Yes, all our indoor facilities are climate controlled to keep all our guests comfortable.
Yes, we are open for business for pick ups only between the hours of 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
You can drop off or pick up your pet Monday thru Saturday, in the morning between the hours of 9:00am and 11:00am or in the afternoon between the hours of 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
We do everything we can to keep your dogs safe.
We regularly clean all of the areas in our facility with a nontoxic cleaner that kills canine viruses and bacteria without exposing our staff or your dogs to harmful chemicals.
Our property is also perimeter fenced, providing an additional layer of protection.
All of our dog areas are separated by at least one confined area. For instance, a dog at play in one of our play areas would have to get through a gate, two doors, and our retail area before reaching a door leading to the outside.
All dogs must undergo a strict evaluation before staying with us. If at any time a dog exhibits behavior that could potentially harm other dogs, his privileges will be revoked.
Dogs at play are always carefully supervised by our staff.
All dogs have their own private areas to eat and sleep in at night.
We are owner operators, and as a result are on premises 24/7/365.
Sorry, but we do not offer curbside pick up.
Yes, we do accept young puppies with your veterinarian’s approval. It’s a great opportunity for puppies to interact with healthy, well-socialized dogs in our safe environment. However, it’s important you understand that young puppies, just like young children, are at more risk of illness and injury than other dogs due to their developing bodies and immature immune systems.
When your dog stays with us for the first time, he’s sure to make quite a few friends and play more than he ever has in his entire life. While some dogs have boundless energy and behave normally when they get home, most dogs are very tired after their initial visit and often tend to drink a lot and skip dinner because they’re ready for bed. And even after they get some sleep, they typically need a day or two to rest. Dogs that join us on a regular basis usually learn to pace themselves and take full advantage of nap time, but if your dog still seems too tired after each visit, simply let us know and we’ll extend the time he spends napping. If your dog seems unusually tired or is showing any signs of illness, such as an upset stomach, coughing, or vomiting, please err on the side of caution and take him to his veterinarian. We watch all of our canine guests very closely and immediately respond to any health concerns, but a dog can play his heart out without indicating that he isn’t feeling well until he gets home. Overall, your dog should be in a happy and relaxed condition when you pick him up, but he may be a little stinky, especially if he likes to wrestle on the floor or play in water. We’re more than happy to bathe him before you pick him up. We require that your dog arrives here flea-free and relatively clean, but we don’t recommend that you have him groomed before his stay. Chances are that you wouldn’t be picking him up in the same condition.
On rare occasions, wrestling dogs get their mouths entangled in each others collars. In order to completely eliminate a potential danger to everyone, we remove all collars.
While we welcome walk-ins, your reservation guarantees room for your dog, which means that we may have to turn away other dogs. If your dog isn’t able to make his scheduled stay, we need enough time to replace the reservation, as stated in our cancellation policy. Your credit card will only be charged in the event of late cancellations and no-shows. Please bring your credit card or chosen method of payment with you when you drop off your dog.
No, however, if we change your dog’s diet, there’s a good chance that the new food will upset his system, and we could misinterpret the reaction as an illness or, even worse, attribute the reaction to the change in diet when a serious illness is to blame and medical attention is needed. All in all, when dogs are boarding with us, we pay close attention to how they’re doing mentally and physically, and we simply want to make sure they’re feeling well and having a good time. If you wish to bring your own food it must be supplied to us in a seal container that is labeled with your last name and your pet’s name.
We require proof from your veterinarian that your dog is up to date on their parvo virus, distemper, bordatella, and Rabies. We also accept a waiver from you veterinarian with a signed health certificate should your pet be allergic to some of the vaccinations. It’s up to you to read up on vaccinations and discuss your options with you veterinarian to make the most educated decisions for your dog’s health. Please feel free to discuss any concerns that you may have with us. Your dog’s health and well-being is our utmost concern.
We do allow puppies to stay before they’re neutered, but all male dogs must be neutered before they reach six months old in order to mix with our play group. We find that intact males can really change the dynamics of a group setting where the vast majority of the other dogs present are neutered. We don’t require that female dogs be spayed; however, your female dogs begins her cycle during her stay you will be charged an additional fee for the extra care.
