Prepare Your Dog for July 4th

Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Potato chips. Cold drinks. Red, white and blue décor. You’ve been busy getting ready for a long 4^th of July weekend, but in all the food and event planning, you may have forgotten one thing: your dog.

While we humans love seeing fireworks explode in the sky and their bright colors trickle down, our pets are not always so happy about them. While there may be the occasional dog who tries to chase after them, many dogs are fearful of fireworks.

As much as we treat our dogs like family, they are not human after all, and don’t have the understanding that we do about the temporary nature of fireworks. Some people think it’s just like a thunderstorm to dogs, that’s not actually the case. There are weather changes prior to a storm that can clue a dog in that something different is happening. With fireworks, it’s very sudden and sporadic.

If you haven’t acclimated your dog to loud noises when he or she was a puppy, not all is lost. There are a few things you can try in order to keep your dog comfortable during fireworks:   

• Play loud noises in the days and weeks leading up to the fireworks.

• Act normal with them when they are afraid to show them they don’t have to stay afraid.

• Keep the dog inside with the TV on to minimize outside noise.

• Play with your dog during the fireworks.

• Let them go to an area of your home where they already feel safe and secure.

• Bring them to Morris Animal Inn for lodging.

Whichever you choose, have a safe and happy fourth of July!

Why a Dog's Hair Turns Gray at a Young Age

Many of us have been there--finding that lone gray hair that signals to us a change. While we humans associate graying hair with getting older, in dogs, graying hair can signal loneliness.

Yes, loneliness.

According to a recent article on CNN, the anxiety and stress of being alone can contribute to dogs' fur turning gray prematurely. Dogs who are anxious, according to the research cited, may whine or bark when left alone.

The study that the article reports on even surprised one of the researchers. The Chicago Tribune reports that Northern Illinois University professor Thomas Smith was skeptical at first, but once the data was collected, he saw how stressed dogs were prematurely gray. It was also found that female dogs were more likely to gray than male dogs.

The dogs in the study were from the ages of one to four. Pet owners with dogs in this age range who might be concerned about their dog’s level of anxiety can check with their veterinarian or a dog trainer to help alleviate the anxiety. Other suggestions are to not leave the dog alone for so long each day—Perhaps a dog daycare provider that can provide the dog with care and attention.

Dogs are often not only great companions, but a big part of a family, and need care just like humans do. 

Does Your Dog Prefer Humans?

If your dog is more friendly with people than other dogs, that's okay. There are many reasons why this could be the case. Perhaps your dog didn't socialize with other dogs at a young age. If this is the case, they could be overwhelmed or afraid of them. OR maybe your dog did socialize with other dogs but the play style was very different than how he/she would like to play. 

According to Robin Bennett (a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, author, consultant and expert on dogs), "You are not a bad owner and your dog is not a bad dog." 

Morris Animal Inn understands that each dog is unique and has different needs. For this reason, we are introducing Adventure Playcare.™

Why Choose Adventure Playcare™?

• A healthy safe environment
• Specially trained Professional Staff to respond to each dog's play needs
• Frequent, positive, warm cuddles and hugs
• Ongoing monitoring & evaluation
• Planned learning activities appropriate for the dog's age and development
• Regular two-way communication with pet parents

We all want our dogs to be happy and this means finding other ways to exercise our pets that doesn't involve putting them in an environment that makes them uncomfortable. Dogs can be Hunters, Challengers, Wanderers, Explorers. Whatever you determine your dog's personality to be, give us a call at 973-539-0377 to customize your pet's next stay! 

Source: RobinBennett.com, Dogtime.com

Man's Best Friend

Dogs have long been referred to as "man's best friend," and rightfully so. They love us unconditionally, follow us without question, and are loyal without fault. Their ability to be companions, listeners, cuddlers, and kissers when we need them most has given them this very fitting title. 

Josh Billings, a 19th century writer, says it simply: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." 

