Frequently Asked Questions

What does your own home offer for visiting dogs? We live in the woods, and we love it!

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• 1-acre fenced yard with toys, agility gear, wooded and mowed areas

• Supervised access to 16 acres of scent-filled trails and bushwacking opportunities, with a babbling brook for quenching thirst and water play (on- or off-leash, per your preference)

• Multiple (fenced-in) decks and porches for shaded lounging

• Inside: Dog-friendly furnishings, cozy nap spots, brain games, and plenty of snuggle space

• Extra-large crates and a playpen available, as needed

• Dogs are part of the family while here

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Where is Dirty Herd Dogs located? Per the GPS: Jay, NY.

• Because we are on the literal border of Jay/Keene, NY, we are within easy driving distance of Jay, Upper Jay, Wilmington, Lake Placid, Keene, Keene Valley, and St. Huberts.

• A bit of a longer trek, but still reasonable, would be from Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Peru, and Plattsburgh.

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Are you a certified trainer? No, and that’s intentional.

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• We’re not dog trainers—we’re dog people. We’ve spent 20+ years learning from certified experts across a variety of dog behavior, health and conditioning fields. And we're still learning and evolving . . .

• We believe "training" is a bit of a misnomer. Open and clear communication is what we strive for. We teach dogs and they teach us. Some lessons are easy, some are hard won. All of them are invaluable.

• We incorporate a range of thoughtful, empathetic practices and we encourage both humans and dogs to be self-reflective in our interactions.

• Our goal is not obedience—it’s well-being and companionship.

• We believe deeply in the intrinsic intelligence of dogs and strive to open pathways for compassionate communication between the species. Together we are all better!

• We are certified in Pet First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross.

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Can you accommodate dogs with special needs? Absolutely!

• We’re happy to follow any specific instructions—medications, mobility assistance, feeding routines, etc. Open communication is key.

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Should I bring treats, food, or toys to your home? Maybe, maybe not.

• We provide a variety of high-quality treats (such as Mother Hubbard’s biscuits, Honest Kitchen kibble, Stella & Chewy’s kibble, peanut butter/yogurt lick mats, cow ears and tracheas, Greenies, etc.).

• If your pup has dietary restrictions or special preferences, please send their snacks along with them.

• We prefer that you not send your dog(s) with their own toys, bed/blanket, or food/water bowls, as this can lead to guarding behavior in a new environment. We strive to set your dog up for success with neutral opportunities and resources.

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How many dogs will be at your home at once? No more than 2, including our own dog, Bim.

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• ​Limiting stimulation helps dogs stay regulated, reduces stress, and supports long-term physical and emotional health.

• We believe dogs thrive when they’re given time to rest, decompress, and engage at their own pace.

• Our goal is always a calm, healthy dog—not an exhausted one.

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What if I just want my dog to hang out, not do anything structured? That’s perfect!

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• Whether they want to play, nap, sniff, or just exist peacefully, we’re here for it.

• We love our down-time, too, and we're happy to share it with dogs!

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How far will you travel to care for my dog(s)? We are happy to hit the trail for your dog(s). 

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• In-your-home care is available within a 40-mile radius of our home base (Jay, NY).

• Because we’re located in a rural area, extended travel up to 60 miles may be available by request and scheduled selectively to ensure thoughtful, unrushed care.

• Extended travel may include a minimum visit length or travel fee.

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Why does Dirty Herd Dogs cost more than traditional doggy daycare? Because we are low-volume care designed to support each dog’s emotional balance, health, and well-being.

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• Traditional dog daycares are designed to care for many dogs at once over long hours. While that model works well for some dogs, it can be overwhelming or overstimulating for others.

• At Dirty Herd Dogs, we intentionally offer limited hours, very small groups, and individualized attention. Our care is grounded in observation, communication, and respect for each dog’s nervous system and needs. This means fewer dogs, more supervision, and a calmer environment—reflective of a thoughtfully tended home, rather than a busy facility.

• Our pricing reflects the time, presence, and expertise required to provide this kind of low-volume, relationship-based care, rather than high-throughput daycare.

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Do you offer overnight stays? Not as of yet.

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• If demand proves high enough, we might consider this as a future service.