spring break this week, and the perfect weather for shade tents and pooch pools for your furbabies while they're partying at Scampers, and, for the humans, sunglasses and barbecue parties on the patio.

And believe it or not, it can get too hot out there. Don't worry, though - when it gets too hot, we bring everyone indoors to enjoy our lovely air-conditioned air.
 
 
 
 


Congratulations to April 2016 Pooch of the Month, the lovely, languidly relaxed Luna Beaux. She was the clear winner after a very busy voting period.

You can check out all the other candidate photos in the album on our Facebook page.
 
 
 
 
Scampers Facebook Bulldog Faceoff - Congratulations, Maximus!

Our Scampers families always get such a charge out of our bulldog photos that we thought we'd give them a category of their own.

The winner of our Bulldog Faceoff:
Maximus doing his yoga stretches.
 
 
 
 


Just like bored children acting out to get attention, dogs can sometimes act inappropriately in order to get our undivided attention. While it is tempting to use a firm “No!” to address this poor behavior, you may find that you’re still frustrated in your attempts to control your dog, or are still correcting behaviors multiple times a day (sometimes without even thinking about it!). If that’s the case in your household, you may be ready to try something different.

The next time you encounter a persistent problem behavior, take a step back and observe the entire situation. Are there environmental cues like light, sound, smell consistently present when the behavior is noticed? Does the behavior happen at a certain time of day? Are there other people or animals around at the time? Does your reaction to the behavior reward the dog with attention, positive or negative?

After observation, consider how you might distract your dog from the unwanted behavior, or remove the stimuli which cause it in the first place. Removing the stimulus will often remove the behavior. If that isn’t enough, try what psychologists call behavior extinction.

Extinction takes some practice, but provides long-term effects. It works by removing the reward from unwanted behaviors. Although dogs may understand your firm “No,” it is unlikely that a bored or anxious animal will stop the behavior if it provides attention they so greatly desire. Instead, poor behavior (not dangerous behavior, only “problem” or “annoying” behaviors) are consistently and systematically ignored, while good behaviors (even behaviors as simple as sitting, standing still, or staying calm and quiet in the face of a formerly exciting stimulus) are rewarded with food, love, or toys – whatever your dog loves most in the world! After only one or two weeks, many behaviors can be significantly improved.

Thanks to Elise Poston for this submission. Look for more Did You Know tidbits from Elise in future editions of Scampers Weekly Recap.
 
 
 
 
Scampers Online Reservations and Account Management
Our online management system , otherwise known as GingrApp, is cooking along nicely now. If you wish, you are able to create your own login to make your reservations online for boarding and for daycare, upload photos and set up a credit card on file (encrypted to a fare-thee-well!) if you feel so inclined.
 
 
 
 
By the way, for users who have set up a credit card on file, you may use another card at any time, but please let us know before we run the transaction for you so that we can de-select that account.
 
 
 
 
Reservations, please!

We're filling up these days! Often!

Please make sure you get your reservations into our system, whether via the GingrApp Portal, or by phone or email. We are also very happy to set up recurring appointments for our customers who have predictable schedules.

(This picture is a little bit exaggerated, by the way. They all gathered around because they wanted to know what Amanda had in her hand.)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Have a Cuppa Joe in support of pet rescue

Hey all -- look for our coffee service each morning when you are dropping off. We're donating the coffee and trimmings to the cause. Any funds we take in for cups of coffee will be forwarded to Homeward Pet.

We hope you'll opt for a quick Cuppa Joe from right here at Scampers so we can all help support canine rescue efforts.
 
 
 
 
Weekly Report - We are delighted to report that this week we collected $18.02 for Homeward Pet through our coffee fund. Thank you very much. We hope you enjoyed your coffee!
 
 
 
 

Every once in a while we come across a dog-oriented joke.


April seems to be Puppy Month at Scampers, so we've found a puppy themed Friday Funny:
 
 
 
 
Watch for the updates of our framed Friday Funny in our reception area.

We'll also make sure they're posted on our Facebook page so you can share them with your friends.
 
 
 
 
We're a pretty close knit group of pooches - we form strong friendships, and we get to know each other very well. When we new pooches join us, we love to introduce them around and get them started in their Scampering adventures - that's why they call us the "Welcome Waggin".
 
 
 
 
Penelope the Newfie Pup had such a ball with us on Wednesday - she LOVES the pools! She also had a great time making lots of new friends. At the same time, Baer the Golden Cocker Retriever pup was meeting his new circle, and having just a blast with puppy Penny S.

On Thursday, Stassi the chocolate lab joined the Active fun, and what a good girl she is! She's got plenty of moxie, but she's also a pleasant girl who respects her friends and her wranglers. Meanwhile, Little Coop C discovered the fun that can be found with a bunch of other pooches, and is looking forward to having another day with us. And we're looking forward to him coming again!

This morning, we introduced Petite Goldendoodle Sakura to the party. She's a happy-go-lucky girl, a natural camper!
 