                     How dogs became our best friends

Dogs have been our companions since being domesticated thousands of years ago. They are said to have been descended from wolves. Early humans would discard leftover food, and these wolves would boldly scavenge for their scraps.Over many generations they become closer and less weary of the people that fed them, thus creating a bond and trust between human and canine. 

History isn't the only factor that connects us to our dogs. Scientists have found that dog owners experience a rush of oxytocin when they gaze into their pet's eyes, and the animals mirror this as well. Oxytocin is a hormone that is also seen in mothers when they look into their children's eyes. It is what drives mothers to be maternal and bond with their babies. This release of oxytocin in pet owners help strengthen the bond they have with their dogs. 

Why a dog is a perfect companion

There are many benefits to the companionship that comes with owning a dog. Some of the physical benefits include lower cholesterol levels, decrease in blood pressure and stress, and an increase in physical activity. 

Dogs also enhance our lives emotionally. Pet owners feel safer and less anxious. Dogs also help us relax and decrease feelings of loneliness. Dogs provide us with consistency. Owning a pet allows us to feel needed, and gives us something to look forward to every day. 

How to be a better friend to your dog 

It's important to make the effort to be as good of a friend to your dog as they are to you. Dogs bring so much joy and love to our lives, and its only right that we celebrate them as much as we can. 

One way to say thank you to your best friend is by giving them treats that they love. Offering up a favorite food as a special surprise will make your dog extra happy. Just make sure that treats are no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and do your best to provide treats with only healthy ingredients. 

Another way to bond with your buddy is to snuggle. Not only will this be therapeutic for you, but it will also bring comfort to your pup. Canines crave contact, so cuddle with your dog every chance you get to increase your bond. 

Being groomed and brushed is actually a very enjoyable thing for most dogs. Brushing is not only a way to keep your dog's coat healthy, it acts as a sensory treat to your dog's skin, allowing them to relax and relieve stress. Much like we enjoy a long massage at the spa, your dog would love to get pampered at our grooming salon.  

Socializing your dog with other dogs is a great way to keep your companion happy. Provide your pup with opportunities to run and play with other dogs. Dogs are very social creatures, so encourage fun and healthy interactions.

There is no other bond quite like the one we have with "man's best friend." Morris Animal Inn knows the important role that our dogs play in our lives. Our facility is staffed with animal lovers, and we go above and beyond to give your pet the best care possible .We offer private and group daycare. We also provide a variety of pet services in our grooming salon, including nail trims, baths, hair cuts, and even facials because we only want the best for your pets. We provide luxury lodging accommodations and offer pampered pet sessions that give your pet the kind of special love and attention your pet deserves. 

Visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com or call 973-539-0377 for more information. 

Source: Tails Pet Magazine, The Guardian, Doctors Foster and Smith

Back to School: Training Tips that will help you and your pup get an A+

It’s that time of year again – smiles and waves as we drop our little ones off at the bus stop, and tearful goodbyes as we send our teenagers off to college. Amidst all the excitement and chaos of a brand new school year, don’t forget that your furry little one has some learning to do as well! After all the backpacks and binders, dorm rooms and textbooks, take some time to focus on obedience training with your dog. Here are a few fun and helpful tips to get you and your four legged student a perfect score!


Positive reinforcement
Just like kids in school, dogs should be rewarded when they do a good job. In elementary school it may be a gold star for the right answer or a smiley face sticker on a quiz well done. For our scruffy scholars, food is the best way to reinforce positive behavior when training. Does your dog have a favorite treat? Does he wag his tail at the sight of a jar of peanut butter? Does he slobber at the sound of bacon cooking? Make sure you have a stash of the most scrumptious food you can find, so your pup has something to look forward to when he does his best work. When he sits as soon as he hears the command...A yummy sausage link! When he comes when called...A chewy piece of cheese! The more your dog receives a positive reward, the better he will perform. 

