Meet the Breed: The Barbet

Riggs & Nikki

I had never heard of the Barbet, or French Water Dog, until Riggs and I met Nikki and her owner on the snowy trails of the Don Valley ravine system. Over the next months, the dogs became best pals, and I came to appreciate all the Barbet had to offer.  

Nikki's breeder, Pam Headon of Willow Creek Waterdogs, agreed to let me help with her book on the breed, called Barbets: The Best Kept Secret of the Dog World.

I really enjoyed working with Pam, and still keep in touch to find out the latest Barbet news.  

She's kindly agreed to share her experience of the Barbet here, for our first Meet the Breed (and Breeder) entry.  

Over to Pam . . . 

  

1.     What made you start breeding dogs? 

True confession:  Once upon a time, I had a purebred Cocker Spaniel that I continue to call the “Spaniel from Hell.”  Tammy was really my son’s pet, and despite my experience with dogs, I failed miserably in housebreaking her.  I sensed that my busy household was too stressful for Tammy, and that she would fare better as the “only child” of a doting couple.  So I convinced my son to let the Humane Society find that perfect home for her. The deal was that if they re-homed Tammy, he could choose a new puppy.

In due course, they found a great placement for Tammy, so we went to check out a litter of what they said were German Shepherd-Collie crosses.  I thought that would be an ideal family dog. There were 13 pups in the litter, and my son selected his favorite, a curly black-and-white pup that was much smaller than the rest.  He named her Oreo. 

I’d owned Shepherds and Collies and crosses thereof, but Oreo didn’t resemble any of them.  Compact, adorable and spunky, she followed me like a shadow.  Still, there was nothing overt to suggest a more exotic pedigree than the typical pound puppy until I took her to a county fair a few months later.  Over the course of the day, three people came up to me separately to ask about my Portuguese Water Dog. 

Curious, I headed to the library to look at some breed books. Sure enough, Oreo did resemble a Portuguese Water Dog, or “Portie.” She had webbed paws, she didn’t shed, and she was maturing to be about the right size.  She also had an intriguing habit of sitting on top of the barbeque to survey the backyard as if she were on the bow of a boat. Even a Portie breeder who met Oreo thought she was likely a purebred.

I had Oreo spayed and that should have been the end of it, but a seed had been sown.  I decided I wanted a purebred Portuguese Water Dog.  There were only a few breeders in Canada at the time, and one lived quite close to me, in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I visited and told her the story of Oreo. 

Under her mentor-ship, I began breeding Porties myself and it launched a new, happier phase of my life.

2.     How did the Barbet enter the picture?

I bred Porties happily for many years and consider them my first canine “love.” But then I discovered the Barbet. This ancient breed is similar to the Portie in all the best ways, but people who know both breeds well tend to agree that the Barbet is a calmer, easier dog.  In fact, I called one of my first imports “Sanka” because she struck me as a decaffeinated Portuguese Water Dog. 

As a responsible breeder, I have steered many prospective owners away from the Portie because the breed requires a lot of exercise and strong leadership. Happily, I can now steer them toward the Barbet, which is an ideal match for almost anyone. Though bred for hunting and sporting activities, the Barbet is a highly versatile dog that can flourish in rural or urban environments, in houses, cottages or even high-rises, providing their individual exercise needs are met.  Few breeds are so adaptable.

I love how gentle and loving this companion dog is.  I always say a Barbet is “unconditional love in a non-shedding coat.”

This breed is still so rare that it seems like a secret we Barbet-lovers share.  There are not even enough Barbets in the US to be AKC-recognized, although it is getting close. It’s nice to be breeding a dog that has a rich, long history as a purebred dog in France. They say Napoleon owned one!

 

Nikki's pups - typical Barbets

3.    What’s changed in your life since your book, Barbets: The Best-Kept Secret of the Dog World came out? 

I love that more and more families are familiar with the Barbet and know it’s the dog they must have even before they even contact me.  It makes my job easy! 

The book ruffled a few feathers in the breeder community when it was published, but now people seem to recognize that a book on this rare breed raises its profile in a positive way. 

 
 4.    What was your biggest surprise as a breeder?

The vast majority of Barbets are either black or brown, with a few fawn colored dogs in the world. Last fall, a black Barbet, Nikki, surprised me by delivering a light-colored pup with phantom markings.  To my knowledge, this is the only Barbet with this coloring.  If all goes well, I hope to breed this dog, and am super excited to see what kind of pups he’ll produce. 

