Welcome to Down Dog Lodge
Before your dog’s first visit, there are a few things to know about how we welcome new guests into our cage-free environment.
Please read through the process below and if you have any questions at all, we’re always happy to help.
Before You Arrive
To be eligible for a Temperament Test, and ultimately for daycare and boarding, your dog must meet the following requirements:
- At least four months old
- In good health
- At least two weeks removed from spay or neuter
- Demonstrates basic obedience
- Current on all required vaccinations (see below)
For puppies under six months old who are not yet spayed or neutered, please visit our Puppy Program page.
Vaccine Requirements
Down Dog Lodge requires all guests to be current on vaccinations for every stay. We do not accept Titer Tests in lieu of updated vaccines.
Required:
- Rabies
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Canine Cough Vaccine)
- K9 Influenza (CIV): 2 rounds required + 7-day wait period after final dose
- Leptospirosis: 2 rounds required + 7-day wait period after final dose
More information made available by LA Public Health can be found here.
The Temperament Test
All new dogs regardless of age, breed, or prior socialization history must complete a two-phase Temperament Test before their first daycare or boarding visit. The test is designed to determine a mutual fit between your dog and our cage-free, open-group environment. The total cost is $40/dog x 2 days.
Please note: upon completing the Temperament Test and being admitted to Down Dog Lodge, your dog may be used in future Temperament Tests for incoming new clients.
Phase One
We ask that you stay for the initial introduction, which typically lasts 10–20 minutes. Your dog is introduced slowly, one dog at a time, with our supervisor standing by.
The supervisor will evaluate your dog’s body language and behavioral cues: comfort, curiosity, fear, or aggression. They will continue introducing dogs of different temperaments until they’ve formed a clear picture. If all goes well during the intro, your dog will stay with us for an additional 2 hours to confirm the initial findings.
Phase Two
After passing Phase One, we then schedule our TT Phase Two which lasts approximately 5 hours. This allows us to observe your dog’s behavior in a full-day group setting.
Before Overnight Boarding
We strongly suggest at least one full daycare visit after passing both phases and before a dog stays overnight. For longer stays of three or more nights, we also strongly recommend a single overnight stay first to get them comfortable. Dogs consistently do better when their first long boarding stay isn’t also their first night away from home.
Returning Clients
Dog personalities can change over time. Any dog who has not visited Down Dog Lodge in six months or longer will be required to complete a retest before returning, please call ahead to schedule.
New Client FAQ
How do I get started?
Complete our New Client Application online, then contact us to schedule Phase One of the Temperament Test, we’ll take it from there!
How do I get started?
Complete our New Client Application online, then contact us to schedule Phase One of the Temperament Test, we’ll take it from there!
How much does the Temperament Test cost?
The test is $80 per dog, split across two phases at $40 each.
What if my dog doesn't pass the Temperament Test?
Not every dog is a fit for an open, cage-free group environment and that’s okay. If your dog does not pass, we’ll let you know clearly and honestly, and we will be happy to discuss next steps or alternatives.
Do I need to stay during the Temperament Test?
We ask that you stay for the first 10–20 minutes of Phase One for the initial introduction. At that point, our Supervisor will provide an update and you’ll be free to go.