                                                               Repetition 

How many times have you told your child, after they struggle with an assignment or can’t seem to figure out a difficult math problem, “Practice makes perfect"? In order to succeed, we have to give our full attention and greatest efforts, no matter how many times it takes to get it right. The more we practice, the better we get. Well, the same applies to obedience training with your dog! The more you practice a command with them, the more familiar those words will become to your dog. Try spending 5-10 minutes at a time focusing on one command. If you tell your dog “down”, and he doesn’t respond the first time, TRY TRY TRY AGAIN. Don’t give up. He may not get it at first, but after a few repetitions your dog should be able to respond correctly to the command. Much like children would spend time practicing their multiplication tables, repetition helps our dogs learn and remember what we teach them.

 

                                                                      Recess

Do your best to make learning fun for your dog. In a school setting, recess is used to break up the monotony of the day. Recess allows kids to get some fresh air and play some of their favorite games. Apply the same concept to training with your dog. Take a break and spend some time outside, allowing your pup to release some energy. Play fetch with his favorite toy or go for a quick walk. This gives both you and your dog a chance to let loose and have some fun. Utilizing recess will break up your dog’s learning time and ensure that obedience training is something your dog enjoys and actually looks forward to!

 Attendance is Mandatory

In order to make obedience training a successful endeavor, both you and your dog must want to be there. Your dog has a natural desire to please you. If you are excited to teach your dog, he will be happy to learn. So make sure to consistently train your dog, and enjoy it! Don’t just work inside your home. Be sure to change the environment every once in a while, so things don’t get boring. Have class in the park one day! Most importantly, this should be a bonding experience for you and your dog, so the more time you are able to spend training, the more you are able to spend with your loved one.

Bring your canine collegiate to Morris Animal Inn! We offer dog training programs designed to teach and reinforce basic obedience, and we provide detailed instructions for reinforcement at home. For more information click here.

Check out our Mini Canine Training Camps 

starting in September!

Should Dogs Play All Day in Daycare?

We’ve collected some information from the experts regarding choosing a daycare for your furry friend, and why we value our exceptional standards as a leading facility in the pet care industry.

There are many factors involved when considering doggy daycare, but we’ve boiled it down to three: Your dog, the facility and the staff.

Your dog.  Just like people, dogs have different personalities and have had different experiences while growing up. With a wide spectrum of who each dog might enjoy spending time with, it’s important to understand whether your dog would enjoy playing in a large group, or perhaps may enjoy some quiet alone time with a staff member.

Morris Animal Inn offers private daycare for dogs who prefer spending one-on-one time rather than being part of a group.

The Facility.  There are many amenities that go into providing a great and safe environment:

• A dog’s play area needs lots of room and places for dogs to opt out of interaction if they want to go off by themselves and rest.
• The facility must be clean, sanitary, and safe, outdoors and in. All daycares should have a plan to respond to a fire or other emergencies.
• A separate play are for smaller dogs and for young pups – Morris Animal Inn’s play groups are based on size and play style. We also offer a puppy daycare for pups 8 to 20 weeks old!
• There should be a place for the dogs to nap

It is important to understand that dogs need to sleep during the day. There must be a quiet secure place where the dogs rest for at least two hours each day.

According to trainer Kathy Sdao, businesses that brag that they never have the dogs off the play-floor misunderstand their responsibility to provide a balance of activities and rest.  It's unhealthy for dogs to play with each other, uninterrupted, for eight or more hours a day. It can create problems such as bullying, barking or impulsiveness. At Morris Animal Inn, each daycare guest has a luxury enclosure where they can rest comfortably during the day in between play times.

The Staff. A great daycare facility must have:

• A high staff:dog ratio (at least one person for every 10 or 15 dogs)
• Staff should be well-versed in reading dogs for signs of stress, discriminating between appropriate versus inappropriate play, and how to effectively but kindly manage the behavior of both individual dogs and a group of dogs
• The best dog daycares conduct a thorough behavioral assessment of all new dogs
• A policy should be in place if a dog bullies others, or initiates a fight 
• Staff should be conscious of size differences and separate the dogs into different play groups if necessary

At Morris Animal Inn we have an average 1:5 staff to dog ratio.  Each of our staff members are well-versed and trained in dog dynamics and body language. Each staff member is trained through a series of courses, including courses by The Dog Gurus. We assess all dogs, and group dogs into separate play groups based on size, temperament and play style. 

