Welcome to Play & Learn!

1.Play & Learn daily procedures

What is Play & Learn :

Play & Learn is our day-training program designed to give your dog a structured, enriching day that combines appropriate socialization, play, individualized training, enrichment, swimming, and fun activities.

Our goal is for your dog to have a fun and productive day while learning valuable skills, practicing appropriate behaviors, and building confidence.

Most importantly, we want you to know exactly what your dog is doing, learning, and experiencing throughout the day.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Morning Drop-Off

Drop-off is between 8:00–9:00 AM.

If you need to drop your dog off after 9:00 AM, that is completely fine. Please let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Pick-up is between 4:00–5:00 PM.

Because classes and other programming begin immediately after Play & Learn, we need to be consistent with our afternoon pick-up window.

If a dog is consistently picked up late, a $25 late pick-up fee will apply.

We understand that occasional circumstances happen. Our goal is simply to keep the transition from Play & Learn to our evening programs running smoothly and on time.
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Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

To make drop-off and pick-up as streamlined, safe, and stress-free as possible, we ask that clients and dogs remain in their vehicles during these times.

When you arrive:

1. Remain in your vehicle with your dog

2. Text or call our staff to let us know you have arrived.

3. A staff member will come out to assist you with your dog.

4. Please follow the designated parking areas and signs for Play & Learn drop-off and pick-up.

5. Please do not take your dog out of your car. If we have several dogs out in the parking lot it can create issues. A staff member will come out, help get your dog out of your car and bring your dog to potty before going inside. 

You will see clearly marked signs directing you where to park.

Please do not enter the building during drop-off or pick-up.

This system allows us to keep our staff focused on safely transitioning dogs in and out of the facility and prevents unnecessary congestion during busy arrival and departure times.

If you need to come inside to purchase something from the retail area, speak with a trainer, or take care of another matter, please contact us ahead of time so we can coordinate this with you without disrupting the drop-off/pick-up process.

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A Typical Day during Play & Learn

Every dog is an individual, so while the schedule provides structure, your dog’s day may look slightly different depending on their personality, energy level, social preferences, training goals, and needs.

1. Arrival & Morning Routine

When your dog arrives, they will have an opportunity to get settled and have some outside time before being placed in their crate while we organize the morning groups.

Once enough dogs have arrived, our trainers will begin creating appropriate play groups based on each dog’s age, size, personality, play style, energy level, and social skills.

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2. Structured Play & Socialization

Dogs will participate in supervised play groups for approximately three hours throughout the morning, with breaks as needed.

Our goal is not simply to let dogs play for three hours.

Our goal is to teach dogs how to play appropriately.

Dogs may receive breaks if they are:

• Becoming overstimulated

• Getting too hot

• Becoming tired

• Playing too intensely

• Having difficulty regulating themselves

• Simply needing some downtime

We do not want dogs practicing unwanted behaviors during play.

Our trainers actively monitor interactions and make adjustments when necessary. If a dog needs a different play partner, a smaller group, more breaks, or an alternative activity, we will make those adjustments.

No dogs or groups of dogs are unsupervised at any time. If your dog will be alone, i.e. a trainer is taking a break or needs to take a dog out to potty. Your dog will be put either in a pen or a crate.

Not Every Dog Wants to Play

We understand that not every dog enjoys traditional group play—and that’s okay!

If your dog does not enjoy playing with other dogs, we will provide other appropriate activities such as:

• Enrichment

• Individual attention

• Training

• Outdoor time

• One-on-one activities

• Structured socialization

Your dog does not have to play with other dogs to have a successful Play & Learn day.
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3. Lunch & Midday Break

Around lunchtime, all dogs will receive a structured break in their crates while our staff takes their lunch break.

This is also a great time for your dog to have a snack if you would like to provide one.

We also offer optional Play & Learn add-ons, such as:

• Frozen Kongs

• Specialty enrichment

• Ice cream treats

• Other enrichment activities

Please ask us about our current add-on options.

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4. Afternoon Training & Activities

After lunch, the focus shifts toward individualized learning and enrichment.

Depending on your dog’s goals and interests, their afternoon may include:

One-on-One Training

Each dog will receive individualized training time focused on their specific goals.

This may include obedience, manners, impulse control, confidence building, leash skills, tricks, or other behaviors.

Swimming

Dogs who enjoy swimming and whose program includes pool time may receive a supervised swimming session.

Socialization

Dogs may participate in additional appropriate socialization activities based on their needs.

Group Training

Some dogs may participate in structured group training activities.

Fun Sports

We may incorporate different dog sports and activities throughout the program, including:

• Rally

• Scent Work

• Confidence exercises

• Conditioning activities

• Other fun sport-based activities

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Weekly Themes

Each week will have a different Play & Learn theme.

You will be informed of the theme ahead of time so you know what your dog will be working on that week.

Themes may incorporate different training skills, enrichment activities, dog sports, confidence building, conditioning, swimming, or other fun learning opportunities.

As usual, if you have specific goals for your dog we will work on these as well. 

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Your Dog’s Daily Report

We want you to feel like you were part of your dog’s day—even when you weren’t here.

At the end of each Play & Learn day, you will receive a digital report that includes:

• What your dog worked on

• Activities they participated in

• What they learned

• How they did throughout the day

• Photos and videos

• A short daily recap from our staff

Our goal is for you to know what your dog did, how they did, and what they are working toward.

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INTACT DOG RULES

Intact male and female dogs are welcome under certain circumstances.

Female dogs in heat are not permitted to participate in Play & Learn during their heat cycle.

Intact male dogs may participate in Play & Learn as long as they are appropriate for a group play environment. This means they must not mark indoors, must be able to interact appropriately with their playmates, and must not be overly intense or excessively focused on female dogs.

Please note that intact male dogs may show increased interest in female dogs even when the female is not in heat. If an intact male’s behavior becomes disruptive, overly persistent, or interferes with the comfort or safety of other dogs, we may determine that group play is not appropriate for that dog.

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Communication & Transparency

Your dog’s safety, comfort, and success are our top priorities.

If an issue comes up during the day, you will be notified as soon as possible.

For ongoing behavioral challenges—such as playing too roughly, becoming overstimulated, struggling with certain play partners, or having difficulty participating in a particular activity—we will communicate this with you.

Our trainers will work with your dog to find the most appropriate solution.

This may mean:

• Adjusting their play group

• Finding different play partners

• Increasing breaks

• Providing alternative activities

• Modifying their training plan

• Changing how they participate in socialization

Our goal is never to force a dog into an environment that isn’t appropriate for them.

We want every dog to have a successful day.

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Our Promise to You

This is structured day training, not simply a day of free-for-all play.

Your dog will have opportunities to play, learn, train, rest, socialize, explore, and have fun—all while being supervised by our trained staff.

Most importantly, we want you to feel informed and involved.

At no point should you feel like you don’t know what is happening with your dog.

Please ask us as many questions as you would like or need.

Our goal is to be as transparent as possible and to work together with you to help your dog become the best version of themselves.

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Play & Learn Member Perks

Dogs enrolled in Play & Learn consecutively receive exclusive benefits at Lucky Dog:

30% off retail and food orders

Free drop-in classes

These perks are available to our active Play & Learn clients.