We strongly urge that you provide a cell phone or another number that we can use to reach you, or someone you trust while you’re away. If anything unusual happens with your dog, we’d like to notify you immediately, and if your dog requires veterinary care, we’d like for you to be able to directly collaborate with the veterinarian to determine the best option
When we first opened, we allowed dogs to be dropped off at any time. We soon realized that this was not good for them. Dogs that had already played all morning were frustrated by frisky newcomers, and late-arriving boarders didn’t get enough time to socialize and play before they were expected to settle down for the night. We know that you’ll miss them while you’re away and you want to spend every last minute with them before you go, but our suggestion is definitely in their best interest. If you need us to make an exception, as always, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We have nap time for the same reason all daycares do. Just like children, some young dogs play themselves into exhaustion. If we let them go all day, they’ll get cranky and spat with one another. To keep them physically and mentally healthy, we make sure all dogs are well-exercised, well-fed, and well-rested.
Stonehedge is the safest place around for your dog; however, there are potentially harmful situations that are out of our control. Dogs are animals, and they play rough. They wrestle and play with their mouths instead of hands, and just like children, they can hurt their best friends by mistake. Sometimes, a dog’s teeth intending to catch a ball accidentally catch another dog’s body. If this type of situation occurs, you can take comfort in knowing that our knowledgeable staff is prepared to handle it. Another common situation is dogs often spread illness before they show any symptoms themselves, so if your dog is new to the social scene – like a child starting school – you should expect him to get a few bugs while he’s building his immune system. Additionally, for a very active and playful dogs, it’s common for the pads to blister and tear before they toughen. Most daycare dogs experience this, but their paws heal rapidly soon thereafter.
You do not need to bring bedding or toys, we have plenty of both. If you choose to bring either please have them labeled with your last name and your pest’s name. We will do our best to return it to you on checkout, but we offer no guarantees. As for giant breeds such as Great Danes or Mastiffs we provide a soft all rubber floor just for their elbows.
You first need to register with The Barn Hunt Association. They will provide you a complete list of upcoming trials. BHA
Then visit our Barn Hunt Event page and RSVP!
Introduction of handler positioning, and how to coordinate with, and around your dog. You will learn to read your dog when it is on scent. We will discuss how to deal with different behaviors that can happen at a trial. We will practice more difficult searches with decoys, and the 2 turn tunnel entry (and exit). You will learn to read and understand when your dog tells you there are no rats.
Preparation for the Barn Hunt Senior Level RATS title.
We will practice even more advanced, and challenging searches with emphasis on handler position with your dog. You will learn the sweeping method, the tunnel commitment, recalls, and how to confidently clear your course. Preparation for the Master level RATM, RACH, RACHX and Crazy
8’s titles.
Introduction to the rats, tubes, the course elements, and the beginner tunnel. We will search with uncovered tubes and introduce the indication method. We will introduce the competition rules including how to prepare for the Barn Hunt Instinct Level : RATI
We will continue to work on rat indication. We will search with hidden rat tubes, introduce the litter(decoy) tubes, and upper level hides. There will be an introduction on how to begin to read your dog. How to differentiate between the rat tubes and the decoys, and practice the one turn tunnel. How to prepare for the BH Novice Level RATN and the BH Open RATO titles.
Yes, we hold trials and clinics. Visit our Barn Hunt page for a complete list of upcoming events, and our Facebook page for updates.
This is quite common. Dogs, just like humans have different ways of reacting when introduced to a new situation. You can’t come to a final conclusion on how your dog will eventually react with the rats based on their first encounter. Sometimes dogs that are very excited to see the rats for the first time don’t necessarily make the best ratters.
For shy or scared dogs, we advise you to take a half hour class to evaluate your dog first. Then we can decide what would be best for your learning progression program! This may turn out to be a great activity for a shy dog to come out of its shell
In training it is the part of the process. Elimination in the ring can be stress related, a sign of an unfocused dog, or simple marking. Once your dog starts understanding the game of Barn Hunt they very rarely make that mistake. Unfortunately, any urination in the ring ends in a disqualification during competition.
After completing a title, B class will permit your team to compete within the same level until you are ready to move up.
B classes are a wonderful part of your progression to become a great hunting team, and are perfect for dogs who need more experience at trials. The best candidates for B- Classes are: young dogs, very excited or insecure dogs, and older dogs that have difficulties with the more advanced tunnels. http:www.barnhunt.com
A happy and relaxed dog will make the best candidate for the sport! All the technicalities will come easily regardless of your dogs’ temperament! This truly is a fun activity for all!