We are proud to offer an exceptional daycare facility for your pet. So...should dogs play all day in daycare?  We believe the rest is fundamental for a happy and healthy pet!

Source: Patricia McConnell & Kathy Sdao

Soothing Lovable Lexi: Week 2 of the Sentry Calming Collar Trial

It’s time for a follow up with Joanne Morris to see how Lexi is doing with her new Sentry Calming Collar. Let’s see how it is going so far…

We still don’t know what has caused Lexi to have separation anxiety. Maybe it was being lost and abandoned at a shelter or it could have been the long trip from Kentucky to Pennsylvania and then finally settling in NJ. Regardless, she has turned out to be a wonderful pet, and we are fortunate she can go to doggy daycare each day so she doesn't have to be left home alone. When our family is home and Lexi is not at daycare, we do our best to make arrangements for one of us to stay home with her or she comes along for a ride with us in the car.

Lexi seems more comfortable when she is in the car. This might be because she can easily watch for us through the windows. We are committed to her health and happiness and this is why we are happy to try the Sentry Calming Collar to see if we can help Lexi relax when things get tense.

It has only been a week and the instructions did indicate it could take some time before we see any difference. That seems to be the case with us so far, although we have left her for short periods of time with the new Sentry Calming Collar with little evidence of destruction. We give Lexi a puzzle treat to keep her occupied for those times when she is left alone for a little while. When we do arrive home she has eaten through it, seems very wound up, panting and stressed (this is not her normal behavior when we are home). In the past, she has scratched and dug at the door which doesn't seem to be the case this week. She did manage to find goodies on the counter to enjoy and ripped several papers but that is minimal compared to some of her past escapades.

As previously stated, the collar is a pretty color, matching her holiday themed collar and it has a pleasant somewhat fruity smell to it. We are committed to keep trying and looking forward to progress next week. 

Stay tuned for updates on how Lexi is doing!

Back to School

It's time to go Back to School! Fido's companions are going and he wants to go too! Come celebrate with us on September 19.

Our Back to School Doggie Daycare party is full of school-related activities for your canine! Your pup can run around and exercise during Physical Ed, make some friends during "Social" Studies, and even get their yearbook photo taken! Your furry friends do not want to miss out on the fun at this party! Call 973-539-0377 to reserve your spot today!

                 



DOGGIE DAYCARE: WHERE WE ARE AS CRAZY ABOUT DOGS AS YOU ARE

We know that you'd love to spend every moment of the day with your pet. Unfortunately, the ever-present occurence of your job seems to interfere with that wonderful dream. Where your pet will stay when you are not home is a problem faced by most pet owners at some point in time. There is a solution which benefits both your schedule and your pet's well-being -- DOGGIE DAYCARE! Whether you feel your dog needs extra playtime, exercise, attention or simply some fun, Morris Animal Inn is the place for your pet!

What makes Morris Animal Inn daycare unique is our variety of options for each dog:  1) Private Daycare - for the dog who prefers people, 2) Group Daycare - for the social, dog-friendly canine, 3) Manners - for basic lessons in obedience and 4) Poolside Group Daycare - for the water-loving pup, which is available everyday all year round. All of our daycare guests receive premium care, activities throughout the day, a snack and time to relax in a luxury suite. 

We believe that interaction and activity leads to a healthier and happier pet. The various activities offered at Morris Animal Inn are customized to fit each pet's individual needs. Each dog's temperament is unique, therefore each dog's daycare experience must be unique as well and we aim to place them in activities and groups (if group daycare is selected) with companions of similar spirit.

For those who choose private daycare, our Pampered Pet Sessions give special attention to your furry friend. It can include a game of catch, quiet cuddle & or a brisk walk on our nature trail. 

