Scampers Welcomes Chester and Kodiak!

We’re having a lively day today as we welcome two new dogs to the Scampers roster. We’re very pleased to introduce Chester and Kodiak.

Chester is a young “Maltimo” – Maltese/Eskimo/Pomeranian – with a delightful attitude. He’s all about the fun of life.  He hit it off immediately with Schuster, and the two dance very well together. A while later, he was spotted lounging with Rosie and Biscuit. Minutes later he was romping with Kodiak.

Kodiak is the other new kid to Scampers. Kodi’s a big boy, with bloodlines that include Akita and St. Bernard. Despite his current hair loss (he’s shedding his coat by the pound!) he’s a very handsome fellow with his regal bearing, soft brown eyes, gentle smile and perpetually waving tail. His  major motivation seems to be getting someone to rub him to help him with that hair loss project.

Considering Dog Daycare?

If you are thinking about finding a new avenue for your best friend’s enrichment, you may want to consider dog daycare.  Sure, the local off-leash park can be a great outlet for their pent up energy.  But how much to do you really know about the other dogs there?  Do their owners truly have the ability to control their dog(s) should an incident occur?  Is anyone there trained in canine first aid?  These are all factors you should consider when you venture out for group play with your dog.

For example, do you know which breed of dog is most commonly put down due to uncontrolled biting behavior?  It may surprise you to learn that it is the Cocker Spaniel.

Dogs are pack animals, descended from wolves, and it is important to know how their brains work when they get together.  It is also important to know that as pack animals, they really are enriched by spending time within a familiar pack on a regular basis.  This kind of socialization truly helps them gain a more complete sense of self, as they define their place within a known group.


Dog daycare facilities offer a safe, controlled environment where your dog can interact with other dogs and gain self-realization.  Daycare staffers are often trained in canine first aid, and while many have learned a great deal about pack dynamics simply from prolonged exposure to this kind of environment, some have sought specialized training to maximize the safety of both staff and canine visitors.  Further, dogs at these facilities are always current with their shots and have undergone temperament tests, so you can have a much greater level of comfort about the group.

If you are wrestling with how to socialize or occupy your dog during the day, consider dog daycare – your dog will become a better canine citizen and you will feel better knowing you contributing to your dog’s sense of well-being.

Introducing Chris Sugarbaker and his grooming services

Chris Sugarbaker of Cut-N-Run is now offering grooming services to Scampers customers. He brings his mobile grooming van once a week, and is available for anything from a pooch pedicure to a full wash-cut-style.

Chris has some twenty years experience as an animal groomer, and has an amazing rapport with animals. We love when Chris comes to Scampers, but the dogs love it even more! He has a way of charming them first with a kind of dog-music that he makes with his mouth, and then with the wonderful massage and fur fluffing to help the dogs shed their excesses.

To arrange Chris' grooming services for your pooch, call us anytime or ask us the next time you visit and we'll reserve some time in Chris' schedule.

In for a Penny - Could she be a Half-Pound?

We welcomed Penny to our pup population on Tuesday, when she came for a half-day visit to see if she liked our offering, and we were delighted to see her return for more yesterday. She's a little one-year-old Shih Tzu with the softest coat and the longest plume of a tail, and apparently no recognition of her limitations - she's trying to pick this thing up and take it to another corner.

The Dance as it should be performed

With Sasha and Mojo, we have a perfect illustration of the way dogs play.

It starts with a polite bow, to indicate this is meant to be play.

The Dance is only for two like-minded, consenting pooches, and be a blur of constant flowing motion and very even give and take from both parties.

Here, Mojo and Sasha are chasing a "satellite" - a great toy for all sizes of dog.

Sasha and Mojo met just today, but they're destined to be great friends.

Jax Just Joined us Today!

Such a funny little pooch - a total love bug with the biggest little feet. And unruly ears - sometimes they flop all the way back!

Watch out, though - when picked up, he tends to lick about the head and neck.

Stina's getting her face Jax-scrubbed. Apparently she enjoys it! 

Eric didn't mind so much either - he's still friends despite the through ear-washing and chewing he got a few minutes earlier. (See how clean they are!)

Now Jax is having some finger gnawing time with Eric.

Meet Sasha, Northern Beauty

Sasha Tornberg joined us as Dog 1. She's definitely an outdoorsy dog!