Playtime
Top Dog, known for our play time, is located in the country, just 20 minutes West of Lake Minnetonka and away from the noise and space restrictions of the city. Dogs spend their days running, playing, swimming and getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. We have no noise restrictions so the dogs can play and bark with delight!
We have more than 24,000 sq. ft. of outdoor play in 4 separate yards. Three of them have special k-9 grass artificial turf so the dogs never get muddy or messy and we don’t need to worry about digging or about pests. When it rains, we can still be out playing.
Play time is sacred at Top Dog and we protect it at all costs. We are out in play 365 days a year . . . in the winter, we snow blow the play yards so they are on fresh turf, not snow or ice pack. On super, hot summer days we will go out to play at 6 am and come in when the dogs get hot . . . usually 11 or 12 and then we have brunch instead of breakfast!
There are kiddie pools and sun umbrellas in all the yards and a 34 ft. in-ground, heated swimming pool in one. The pool is open April through October. The labs and goldens and all the water dogs start their day swimming. Then in the afternoon we move them to another yard and give them a chance to dry off a bit before coming in from play. That gives the little dogs a chance to take a dip in the pool, lounge on the floaties and swim with the staff.
We also have a senior garden for those senior dogs that need a less active group. It is filled with trees and shrubs, a park bench and an umbrella. They can just lounge in the grass and watch the other dogs play . . . and enjoy the birds and the butterflies.
After play it’s “Yappy Hour” and fresh-baked biscuits. Then dinner at 5, scheduled services like private nature walks, massage, cuddle time, spa services. We finish the evening with biscuits and bedtime stories before we tuck them in. At night we can have full occupancy yet you can “hear a pin drop”. After that much play and fresh air these pups are tired and they sleep well so they can do it all again tomorrow!
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Pool Play
We have a 34-ft. in-ground, heated swimming pool that is open April – October. The dogs love lounging on the floaties, leaping in after tennis balls, or pushing the jolly ball around.
All dogs have the opportunity to swim and we introduce them to the pool in a safe and non-threatening way. We get in the pool with them and in some cases “help them to discover” that they can swim. We rotate play groups during pool season . . . to let the big, furry guys dry off before coming inside, and so that all dogs have the opportunity to swim.
We also have kiddie pools for those dogs that just want to get their paws and bellies wet. A life guard is always present.
Winter Play
The dogs enjoy playing outside all seasons and winter is no exception. As long as the dogs want to be outside . . . we are outside, so send along their coats. Don’t have a coat? That’s OK . . . we keep a stock here for those that need it.
The play yards are canine turf and we clear the snow so they are playing on turf, not snow or ice pack. We also have an indoor play room for the little dogs if they get cold.
In severe cold and windchill we do burst (in and out) play with the dogs as long as they can handle it. When they get cold we come in for warm ups and massages.
Big Dogs
Dogs are organized for play by size and temperament. We average 5-6 hours adult-supervised group play time daily for well-socialized dogs. Individual walks and play time are available in addition to, or for dogs that require it. Adult non-neutered dogs will be rotated to avoid issues.
Pool time is closely supervised and we enjoy swimming with the dogs. Kiddie pools are available for those dogs that just want to keep their paws and bellies cool. Umbrellas provide a shady spot for a nap.
Open since October, 2000, we have many thousands of hours, of pack behavior experience to draw from. At Top Dog, we work with dogs to develop their social skills and help them find their place in the pack.
Little Dogs
We have a separate play yard for small dogs, shy dogs, puppies and seniors. While we separate dogs by size, temperament is the determining factor on their play groups.
All dogs, large and small enjoy the water; whether the big pool or just a splash in the kiddie pools. We have life jackets and floaties for pool play and we enjoy swimming with them. A life guard is always present.
Umbrellas provide a shady spot for a nap and indoor play is available for inclement weather.
Puppies
There is nothing quite like a puppy; they just melt your heart. At Top Dog we adore puppies and are excited to help them develop their social skills and learn boundaries. We take dogs as young as 8 weeks (as long as they are current in their vaccination schedule). Top Dog Country Club is a small facility with a staff ratio of 1 staff to every 5-8 dogs; therefore we have the time to provide the care puppies need. We have special potty schedules for puppies, and can customize the play day to meet their needs with a mid-day meal and nap.
Elder Pups
We care for dogs up to 19 years of age. We love the seniors and have worked with many special needs dogs including diabetics, blind dogs, those prone to seizures, pre and post-surgery dogs, paralyzed dogs, etc. Top Dog Country Club is a small facility with a staff ratio of 1 staff to every 5-8 dogs, therefore we have the time to provide that special care. We do not charge extra for special feeding or administering medications. We have special potty schedules for seniors, and can customize the play day to meet their needs with a midday nap.
It is a myth that older dogs should not be boarded. The seniors enjoy the play time, staff attention, and fresh air. They love to play a little (or a lot) and watch the other dogs romp. The physical exercise and mental stimulation is good for them and we often hear our clients say their old dogs leave with an extra skip in their step, feeling and acting like younger dogs.
Special Needs Dogs
We have worked with many special needs dogs including diabetics, blind dogs, those prone to seizures, pre and post-surgery dogs, paralyzed dogs, and dogs needing physical therapy. All dogs deserve a great vacation and with our staff to dog ratio and our experience we can provide the extra care these pups require.
Socially Challenged Dogs
Unlike most dog boarding facilities, we welcome dogs of all temperaments and social skills. We have an experienced all-adult staff supervising play time and one of the greatest value adds of a Top Dog vacation is that these canines receive 5-6 hours of social training and pack leadership while having fun playing. We will use timeouts, gentle leaders and muzzles as needed to work with these dogs, teaching them good social skills and proper pack behavior.