Indoor and outdoor play and exercise time is available along with toys and treats. Pups who are super swimmers or even just doggie paddlers will enjoy our poolside group daycare. Would you like to have a more polite pooch? Morris Animal Inn's professionally trained staff will teach and reinforce basic manners to your best friend during Manners Daycare. We make learning fun!

Group play can be a wonderful way to socialize your dog through supervised playtime. The average dog to counselor ratio at Morris Animal Inn is 5 to 1 and dogs are placed by size, similar play style and temperament to ensure a fun and safe environment.

Use this service once a month when your house cleaning service is scheduled, once a week when you know you’ll be working long hours or every day to keep your Best Friend active and content. Simplify your busy schedule by letting us occupy your dog! We invite you to call (973-539-0377) or come in for a tour of our facility with one of our experienced Client Care Specialists. They will provide you with comprehensive information and assist you in selecting appropriate activities for your furry friend.

I'm Still Here...But a Slim, Trim, More Active Ginger

It's me, Ginger and I have some good news.... I began the fitness program at Morris Animal Inn on June 4 at 91.6 lbs and 30 inches around the waist. As of today, I am at 82 lbs and a slim 26 inches around my waist. Whoo hoo! Look at me now...

I have so much energy. If you adopt me, I will run with you, play with you, give you kisses and make sure that you know I appreciate you. If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865 or visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue website for more information. 

MEET OUR MANNERS PROGRAM LEADERS!

Lisa (left) and Michelle (right) with some of their canine students

We recently launched our new Manners Training program! This new activity package and daycare option offers a variation to your dog's stay, with group and individual manners sessions tied in with walks and play times. So your dog gets to play and learn! Combining mental and physical stimulation, your dog gets the best of both worlds!

Leading this exciting new program are long time Morris Animal Inn staffers, Lisa and Michelle.

Michelle VanWinkle, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A:   In 2009, I graduated from the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers, a nationally recognized school, studying dog behavior and training for over a year. After earning my Associates, Professional, and Masters Dog Training Certification, and graduating first in the class, I owned and operated my own dog training business for four years. I have experience training different breeds, ages and temperaments in the avenues of general obedience; agility; competition and much more. I am an active competitor in many dog sports including AKC, PSA, French Ring, Shutzhund and IPO. I have been nationally recognized with my own dogs, Xander, a Belgian Malinois and Gracie, a Golden Retriever, for competition obedience and apprehension. I've worked with local shelter dogs teaching general obedience to improve their chances of finding a new home. I have been with Morris Animal Inn for five years in various positions including Activities staff, Group Play Evaluator, Lodging staff and am currently the Manners and Fitness Program Leader.

Q: Could you describe Morris Animal Inn's Manners Training program in your own words?
A: Our program teaches general obedience commands with real life distractions. Using the most up-to-date and humane training approach, the program allows for clear communication and creates a dog that loves to learn. Teaching your pet manners is crucial because it opens doors to a lasting bond between canine and owner.

Q: What do you believe is the most important skill to teach a dog?
A: The most important command for a dog to learn is to come. Every year, countless canines are lost because they never learned this basic command. For the safety of our pets, this is an important and necessary skill to teach.

Q: What is your main goal when training a dog?
A: My goal is to help enhance the healthy, happy relationship owners already have with their dog and to help make their dog a more enjoyable and respected member of the family.

Lisa Kaune, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A: I've been an animal lover my whole life and professionally working with dogs for five years, first as a Lodging Team Leader at Morris Animal Inn and now as a Program Leader for the Manners and Fitness programs. After heavily researching dog behavior and psychology along with spending countless hours training my two dogs, Zeke, a black lab and Archu, a shepherd mix, I have successfully trained them both. Eventually, I would like to participate in the sport of Competitive Obedience. 

Q: What is the most important message to get across to those who are interested in this program?
A: Learning is a journey, not a destination. We will give the dog the foundation in manners but best results are achieved with consistent reinforcement at home. In doing this, the dog has a clear understanding of what is expected from him/her.