 
 
 
We're all waving goodbye and wishing Happy Tails to Bentley Aussie, who is heading off to Hot Las Vegas, we're going to miss him, and we wish him the very best in his new home.
 
 
 
 
Hey, Peeps, don't forget, if you're curious about how we spend our days and you're not quite sure what those report cards really mean, you can watch the adventures in the photos and videos our wranglers are posting on the Scampers Facebook page.

There's also a ScampersDogs channel on YouTube where you'll find all kinds of fun videos, and we update that selection periodically.
 
 
 
 
PupPod is the new fun and training game for your dog that everyone is talking about.

We've launched the pilot PupPod program at Scampers, and have set up a PupPod in our boarding area for interested pooches to exercise their minds.
 
 
 
 
We're learning that some dogs are very receptive to the PupPod, and find it a great distraction, especially for a couple of the dogs who are more prone to separation anxiety. And with all that brain work, they get good and tired!

We are finding that the dogs who are quickest to pick up the trick of the PupPod tend to be relatively independent, have some familiarity with Kongs, and are treat-driven. (Who knew that there are some dogs who really aren't all that interested in treats?!)
 
 
 
 

Our boarding facility has very been busy this year, especially over the holidays and long weekends. Remember to get your boarding requests in early to make sure there's room enough for your pooches. 
 
 
 
 

Samson is a frequent Scampers boarder. Here he is greeting the morning staff with his great big grin!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Every once in a while we receive a photo from one of our customers showing us what their beloveds are doing after their day at Scampers.

We're always looking for new material but we have some classics to share:

 
 
 
 

Odie just needs a place to put his snout
while he takes a little nap.
 
 
 
 
Apparently, young English Setter Leica is getting lots of exercise when she comes to Scampers. Here's what she looks like at home.
 
 
 
 

Here's Tillie H giving us her impression
of a tired poodle. Too pooped to notice
her lovely rawhide chewy.
 
 
 
 

We loved this shot of Sadie - the look on her face says that she's not pleased that her belly rub got interrupted for the sake of a camera.
 
 
 
 


Like many pooches, Swiffer enjoys the world through an open car window, even if he so tired after his Scampers day that he sleeps through it!
 
 
 
 


Bliss is a place to rest my head, a hand to stroke my neck.
 
 
 
 
 

This category of owner-contributed pics features dogs enjoying their extracurricular fun.
This is where we'll post the pics we've received of your pooches enjoying summer vacations, beach roaming, ball games, and any other such general exploring. 
 
 
 
 
Congratulations to McKinley, Blue Ribbon Pooch

McKinley took home the Blue Ribbon (Novice) at last month's Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show. McKinley's a lovely girl, and her mom is so proud of her, and so excited to show us that McKinley really can be a good dog.
 
 
 
 

Nurse Odie is
taking good care of Mom.
 
 
 
 


Little Miss Chomchom is all dressed up and ready for her tromp around Whistler.

These boots are made for walking!
 
 
 
 

Murphy C surveys his domain!
 
 
 
 

Luna Blue Pit is learning to enjoy her kid sister's attention. Emily is learning that Luna's a great big sister.
 
 
 
 

We have also received some great shots documenting "The Real Reason" you bring your furkids to Scampers.
 
 
 
 

Max at home... this is what the kids do to him...
 
 
 
 

Fenris finds his Scampers time not only a great time to bond with his good friends of the canine variety, but also as a much needed escape from his new friend of the feline variety.
 
 
 
 


The famous Odie is at it again.
Mr. Champion Counter Surfer has his eye on the beautiful beignet!
 
 
 
 


Pretty Abby G is a very helpful pooch indeed. This lovely picture shows her effort at helping to unpack mysterious things at the office.
 
 
 
 
Canine Nosework Classes at Scampers
 
 
 
 
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and an inborn desire to hunt. The sport of K9 Nose Work is designed to develop the natural scenting abilities of your dog by using their passion for hunting and their love of toys, food and exercise.  

It's a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy and you get to find out just how good your dog's nose is.
 
Vicki Francks, owner of Cascade Canines continues offering K9 Nose Work Classes using Scampers facility. If you'd like some information on the next round of classes, give Vicki a call at 206-849-7643. More information is also available as Scampers front desk.
 
 
 
 

A gentle reminder that Scampers daycare hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and our weekend and holiday daycare hours are by appointment only,  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the case of an emergency, we are able to make the accommodation for extended stay. Please call us, though, to advise.
 
 
 
 
Dogs on Leashes, Pretty Please

Our reception area is often very busy, and we host many dogs with many different kinds of personalities. While we love them all, we know that some are inclined to jump up and greet new friends, and others are inclined to try to protect their beloved humans.

To avoid any kind of mishap, please ensure your pooches are securely leashed and in control while in our reception area. 

 
 
 
 
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
 
Very best regards,
 
 
 
 
Linda Olsen and Stina Hughes 
Scampers Daycamp for Dogs

​Play all day - go home happy. 
 
 
 
 
 
12532 124th Street NE Kirkland, WA 98034
T 425-821-9100  |  F 425-821-4685