Shepherds are workers first. A stay goes best when the dog has space to move, a calm routine, and staff who respect that it may take a day to settle.
Males, females and the right run
AKC gives males 24 to 26 inches and 65 to 90 pounds, females 22 to 24 inches and 50 to 70 pounds. One Shepherd of either sex is comfortable in Business Class. A big male who likes elbow room, or two Shepherds from one home, belong in First Class at $72 for the first and $61 for the second.
The bath chart
The chart's own how-to names the Shepherd as its Medium coat example. A female at 51 to 75 pounds is $50 on the 2024 chart; a male over 75 is $55. AKC rates shedding at 4 of 5, so the staff will not be surprised when a brush-out sends fur flying. Please ask to confirm the price.
Energy and attention
AKC gives the Shepherd the top energy score, 5 of 5, and describes high intelligence and a steady, loyal character. In a kennel that means a dog who watches everything. The doggie door lets yours move between a quiet inside and an outside area with a view of the neighbors. Walks and play time are part of the day.
Heat and joints
Summers near Dixon bring about 100 days of 90 degrees or more by NOAA normals. A double coat does not mean a Shepherd wants to be in the sun at 3 PM; the air-conditioned side is there for that. If your dog takes a joint supplement or medication, the staff give medications at no extra charge. Write the dose and times on the form.
First day and the intro tour
A Shepherd that has never boarded does best if you walk the property first. Tours run every day, 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, with no appointment, and a staff member walks with you past the runs and play areas. Seeing the doggie doors, the Kuranda beds and the grass field takes the guesswork out of picking Business Class or First Class.
Food, medication and records
House food is a free grain-free kibble with wet food, and your own food is welcome in its original bag with the cups written down. Medications are given at no extra charge. Records for rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella must stay good through the last day, and flea prevention is recommended. Shepherds are often arriving from a working or training routine, so write down any commands or cues your dog responds to; staff can use the same words.