Temperament Evaluation Q&A
What to expect on Temperament Day
Evaluations are available Monday–Friday only and not available on holidays.
Evaluations are drop-off only and are a full day.
Do not request daycare or boarding reservations until the evaluation is complete.
Arrival and Pickup: Check-in is 6:30am-8am or 8am-10am (whichever you selected) and check-out is 4pm-6:30pm.
What We Do: We’ll spend the day observing your dog’s behavior, comfort, personality, how they respond to being in their suite, and how they acclimate with our routine for the day. This helps us assess stress, anxiety, and aggression. We’ll also see how your dog interacts with staff and other dogs (daycare dogs only), both on and off leash, indoors and outdoors. If your pet is on the solo care plan, the above will apply except for dog to dog interaction.
Playtime (Daycare dogs only): If your pet passes the initial phase, they’ll be free to play and interact within the playgroup. We’ll continue to monitor them closely.
Report: At the end of the evaluation, you’ll get a detailed report with photos, feedback, and recommendations, if any. If your dog isn’t a good fit for our services, we’ll let you know and provide a referral.
Food: If your pet needs food during their stay, please bring their exact serving in reusable silicone or plastic bags labeled with their first and last name. We can refrigerate it if required.
Personal Items: Please don’t bring personal items like beds, blankets, or toys. Your pet will have an orthopedic cot and access to fresh water.
Is my dog social, dog tolerant, dog selective, or aggressive?
At daycare and any dog social setting, dog social and dog tolerant fits best. Daycare participation would be a good idea if your dog is dog-social or dog-tolerant. Dog selective and dog aggressive is not recommended.
Can my dog participate in daycare or boarding?
While we fully understand that you may be uncertain about your dog’s compatibility with a daycare or boarding environment. We kindly ask that if you know your dog falls in the dog selective or aggressive category (see above), struggles with severe separation anxiety, displays excessive barking or whining habits, or destructive tendencies, we cannot accommodate these dogs in our facility. Instead, we recommend that your dog attend a daycare and boarding training-based facility that can better handle these specific behaviors.
If you are seeking daycare or boarding and your dog doesn't have aggression, doesn’t struggle with severe separation anxiety, displays excessive barking or whining habits, or shows destructive tendencies, we are open to evaluating them.
What Is The Temperament Evaluation?
A temperament evaluation assesses your pet's personality, confidence, comfort, body language, behavior, and preferences. We also check for signs of fear, stress, anxiety, impulsive actions, separation anxiety, reactive aggression, guarding, obsessive behaviors, obedience, and whether your pet is manageable and remains balanced.
Are all Dogs good candidates for Daycare and Boarding?
Not all dogs fit well in daycare or boarding settings, and not all pet owners are comfortable with the idea. Owners must be confident and trust the process to have a successful experience; otherwise, the stress you experience will affect your dog. While many owners want their dogs to socialize off-leash, some dogs may struggle if they are inexperienced, lack confidence, or have had bad social experiences such as being attacked. At Winter Park Paws, we understand that each dog is unique and consider their personality, temperament, and history before accepting them. We don’t take every dog just because an owner asks. We prioritize each dog’s well-being and safety, and if your dog has any issues or concerns, we will inform you and assist you in finding a solution.
What Do You Do During The Temperament Evaluation?
During the temperament evaluation, we leave no stone unturned. We evaluate your dog from the moment they enter our facility until the end of the day. We take our time to observe to your dog ensure they are a good fit, for their health and saftey. We assess their behavior on and off leash, with staff and other dogs (if eligible), and around food (treats) and toys, both indoors and outdoors. We also evaluate their obedience and how well they manage alone during rest. The evaluation is ongoing after the initial day, but we can determine suitability on the first day. If your dog doesn't meet our standards on day one but has potential to thrive, we'll ask them to return to another day of evaluation. If there are any major concerns or issues during the evaluation, we will asked they be picked up and we will provide our observations and recommendations. This comprehensive process is designed to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.
How Does My Pet Attend The Temperament Evaluation & How Much Is It?
Please complete our new client form on our get started page. After review, eligible dogs will be invited for a non-refundable paid temperament evaluation at the current daycare rate. Evaluations are by appointment only from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing Us
At Winter Park Paws, we prioritize your pet's needs and understand that not all dogs thrive in a highly social environment. That's why we don't force socialization. Our team monitors your dog's behavior and provides individual care when necessary. We recommend 1-2 days of daycare weekly for optimal socialization. More than three days may cause over stimulation, depending on the dog. This individualized approach ensures your pet's unique needs are understood and catered to.
An excited dog is not always a happy, balanced dog.
At Winter Park Paws, we understand the signs of over stimulation and its effects on dogs. That's why we take measures to ensure your dog's safety and maintain balance during their visits. We know that an excited dog is not always happy or balanced. Dogs can struggle to calm down when over stimulated, showing behaviors like excessive barking, jumping, hyperactivity, or rough play. They may lack impulse control, act erratically, or have difficulty settling down. Prolonged stress in a playgroup can be unsafe; stressed dogs might hide or seek exits, mainly if accustomed to quieter places. The noise and activity can overwhelm them, and heightened excitement can cause conflicts with other dogs. We are vigilant and proactive in managing these situations to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all dogs. Your pet's well-being is our top priority, and we are always committed to maintaining a safe and balanced environment.