Nikki's big reveal

 

5.    What was your favorite moment as a dog breeder? 

Hands down, it was the moment Sarah Leal described so well in my book.  I’ll share her version of the story here.   

Callie

We got Callie for the simple reason of bringing joy into our family.  We have a stressed house:  my daughter Madison is medically fragile, and we don't know day-to-day what's going to happen.  You need to find a way to laugh in between the moments of stress, and Callie helps us do that. 

People thought I was crazy when I said I wanted a dog, but I had an overwhelming urge, and it was the right decision.  Callie is absolutely wonderful.  She loves dogs, our cat, the bus driver, and the nurses who help Madi—everyone. 

I had been interested in a Portuguese Water Dog, because Madison has allergies. Madi also has Cerebral Palsy, and when Pam met us, she suggested that the Barbet might be better fit, because it’s a less energetic breed.  I wanted a dog that would love swimming, and be affectionate and loyal to us, and Pam assured me the Barbet would meet those requirements and more. 

When the puppies were two weeks old, we went back and chose Callie.  Since we live close to Pam, we were able to visit often.  A week before the puppy came home, Pam took a T-shirt Madi had worn to help imprint Callie. When we came to pick up the puppy, Callie acted like she recognized Madi.  She snuggled under Madi’s chin, and it was like she was saying, “Oh there you are—I was looking for you.”  We put down the accessible ramp and Callie followed Madi right up the ramp and into the van.  Pam burst into tears and said, “This is beautiful:  it’s meant to be.”  And it was. 

She’s so loyal and connected with us.  A few weeks ago, Madi had a medical crisis in the night, and the nurse had trouble with the intercom.  I woke up because the dog was making a noise I’d never heard before—it was a pained sound.  Callie clearly knew something was wrong in Madison’s room and was alerting us.  We needed to get in there, and she made it happen. 

Callie is the most intuitive, yet non-intrusive dog I’ve ever encountered.  I’m so glad Pam suggested we meet the Barbet.  It was absolutely the perfect match for us. ~ Sarah Leal

You can learn more about Pam and her work at Willow Creek Waterdogs.   

Please follow the Animal Magnetism blog if you'd like to receive updates as they're posted. If interested in being interviewed, contact rideoutsandy@gmail.com.  Sandy's latest book is Golden Boy: How to raise a dog all wrong and end up all right.

Does leading a dog come more easily to men? ~ with Ola Zalewski of Paws Above

As a first-time dog owner of Riggins, I was determined to bribe my way into the leadership role with praise and liver treats. But as anyone who has read Golden Boy knows, Riggs wasn’t so easily swayed.  He wasn’t food motivated, and praise left him cold.  The only toy that stirred him was a flirt pole, and that generated the wrong kind of energy (prey drive!). 

So I wandered from trainer to trainer in search of the key to unlocking this dog’s potential—and ultimately, my own. What I learned is that one size does not fit all as far as training is concerned, and that many roads can lead to a “good dog.” 

Since I’m not a natural leader and Riggs didn’t care to please, I had to change my mind about corrective training techniques. Riggs matured and changed his mind, too.  When he decided in favor of liver treats, I moved to what I consider a hybrid approach.  Now, I try redirection first, and correct only if that fails. As time wears on, correction is rarely needed ~ and I’ve become resigned to smelling of liver treats forever (although some may complain it's a romance-killer!).

Feedback on Golden Boy suggests I’m not alone in my training challenges. In fact, lots of owners—particularly women—have commiserated.  That’s why I corner every dog trainer I meet and ask the same question: Does leadership come more easily to men?  

Today we’ll hear from Ola Zalewski of Paws Above training.  If you missed Ola’s earlier interview, check it out here.  Feel free to ask Ola questions in the comments below, some of which we may address in future blogs.  

Thanks again, Ola, for your patience with Riggs and me! 

1.    What is the “secret” to being a strong leader to our dogs? 

I don’t think there is a secret, per say.  We just need to make a conscious effort to understand their language. Dogs primarily communicate with each other using body language, eye contact, different tones of voice, and touch.  When you know how to read them, you can create exercises that mimic their ways of communicating and let them know you are higher ranking than they are.  I have studied how dogs move around each other and in different environments.  This has led to a strong understanding of what they are communicating, and allows me to take charge.  I realize that some people don’t have a natural knack for this.  In fact, so many people have asked me about it that I decided to develop a new confidence-building workshop.  In this class, people will work with a group of dogs they’ve never met before.  It will take them out of their comfort zone, but as they work on controlling a group, they will gain leadership skills.  Practice makes perfect!

