Our family does weekly regular dog daycare days (1-3 times a week). We wanted our European great Dane to be very well socialized.
Because we have a giant breed, we were looking for someone who is understanding about conditions specific to giant breed dogs such as bloat, popular injuries and common overheating that giant breeds experience. Additionally, our Dane won’t not be fixed until after the majority of his growth, per our vet, for his safety- which came to be another issue with most daycares.
Many of the daycare‘s we came across had a strict policy that he needed to be neutered by seven months time: which seemed both unfair and discriminatory to his breed- especially when he was not showing any aggression towards any animals at daycare. (I could however understand if it had begun to be a problem- but that was not the case.) No matter his size, I don’t want him punished and not able to socialize.
When we met Diane, we were at this breakpoint of this seven months of age and we’re no longer allowed into our Daycare‘s because of this policy. (Our boy is non-aggressive and continues to show no signs of altercations with others.)
As for Dog Parent, I felt frustrated that as much as he loved daycare, we were exiled from coming back until he was fixed. (We are hoping to fix him around a year and a half, as long as there continue to be no issues.)
For our boy who goes to daycare up to three times a week, not going for several months because of this unnecessary policy seemed rather unfair and honestly, we took it a little personal.
We decided that that Daycare was not the right fit for us or our boy!
***I called Diane immediately and we tried out our first day! .... and we’ve NEVER looked back!
She sends me about 900 pictures/videos a day, which I love. Lol He absolutely loves his experience with Diane! Our dog has so much fun that when I drop him off in the mornings, he doesn’t even look back to say goodbye!
Diane is truly an animal lover, who I respect, appreciate and fully trust with our giant breed! She is very knowledgeable, attentive, aware of reading dog’s body languages and does an amazing job showing attention to our boy and all the dogs at daycare! We feel so safe with Diane! Especially because Diane is educated on bloat, how to handle it in case of emergency and how to prevent it. She always lets my dog have a rest time after meals until it is safe to resume play. As a great Dane owner, I cannot stress to you how important this is to us!
Additionally, Diane offers flexibility with her schedule, which has been a lifesaver for us, especially during Covid! We do have a back up daycare but there is nowhere near the flexibility with drop off or pick ups- which has made it nearly impossible to attend. Diane is always happy to accommodate! This added bonus, makes us feel as though SHE CARES, both about our pet but also about our family!
Our dog really loves running throughout the property with all of his friends and playing with all the toys she provides! I sent him with food and snacks, which Diane does a wonderful job making sure he’s refueled for his upcoming play! I know she feeds him his own food, because he threw it up once when I gave him too much water- and I identified our kibble. Lol. (Not that I ever had that concern but in case any one was wondering)
She so attentive and communicates constantly with us both. She is always easy to reach, which was a big importance to me. I can call or text any time and she’s ALWAYS available!! If she is with another pet parent client, she answers and politely asks if she can call me right back. (Which I LOVE!)
We have tried at least 12 other dog daycare‘s (NOT kidding) and none of them come close to Diane’s Dog House!
**** If you are on the fence using DDH for your needed services, don’t be! She’s amazing and you’ll come to find your pet will love her just as much as you will!