Q: What is your dog training philosophy?
A: My dog training philosophy is pretty simple - clear communication. Too often people assume that dogs just automatically understand what is expected from them. This is, of course, not the case. It must be taught and reinforced over and over again. The same commands must be used everytime and by every member in the household.

Reservations are now being accepted. Call us today! 

Summer Break

It’s that time of year again! The days are longer and the nights are shorter. Flip flops become required footwear, hammocks become beds, and the kids and the dog are at summer camp. Wait, the dog? Yup, that’s right! Summer camp has long since surpassed the domain of sun-burned pre-teens. In fact, it is becoming more and more mainstream to see the furriest member of your family enjoying summer camp and all its benefits the same way your kids do. Your dog doesn't want to spend the whole summer cooped up inside watching the warm weather slip by any more than children home from school do. If your pup wants to have a wild and crazy summer, then Morris Animal Inn is the place to be.
With eight weeks of fun-filled summer camps lined up, there is a lot for you and your wet-nosed family member to choose from. We'll break it down for you!

Fit and Fun

This is the first official week of the Morris Animal Inn Summer Camps and it started off with leaps and bounds. With furry muscles marching on, our dogs of summer are moving it and shaking it in an effort to stay in top form and achieve their healthiest weight possible. Daily field trips to the outdoor lawns with engaging activities like "Mighty Dog Obstacle Course" and "Fido's Freestyle Fun" keep the exercise going, while aquatic workouts in our indoor pool and treadmill trots on our canine treadmill ensure your dog enjoys a day of fat busting activity. A healthy snack of fruity granola parfait keeps hunger at bay without packing on the pounds. If your dog missed the first round of the Fit and Fun camp, never fear! This camp returns on 7/18-7/21!

Circus Camp
Dogs love to clown around and we like giving them an excuse to do so! Back by popular demand, our Circus Camp will occur from 6/27-6/30 and 7/25-7/28. This camp includes specially designed outdoor activities that incorporate "Ball Juggling, Clown Relays, and Hound Hurdles" to name a few. Circus style fun in the pool keeps things far from monotonous with “Ringmaster Ring Toss and High Diving Horses”! Top each day of the week off with a Frozen Fruity Sno-Cone for a delectable cool-down.

Cowboy Camp
Howdy partner! It’s time to saddle up for our rodeo style camp that proves our Northeastern dogs can get Western when they want. From 7/11-7/14 and 8/8-8/11, our line-up of rodeo themed activities will have your dogs moving and having fun. From “Barrel Racing” to our “Cattle Drive to the OK Corral” in our spacious front yard, your dogs will be ready to giddy-up! No day of camp is complete without some splish splashing in the ole’ watering hole. Pool fun includes “Rodeo Relays and Diving to Dodge.” A light snack around the "campfire" peacefully ends each fun-packed day.

Jersey Shore
While Snooki will not appear as a surprise guest, our camp makes sure to celebrate Jersey Pride and all that our sandy beaches and miles of boardwalk offer! This camp occurs from 7/5-7/8 and 8/1-8/4.

Don’t let your dog spend the summer in a hot house! Provide them with weeks of fun outdoor activities and pool sessions. Our air-conditioned suites, indoor pool, outdoor kiddie pools, and bowls of fresh water with an afternoon snack will ensure your dog is cool and content. This summer, send all your kids to camp, including your furry ones!

What themed camps would you love to see for next year?

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun!

It turns out we're not the only ones who benefit from social events and activities, so do dogs! Visiting a local dog park or attending a Morris Animal Inn dog daycare party provides a good opportunity for canines to meet and greet, a vital step in their social development.

At Morris Animal Inn, fun is one of our top priorities, and this is exactly where our doggie daycare events begin! Frequent parties allow your dog to engage in a variety of entertaining activities related to the theme of the day, whether they're marching in their own St. Patrick’s Day Parade or jumping over “Steal My Heart Hurdles”! Designed with your pup in mind, these events help dogs celebrate the special times of the year in their own unique way.