2.     What is the impact of NOT showing the leadership a dog needs?
 
Dogs live in a hierarchical system.  The term “pack” is falling out of favor these days, but regardless of what you call it, these are social animals and they must have a system of hierarchy.  If the top guy leaves or dies, the rest of the group figures out the next leader.  It’s in their nature. Dogs respect and follow higher ranking individuals. If your dog sees you as equal or lower ranking in relation to him, you will likely see undesirable behaviors such as jumping, biting, mouthing, and even aggression.  Now, this does not apply to every dog, but many of them.  If you take charge (as you should—you do pay the bills!), you’ll reach a nice balance and your dog will ultimately behave better.

3.    In your experience, do women have more of a challenge in leadership than men, and if so, why might that be?

Ah, this is a very common complaint I hear in classes!  Women frequently comment that their male partners have more success than they do in getting the dog to behave well.  I attribute this to the fact that men are usually taller and deeper-voiced, and may be more dominant by nature.  In my experience, dogs tend to be more respectful around men—although there are lots of exceptions to the rule.  Similarly, dogs challenge a child faster than they do an adult, probably because they are smaller, with higher-pitched voices.  Women have been raising this issue with me for as long as I’ve been in the business, and that’s one reason why my classes are predominantly filled with women.  It makes me really happy to see women stepping up to the plate!

4.    What can dog owners do from the very start to be a strong leader?

The best strategy is to do your homework BEFORE you even get a dog.  Learn about the breed that interests you, and then do your research about training and the services available in your area.  Get references from a vet or other dog owners for professional dog trainers.  Call and chat with them, or drop in to watch a class.  

Once you have your pup, it’s critical that you follow through on what you want.  I don’t have children, but I hear that leading a dog is similar to parenting.  If you bark commands or corrections at dogs all day, or get frustrated and yell, it will not get you far.  I recommend giving a dog one verbal command, and if it doesn’t obey, follow through with the behaviour you want.  Say the dog is on the couch.  Don’t yell “off” 50 times until you’re out of breath.  Say it once and then take the dog’s collar and lead it off the couch.  Following through on what you ask helps the dog learn what you expect, and, in my opinion, is fairer to the dog. 

5.    If our dogs are already not listening or obeying, what steps do you suggest?  

I would immerse myself in any resources I could find, whether it’s books, videos, seminars or classes.  Never has there been more information available on dog training, and much of it is free with the click of a mouse! 

It’s important to understand that there are two main schools of thought on training, and they largely conflict with each other.  In a nutshell, there are trainers who believe in positive reinforcement only, and others who believe correction has a place in dog training.  

 
The only way to know what’s right for you is to do your research on schools and classes.  Read reviews.  Talk to people.  Go with the methodology that makes you most comfortable and is in line with your own beliefs.  There is no “right” choice, only the choice that is best for you personally and ultimately works for you and your dog.


Ola Zalewski lives on a 100 acre farm with Jeff, 5 dogs, 35 chickens, and 4 goats.  Visit Paws Above here or on Facebook. 


Please follow the Animal Magnetism blog if you'd like to receive updates as they're posted. If interested in being interviewed, contact rideoutsandy@gmail.com.  And if you haven't read Golden Boy: How to raise a dog all wrong and end up all right, what are you waiting for?!

Tips for Amateur Pet Photographers ~ from Karen Weiler of Posh Pets

Once upon a time, I owned a good camera.  I set that camera on the roof of my car after a wedding. While I no longer remember the bride's name, I do recall the crunching sound as I drove off.   
 
I couldn’t justify replacing the camera, and didn’t really miss it, except for this:  two cats passed through my life practically undocumented.  They were both unusually gorgeous . . . and I can’t even prove it!  

Further, I have only half a dozen good shots of Riggs when he was a puppy--something I regretted when it came time to publish Golden Boy.  He may have been a handful, but that pup was adorable! 

About a year ago, I got a new iPhone and started taking pictures.  At first I was embarrassed by my terrible camera skills but eventually my sense of humor prevailed.  So what if I don’t have “an eye”?  I enjoy myself and more important, I have lots of photo memories of my pets. 

