Our Philosophy & Why it Works

What makes us different

Group-Appropriate Outdoor Play

• While spending the day at The Great Outdoors, your dog will have ample opportunities to socialize with other pups, similar in size or age but most importantly play style, in a safe environment monitored by our trained staff. Your dog will have plenty of space to run around in one of our outdoor play yards. With over 15,000 sq ft of outside yards we have room for all sizes and style of play. When you pick up your dog after a day of day camp, you’ll find your love ready to relax with you. We have many who fall asleep before they leave the property haha.

Exercise Body & Brains (daily schedule details outlined further below)

• Rather than worry your dog is bored, not getting enough exercise and/or damaging belongings or furnishings while you are away from home or just busy doing other things, we are here to offer a fun place to go where all we do is focus on your loves. We have tailored our dog day camp services and activities to meet your dog’s interests and needs.

• Private indoor, climate-controlled suites with raised dog beds or blankets or beds and of course music for their comfort.

• A daily schedule of exercise playtime, rest, relaxation, and healthy nourishment with the option to add mental stimulation sessions.

• Over 15,000 square feet of play yards equipped with toys, pools, forests, sensory walls, K9Grass and SO MUCH MORE.

• A variety of Customized Activities available to suit the tastes of different campers, from ball ball ball pups to the ones who simply want a snuggle on a couch. Don't hesitate to book a meet and greet to get all the details and get a tour of the facility. You can do so through our app. Click make a reservation and under training there is an option for Meet and Greet. It will then give you all the available options for appointments coming up.

• Overnight staff onsite for 24/7 care. 

​More details about what we do!

• Group Size - We could have 20+ dogs that get along with all. However, we will not create a play group this large, it creates an environment where dogs could be triggered, become overwhelmed, or too stressed. We would create 4+ separate groups so they can be in a more relaxed setting to optimize their happiness.

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• Senior Dogs & Limited Activity Requirements - We might have several senior dogs and a few dogs with limited activity requirements (maybe they just had surgery, they have a sore leg, etc.). Even though these dogs might get along with all, we will put them in a separate group for playtime, so they don't get injured or aggravated by high energy dogs. If your pup requires solo play or on leash activity only - we are happy to make those adjustments. 

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• Small Pups- Many small dogs get along great with large ones. Depending on the smaller pup, we may mix them in a group with larger dogs, for example, if it is a more robust breed such as a French Bulldog. Small dogs that are more frail will likely be put into a group with other small pups or seniors so they don't get injured or overwhelmed by rowdy, larger dogs. 

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• Temperament - Your pup might be shy, or might have some anxiety around more active dogs or larger groups, etc. While they may appear physically normal and capable, it is often better to group them with senior or health challenged dogs which are more mellow or otherwise match their personality. They might also be a great mix with a group of smaller dogs. 

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• Human companion pups- Sometimes, there are pups who simply cannot be mixed with any others. They might be reactive towards other pups, a high level of anxiety, geriatric, recovering from surgery, or are otherwise simply less happy in the company of other pups. We DO take pups who fit this category, and they will follow the same schedule and activity levels as other dogs. The only difference is they will be taken individually on walks with one of our staff members through our large network of trails in the woods or have solo play in one of our yards with puzzles or various other activities we offer. Due to the high labor cost associated with these pups, we will need to add on an enrichment activity for each day to satisfy their interaction needs and allow for appropriate staffing.

Daily Routine

All pups, generally, follow the same routine unless otherwise stipulated at drop off on their intake sheets:

• 6am we begin taking dogs out in the groups they are assigned to so they can go potty.

• Dogs are then returned to their suites and immediately fed.

• We let their food settle in for about an hour to allow them to digest without injury. 

• All dogs are taken out for their respective group playtime or walks for several 30-minute sessions throughout the day. 

• Dinner time around 5-5:30pm.

• Dinner settles and they rest for 60-90 minutes. 

• Between 6:30 & 9pm, we let all the dogs out again in their assigned groups or for walks.

• Bedtime!