In addition to having fun, dogs enjoy running, playing, and socializing with other dogs, providing both physical and mental stimulation. Nap time and a delectable treat allow for rest and rejuvenation in between, but by the end of the day, your pooch will be happily tired from a full day of play. And to ensure you and your dog remember these special days, we diligently document all the canine antics via camera and video and post the very best on our Facebook and Shutterfly pages for you to see.

A few special times of the year, participation in Morris Animal Inn daycare events even allows dogs to make a difference in our community! For example, each May your dog is invited to attend our exciting Puppy Prom that supports a charitable cause. This May 4th, our Puppy Prom, “Pooches In Pink”, will benefit Susan G. Komen For the Cure of North Jersey. While the dogs party down, we will be busy assembling care packages for women in our area battling cancer and collecting donations that support Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

We hope your dog will attend our Pooches In Pink Prom event this May and the many other fun and innovative activities offered at Morris Animal Inn throughout the year.

We want to know...what's your dog's favorite Morris Animal Inn doggie daycare event?

Do You Need a Puppy Break?

Warm, cuddly, adorable: these adjectives perfectly describe the joy of puppies and are often the driving force behind our motivation to bring these furry bundles of happiness into our lives. However, there may be certain days when you just can’t seem to find the time to keep up with their boundless energy or the messes they leave around your house. Or, you might decide to travel and need a safe place to leave your puppy. Fortunately, we have the perfect solution.

Did you know you can drop your pup off at Morris Animal Inn and we'll take over where you left off? Our specially tailored Puppy Steps Program is designed to meet the needs of your growing little pal. Developed for puppies less than seven months old with their with completed vaccine series, the program strives to supply them with as much attention and activity as they require!

Playful Pups

Does your puppy seem like the Energizer Bunny, a force that never stops moving?  Puppy Steps helps to release all that boundless energy with four business walks on our nature trail to get her young body moving and establish a proper elimination routine. To acclimate your baby pooch to other humans, we also provide two Pampered Pet Sessions that allow her to interact with our staff in a variety of activities from ball time to cuddles. Knowing that puppies’ teeth are still in the process of growing, Room Service will present your pup with a wholesome Bizzy Bone treat that will keep her occupied. In addition to the activities provided by the Puppy Steps Program, if your dog is fully vaccinated, she can participate in group play or come to doggie day care. These outdoor sessions are wonderful ways to socialize your pup with other dogs of the same size and provide a perfect outlet for her go-go-go lifestyle.

Puppy Pounds

Morris Animal Inn recognizes that growing dogs are hungry dogs. Therefore, your budding canine will be provided with up to 3 meals a day on our Puppy Steps Program. Our premium blend Puppy Eukanuba dog food is specially formulated for puppies of either small or large breeds.

Pampered Pups

Everyday of the Puppy Steps Program, your puppy will experience a daily grooming session to familiarize her with the sights, sounds, and smells of the grooming salon. Pups are handled delicately by the grooming staff to help them adjust to the experience.

Reward Yourself and Your Pup

At Morris Animal Inn we understand that introducing a new puppy into your life can be both enriching and exhausting, much like bringing a new baby in your household. Everyone needs a night off, (or a couple!) so allow us to give you a hand. Your pup is guaranteed to be showered with love and attention!

Caring for Giant Breeds

Gentle Giants

Extra large breed dogs or giant breed dogs as they are also commonly referred to, come with a host of unique characteristics. It goes without saying that everything about them is bigger, including their beds, toys, appetites and strength. But here at Morris Animal Inn, no dog is too large for us!

Giant breed dogs are generally considered to be at a minimum of 75 lbs and can get as large as 200 lbs or greater, and as tall as 21 inches measuring to the withers, according to Terrific Pet.com. Some popular giant  breeds include Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Akitas, Rottweilers, Anatolian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Bullmastiffs.

Although huge and strong, with the proper amount of training, these dogs can be manageable, and just as sweet as lap dogs. Though their training does not need to be intense, it is crucial to teach them obedience due to their size and potential to overpower smaller dogs or children. For all of your training needs, pop on over to Morris K9 Campus in Randolph, NJ to get your gentle giant under control.