One day I may be able to justify investing in a new camera.  When I do, I’ll consult with Karen Weiler of Post Pets Photography because she has plenty of

Posh Riggs

advice for camera-challenged people like me.  I’ve visited the Posh Pets website several times in the past couple of years and made a point of meeting Karen at the SwissRidge Doodle Romp recently.  As in the past, she'd donated a photography session for an auction to raise funds for SwissRidge Dogs for Kids; the proceeds will go to Autism Dog Services.  

Check out the Posh Pets blog on the SwissRidge romp. 

But first, read Karen’s interview below, including the tips she’s kindly offered for amateur photographers who aspire to more.
 
Over to you, Karen . . .


1.    Tell us about Posh Pets Photography.

Photography has always fascinated me. For as long as I can remember, I would pour over photographs and wonder how photographers were able to create such beautiful work. My early snapshots were woefully lacking.  Even as a child, I could see something was not right.

As a young adult, I was always the one with my trusty Canon Rebel (film). I dragged that camera around to any and all outings with my friends.  There were some images I was proud of, but not enough, and eventually, I left photography, concluding it was just some mystery I couldn’t crack.

Then came the digital age, with its associated benefit: immediate feedback. The ability to instantly see what your image looked like encouraged me up to try my hand at photography again. I clearly remember the day I bought my first DSLR.  After that I quickly saw improvement.

Originally, I thought that I would like to photograph weddings.  One day, I found myself at my friend’s house as she was getting ready on her wedding day. I spied her mother’s dog who was looking for attention. I took four photographs of the dog, and that is when it hit me: this is what I want to do. I knew that photographing an animal would bring me far more joy than any other subject in the world, and I set out to make it happen.

2.    What are some of your most memorable moments as a pet photographer?

I like to attend pet-related events in the city, and if photography is allowed, I will often bring my camera so that I can blog about it later. I have a Canon DSLR and professional lenses that are easily recognizable by the fact that they are white in colour. More than once I’ve been ushered into “press” areas because event staff assume I represent a media outlet. It’s great for getting awesome images!

3.    What tips can you give the amateur pet photographer, who may often be using a phone to capture a moment with a pet?

Three simple ideas to improve your imagery:

Find the light: Beautiful light is the difference between a snapshot and a portrait. The human eye will always be drawn to the brightest part of your photograph, so initially at least, that means the light should be on your pet. Look for “soft” light that falls on your pet’s face. And focus on the animal’s eyes.

Simplify your background: Try for simple, clean backgrounds. If you want to photograph your pet in your home, it really pays to neaten the room up a little. The subject of your image is most likely your pet, so be sure that the viewer’s eyes are able to focus on the pet and not be distracted any clutter. If you are outside, you cannot very well move a tree or a fence, so you have to move yourself or your pet.
 
Get Perspective: Try getting down to the level of your pet. Too many images I see are taken between the eye and chest level of an average human. Get down low – it’ll give a fresh new perspective to your images!

These are just guidelines. There will be times when you are simply capturing a memory and you have no time to change the light, background or perspective. In that case, take the shot! The moment is worth capturing.

4.    If an owner with modest skills wanted to improve, what would you recommend? 

If you want to start taking more professional looking images, eventually you will want to buy a camera. Almost every camera on the market today is an amazing piece of technology and its features are beyond the average consumer. I encourage you to go into your local camera store and try these cameras out. Some will feel awkward in your hands; others will feel natural. Pick one that feels good! And then, read the manual. Learn what all of those buttons and menus do. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment; you really cannot “break” your camera by pushing a button.

There are lots of free resources for those who would like to learn photography. Google almost any subject and there will be an article or a video on it.  Creative Live (www.creativelive.com) offers tons of courses that you can watch for free when they are recording live. Your local library will have myriad of books on photography.

If you are looking to invest in courses, you can find basic ones at your local college. Many photographers, myself included, offer one-on-one mentoring sessions for those who need personalized, hands-on instruction. And for those who would like to combine vacation and learning, there are multi-day workshops in exotic locales around the world.

Very Posh Monty

5.     What’s your best overall advice to pet owners about photography?

The sad truth is that we will most likely outlive our pets. That is why I think it is so important to get images of your furry faces, at all stages of their lives. Those are the memories we hold onto, long after they’re gone.
 
As a professional photographer, I believe it is vitally important to have physical prints of your images. Not only because you can hang them on your walls to enjoy, or because there is something exquisitely beautiful about tangible art, but also because they last. Hard drives fail, computers die, and too many images are lost because someone did not have a backup. Every single one of my clients purchases physical images of their pets, and they frequently shed tears of happiness the first time they see them.
 