You may bring a puppy as soon as it has its shots and is housebroken. Puppies must be 6 months old to compete.
You and your dog will be the only ones in the ring. We have plenty of space to create a safe distance from other dogs providing you with enough security that will allow you to have nothing but fun!
Yes, you are welcome to sign up for any class that is offered.
No, you can sign up for single classes by clicking the RSVP link for that date only.
No changes or extensions since packages start and stop on fix dates. Generally these are progression classes that take place once a week, for 4 weeks. Refunds or make-ups will be issued only if the club cancels.
No cancellations unless the club has to cancel. You will then have the choice between being issued a full refund, or offered a make-up date.
Yes, our barn is fully enclosed, and climate controlled. It is also equipped with a safety rubber floor making it comfortable, and safe.
Sorry no credit cards, but we do accept checks, and PayPal when you make a training reservation through our Barn Hunt RSVP page.
Use our Barn Hunt RSVP web page. Reservations will be confirmed through E-mail after we received payment.
No. Even though this is a group class, only one dog/handler team is in the ring at a time.
We have plenty of space for your dog to exercise, including fenced in yards.
We have a limited number of crates available in the barn. Weather permitting, we also have outdoor covered runs to hold your dog.
To be fair to all our students, barking or over exited dogs are not allowed in the barn.
REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO MAIL OR EMAIL THE FORM .
Payment methods vary between clubs. Our club currently only accepts checks and PayPal. Contact us
There are three ways to enter a trial.
1. Hand written entry:
Download and print the premium. Complete your entry, and mail it with and enclosed check to the club.
2. Online entry:
Go to the Barn Hunt website. Click on “Create Entry”
3. E-mail:
Download the premium. Complete the entry and e-mail it to the club. Use PayPal as the method of payment.
All our trials and premiums are listed on our Barn Hunt page . visit as well http://www.barnhunt.com/ for complete list of trials .
Every handler/dog team is different. Your instructor will make the decision before you can proceed to the next level of difficulty. Before proceeding to Master handling, your dog must have a very strong rat indication. Building a strong foundation is key!
Older dogs can compete. Many older dogs love the game, and become great Raters.
After completing a title, B class will permit your team to compete within the same level until you are ready to move up.
B classes are a wonderful part of your progression to become a great hunting team, and are perfect for dogs who need more experience at trials. The best candidates for B- Classes are: young dogs, very excited or insecure dogs, and older dogs that have difficulties with the more advanced tunnels. http:www.barnhunt.com
Yes, the only concern for giant breeds, or tall dogs over 24 inches high is the configuration of the tunnels in the higher levels(See Barn Hunt Rules http://www.barnhunt.com/). In this situation it is imperative you teach your dog how to enter and exit properly before he or she gets scared or nervous. We will advise you on some tips how to do this. http:www.barnhunt.com https://www.facebook.com/Stonehedgebarnhuntpractice
Barn Hunt association has a great site where you can find everything you need. http://www.barnhunt.com/
No, Barn Hunt is an independent organization with its’ own titles and rules. You will need to register and get a Barn Hunt identification # . Your Barn Hunt titles can be recognized by AKC with a form and fees. http://www.barnhunt.com/
Not all dogs are natural swimmers, but all dogs can learn to swim. Take it slowly, use a personal flotation device, or take a training lesson, and try and discover if your dog enjoys the water.
We keep our chlorine levels at minimum however, dogs who are sensitive to pool chemicals may suffer from dry, itchy skin. There is fresh hose available, and we recommend rinsing your dog after their swim for good measure.
No. Upon opening in June the water temperature will be in the low 70’s, however the pool is in full sun, and will usually warm up from high 70’s to low 80’s by the time July arrives.
Rain doesn’t mean you can’t go, but any sign of thunder and the pool will be immediately closed.
Only in Program 1 is a doggy lifeguard supervising our daycare/overnight guests.
Stonehedge is a family owned and operated small kennel. A Mother and Son venture that started 20 years ago to provide a place where the dogs wwill feel happy, meet doggy friends , run, swim, as well as give piece of mind to their owners when they go away .
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