Double Dog Ranch Mission Page

Frequently Asked Questions
Questions	Answers
What will I do at the Ranch?	Double Dog Ranch is a cage-free adventure camp; we keep things simple by providing a safe and secure wooded playground, access to doggie friends, as many sticks and tennis balls to fetch as our arms can handle, and an opportunity to chase squirrels and breathe clean, crisp mountain air. Our Photo Album says it all!
How does the Shuttle work? Will I mind riding in the shuttle? What are your Ranch hours for drop off & pickup?	Our Shuttle runs between our Ranch and our designated dog parks Mondays and Fridays. When you make your reservation, you can request a spot on the Shuttle, and then meet us at the pre-determined time. See our Rates/Shuttle Page for more information. For some reason dogs love the Shuttle; they are usually asleep ten minutes into the trip. Returning dogs see our shuttle at the dog park and will come running to greet us. If the Shuttle isn't convenient, you can drop off or pickup your dog at our Ranch from 9am to 1:30pm, and 4pm to 7pm. Because any pickup / drop off is disruptive, please let us know your approximate timing so we can have your dog ready or make the introduction area available.
Where do we sleep? Where do we eat? Can I bring food that needs refrigeration? Can I bring my bowl/ crate/ leash/ bed/ personal TV?	Dogs sleep indoors, crated, in our bunkhouse, which is heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer. All dogs eat their own food in their own crates in the bunkhouse. We have both a refrigerator and freezer available if your dog's food needs to be refrigerated or frozen. We have plenty of bowls, crates, leashes, and beds. All we need is the dog and the food for him/her to have a wonderful time. No personal TVs please; the dogs just never agree on what to watch!
Is your facility fenced? Have any dogs ever run away?	Sorry, but we really do get asked this… Yes, our Ranch is fenced! Lots of dogs like to dig on our Ranch, but its in the spirit of free-play and not to try to escape. Our environment keeps the dogs busy; plenty of other dogs, sticks, squirrels, and gophers to chase -- and of course, tennis balls to bury as Miko experty shows off!
Will you charge to give me my medication? How close is the nearest veterinarian?	We don't charge for administering medication, and there is no charge for chewing on any of the bushes or trees, either -- just ask Kona. We have two vets in our community; the nearest one is about 5 miles away.
How am I introduced to the other dogs? Do you have a separate area just for small dogs?	New dogs are never “tossed into the fray.” We keep new dogs in the introduction area where other dogs can sniff them and get to know them (and vice/versa) before they are eased into the yard. Dogs have different play styles and different ideas of what's fun. We can use our three large yards to separate dogs into compatible play groups that best fit each dog. Most small dogs insist on being with everybody else. We take well socialized dogs over 15 lbs.
What if I don't get along with the other dogs?	We try our doggone best to screen for well socialized, friendly dogs. Should a dog exhibit improper behavior of any kind, we'll let the family know and separate him/her from the other dogs for the duration of the stay. This is not negotiable - dog safety is our foremost concern. Our insurance also prohibits us to accomodate certain breeds (like Pit Bulls, Akitas, Mastiffs, etc) despite how much they can be a part of a wonderful family.
Why must I be 'fixed' before I can visit DDR? Can you take dogs that are deaf, old or puppies?	Intact males unfortunately exhibit characteristics such as humping, urinating on everything in sight and they consistently seem to invite aggression from other dogs. An intact male can make a group of docile dogs become a group of problem dogs, and we choose to not accommodate this dynamic. Unspayed females who are in heat will attract suitors from miles away, and this can be disruptive to our free play environment. Unspayed and unneutered puppies under 6 months are welcome at DDR. Yes, we can take deaf, old or puppies with the waiver found in the standard agreement.
Does it snow there? Will I freeze in the winter?	All dogs love snow, even though at 4900 feet we don't get that much of it. All dogs have access to heated indoor play areas where they can stay warm and dry during inclement weather. It is always the dog’s choice to come into the warm room or play out in the snow; while some cruise back and forth between the two, most dogs can’t be coaxed inside on snowy days.
Will you put my picture on your website?	Yes, providing Mr. Nikon isn’t in a snit.
Where are you located? Why don’t you publish your address?	We are located in the San Bernardino Mountains about 20 minutes west of Lake Arrowhead. These mountains are notorious dumping grounds for unwanted dogs and we choose not to advertise to the world that we are set up to care for dogs. We gladly provide driving instructions to registered customers who wish to drive their dogs up or take a tour.