Professional photography is an investment in time and resources. But when it all comes together—the light is gorgeous, the dog is groomed, the humans look good and the setting has meaning for the family—it is all worth it. 

• Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography is a contemporary fine art pet photographer who specializes in custom portrait sessions for discerning dogs and cats along with the people they share their lives with. You can connect with her at: web: poshpetsphoto.com; IG: @dogphotographer Twitter: @PoshPetsPhoto

Please follow the Animal Magnetism blog if you'd like to receive updates as they're posted. If interested in being interviewed, contact rideoutsandy@gmail.com.  And if you haven't read Golden Boy: How to raise a dog all wrong and end up all right, what are you waiting for?!

SwissRidge Kennels Doodle Romp & Fundraiser

Yesterday, Riggs went to meet his maker.  Or, more specifically, his breeder.

Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels hosted her third annual “doodle romp” and fundraiser in Guelph, Ontario.  The event attracted more than 170 people, some of whom traveled a long way to attend. 

Approximately 50 dogs joined the fun, and amazingly, there wasn’t a single scuffle in the leash-free area.  Granted, Sherry’s hybrids—Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for the most part—tend to be lovers, not fighters. In past years, Riggs was too much of lover; this year, he was Mr. Chill on a warm day. 

Many breeders hold reunions but the SwissRidge doodle romp is special.  For starters, the kennel has a large, active Facebook group membership. Over time, we’ve become a virtual “family” as we share the ups and downs of our dogs’ lives. This was a great excuse to gather in person.

 

“Riggs is so much bigger than I imagined,” one person said.

“Riggs is so much smaller than I imagined,” someone else said.  

Well, as we all know, he's just right.  

I was thrilled to meet some of the kind, generous and funny people who’ve supported me along the way, including Maura Clarke Murphy, who came from Massachusetts with her family, including the three (now four!) SwissRidge dogs we call the “Nesting Doodles.”  There were new friends, like Phyllis from North Carolina, and Carolyn from Thunder Bay, as well as "old" friends, like Doreen from New York.   

The real reason owners come from far and wide, of course, is to meet Sherry, and her partner, trainer Lucas Mucha. They’re celebrities in our circles, and let’s be honest, a dazzling pair.  

Sherry is a committed and conscientious breeder.  I know this better than most, because I’ve been behind the scenes while helping with her book on Bernedoodles, and I’ve interrogated her on literally dozens of occasions. 

On top of that, she’s responsive and caring. In the past week, I’ve probably been in touch with her half a dozen times over Mabel’s spay surgery.  Since Sherry’s bred thousands of dogs over about 18 years, I’m likely one many owners asking for her time at a given moment. 

The caring goes beyond her own clients.  For many years, Sherry has donated dogs and/or raised funds to train service dogs to support children with special needs. This year, she’s named the project “SwissRidge Dogs for Kids” and increased her effort to raise funds with the support of the SwissRidge community.  In 2015, fundraising is fast approaching $30,000.  A good part of that sum came from the auction of a Bernedoodle pup—the Bernese-Poodle hybrid Sherry created that is now so popular it’s tough to secure a place on the waiting list. 

Most of the money raised through SwissRidge Dogs for Kids will be allocated to Autism Dog Services (ADS), an organization Sherry has come to trust and respect.  As in the past, Sherry  donated a Goldendoodle puppy to the organization and will allow them to match that pup with an appropriate child. Funds raised will go to the specialized training the puppy needs to best serve its family.

ADS delivered a demonstration that was another highlight to the day.  Riggs and I enjoyed checking out the wares at the Bark and Fitz booth, and I had a good chat with photographer Karen Weiler at Posh Pets Photography.   Check out the amazing photos of the romp on Karen's blog.   

All and all, it was my kind of day:  cute dogs, nice people, sunshine, and a good cause.

For more information on Sherry and SwissRidge Dogs for Kids, visit Bernedoodles.com.

Doggie Day Care - Behind the Scenes at Barkingham Palace

If you've ever wondered whether or not day care would suit your dog, you're in luck:  Kelsey Noakes of Barkingham Palace has stopped by to offer some advice. 

I found Kelsey through word-of-mouth, specifically my vet's mouth, which is a mouth I trust.  At that point, Mabel was doing what young pups do best: distracting me.  My work didn't always fit into the cracks in Mabel's day.  I hated telling clients I was on a rigid crate schedule, but they figured it out if they called and heard the bark-track. 
On top of that, Riggs was being... well, an ass.  Let's just say it.  He wasn't happy sharing the limelight with Mabel and he made that clear every time she emerged from the crate.