Health

Just like smaller breeds, giant breed dogs are not without their share of health issues. Fortunately, full-time staff at Morris Animal Inn are certified by the Pet Care Services Association and are trained to recognize health issues common to giant breeds. Morris Animal Inn’s goal is to make your pet's stay as comfortable as possible.

Room Service 

For lounging around, it’s no secret that our large friends need bigger spaces. Unlike many other boarding facilities, Morris Animal Inn offers extra-large suites that can accommodate several large dogs in one enclosure, so big-boned brothers and sisters are always welcome. Furthermore, we provide large orthopedic beds that can easily fit two snuggling Great Danes. For their feeding purposes, we realize that the bigger the dog, the bigger the appetite. To ensure that your oversized friend gets all his/her nutrients, we offer large raised bowls, making it easier for them to eat and drink without overextending their necks.

 

Bubbles and Brushes 

Pets with long hair need regular clipping, about every six to eight weeks or so, and should have their coats brushed, to prevent tangles and mats, about twice a week. In addition to daily brush maintenance, Morris Animal Inn’s grooming salon offers extra-large grooming tables, so beautifying your canine giant is no problem for our highly-trained grooming staff. Our large floor tub also makes it much simpler for Beethoven to get in and out.

The Active Life

Large breed dogs do require a decent amount of exercise but this can be managed with daily walks with romps in a large fenced in area. Morris Animal Inn offers plenty of fenced-in outdoor play yards, as well as a scenic nature trail which are perfect for these giant breeds. Our spacious indoor play areas and treadmill ensure no matter the weather, come rain or shine, that your canine companion will get his/her exercise. Furthermore, our staff is highly trained to handle any size dog and regularly rub paws with the largest of the canine breeds.

Besides getting those big bones to move, another important aspect in the life of a giant breed dog is socialization. Though small dogs can be just as dominant towards other canines as giant breed dogs, the repercussions of this trait in a big dog are more noticeable. However, by starting as early as possible in your dog’s life, you can introduce your pet to other dogs in a controlled and safe environment so they learn socialization skills and feel comfortable with other canines. Morris Animal Inn’s daycare and group play sessions provide beneficial interaction with other dogs and members of our staff.

Here at Morris Animal Inn, size is never an issue. We truly do welcome, to quote the veterinarian James Herriot, “creatures great and small”!

Sources:

www.terifficpets.com

www.the-puppy-dog-place.com

www.dog-breeds.net

7 Tips for a Pleasant Lodging Experience

At Morris Animal Inn, we strive to make your pet's stay with us a healthy and happy one. Here are our top 7 tips for making this transition the best it can possibly be for your pet.

1) Consider scheduling some daycare appointments prior to taking a long trip. Bringing your pets to us for short stays prior to an extended period of time will help them adjust to the staff and the Inn. The next time they are here, the adjustment period will be minimized. 

2) For cats, get out the carrier a few days in advance so they can inspect it, sit inside it and make it part of their normal environment. This way,  your cat will associate it with a safe place.

3) Feed your pet a light meal in the morning. A full stomach is not always the best idea when bringing them in for lodging, especially if they are high-energy. All the excitement of a trip in the car may upset their stomachs.

4) Try to keep suitcases out of sight. Many pets associate suitcases with your leaving them rather than a fun lodging experience that awaits them!

5) Don’t change your routine on the day you plan to bring your pet to us. If a pet is used to a certain way of doing things, changing it can make him or her stressed and anxious.

6) Bringing your dog to us on a leash and your cat to us in a carrier is very important. This will not only help you to control and protect your pets, it will give them their own space to adjust to the new surroundings.

7) Give a relaxed and confident goodbye. If you are anxious and emotional in the lobby, your pet will feed off that energy. A quick and cheerful “Bye, Rover...see you next week!” and a scratch behind the ears is much better than a drawn-out exit accompanied by tears or hesitation.