So I decided to take the dynamic duo over to Barkingham Palace for an assessment.  I was a little worried (okay, a lot worried) about Riggs making the grade.  And I was a little worried (okay a lot worried) about Mabel being trampled or becoming a hooligan.  But someone had told me that sending the two together might foster their bond.

To my relief, Kelsey gave them both a pass.  Mabel charged in and never looked back.  Riggs, however, had a few howling meltdowns at drop-off.  At first he didn't mix with the others, and followed Kelsey like a lost soul.

Finally, however, he adjusted, and I started seeing photos on the Barkingham Palace Facebook group that warmed my heart a little in that long, cold winter.  "They play together all the time," Kelsey told me. "You'd be surprised."

 
I was surprised--and delighted--when they came home in one piece, tired and happy. 

It worked for us.  Read on to see if day care might work for you.  Over to Kelsey...

1. How did you end up launching Barkingham Palace?

I'd been working for a wonderful vet clinic for a few years as a vet tech and receptionist, and loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, the clinic closed.  I’d already been working part-time at an emergency vet clinic and one of the vets there hired me to work at his clinic.

At the time, I had a grumpy, old Maltese who hated to stay home alone. I’d always brought her to work at my previous clinic, but that wasn’t possible in my new job. For six months, I dealt with her horrible separation anxiety, coming home to ripped up floors and walls.  Finally, I decided I needed to put my dog first.

I decided to team up with a friend and my then-boyfriend to open Barkingham Palace in East York, Toronto in 2003.  I can't say it was a hard decision.  I had worked as a grooming assistant for a couple of years so I was confident I could handle the grooming. I also love dog behaviour and had previous experience at a horribly run dog daycare . . . so I knew exactly what NOT to do!  We were successful pretty quickly.

Running Barkingham Palace also allows me to offer free grooming to the dogs I foster, and those of a few different rescue groups.

2. What services do you offer?

Barkingham Palace offers day care to dogs of all breeds and sizes. All dogs must pass a mandatory behavior assessment prior to attending day care to ensure the health and safety of our client dogs.  Unlike some similar operations, we have a small yard for outdoor access all day; we also take daily trips to a local dog park.

We offer all-breed dog grooming in a fun and friendly environment, and do a limited amount of home-style boarding for approved daycare clients.
 

3. What do you love most about your career?

Obviously, I adore dogs! I'm never happier than when I'm surrounded by exuberant pups, especially when they are tired and content from a great, safe day of day care.

4. What are the biggest challenges and success factors in running a day care for dogs?

An average day at Barkingham brings about 25 dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds. With that many dogs in one place, you need to make sure you know them very well. You have to get to know each dog as an individual and how they play, which dogs they enjoy playing with, and which ones they either annoy or find annoying.

We try to keep play groups small and never allow any bullying behaviour. We use positive reinforcement mixed with time-outs. This is where the assessment becomes very important. You have to meet each new dog and monitor how it interacts with others. Not all dogs are right for day care.  It doesn't mean they're bad dogs, just that our environment doesn't suit their particular needs. This can be hard for some owners to understand.

5. What advice would you give owners who are considering sending their dogs to day care?

For dog owners seeking day care, I would recommend they ask around and get referrals from neighbours, vets and local pet stores. Call the day care, speak with the owner and find out what training they have, how many staff members they have, and whether they are qualified in pet first aid and/or behavior training.

Make sure the day care assesses your dog beforehand. Ask about how the dogs eliminate—during walks, in the yard, or both.  

Then give it a test drive.  Many dogs will love day care, and will be exhausted and happy at the end of the day. Some dogs, however, don't need or want a full day of socialization, and would do better with a walker. Anxious or fearful dogs may never do well in a day care environment.

I believe the sign of a good day care is one that turns away almost as many dogs as it accepts. This shows they aren't just throwing multiple dogs together.  They actually care about a harmonious pack!

Now, with that being said, dogs will be dogs and even a great pack can have minor issues once in a while. Dogs are living creatures who have bad days when they're tired, sore or not feeling well. Nips, scratches even skin tears can happen from a small skirmish or even during play. However, if your dog is coming home often with bites or injuries, you are probably in the wrong place.

You can learn more about Barkingham Palace here.   (But the action is really on the Barkingham Palace Facebook Group.)