Doggy Day Out Success Tips

How To Help A Shelter Dog Find A Home With A Doggie Day Out

We have brought in couple Andrea & Daniel Wolf to share their successful tactics for getting dogs out of the animal shelter and adopted!

Many Dallas-area animal shelters (as well as shelters, nationwide!) offer a form of a “Daycation.”

Other names for this shelter dog marketing exposure program you may have seen include: Pup Day Out, Borrow A Buddy, Kindness on the Go, Doggies Day Out, Borough Break, Foster A Dog For A Day, Ruff Day Out, Doggie Date Night, Work Paws Playdate, Borrow A Dog For A Day, or Dog Day Getaway.

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An “adopt a dog for a day” opportunity helps a shelter dog with:

• SHELTER BREAK relief from kennel time
• NOTES observations in real-world situations
• PHOTOS/VIDEOS help market the dog
• EXPOSURE maybe your Daycation dog's new humans will spy them while you are out in the world with them!
  

The Wolfs have helped many dogs on the euthanasia list find adoptive or foster homes through Dallas Animal Services's Daycation program so let’s hear from the experts on how to be productive with Doggie Daycation time! Check out their November 2024 feature on WFAA at Community Beer Company!

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WOLF NEWBIE TIPS

1. BUDDY UP bring a friend
2. SHORT TIME OUT is okay
3. COMMUNICATE NEWNESS to staff
4. KEEP IT SIMPLE
5. HAVE FUN!

Let staff know if it is your first time so they can help choose an "easier" dog (ex: ample notes available). You don't have to do all our steps as you get started - just giving a shelter dog a car ride and a walk will make their day and provide some notes for them!

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WOLF "SECRETS OF SUCCESS" (in brief)

1. ENGAGEMENT talking to people
2. ENJOY the experience
3. POSITIVITY attracts
4. DOG HANDLING training, experience
5. DOG BODY LANGUAGE knowledge, awareness
6. SUBMIT CONTENT notes/photos to shelter
7. SHARE SHARE SHARE the more eyes, the better!

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In this article you can read about the Wolf's specific strategies for:

• DAYCATION PLAN / SPOTS
• CONNECTING with adopters
• PHOTO, VIDEO, MARKETING tactics
• PS all 65 of their DAYCAY Dogs have had positive outcomes!

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JUNE 19 2024

The two pups we have at home were originally at DAS as puppies before they were tagged by the rescue where we found them and we decided to volunteer with DAS, in their honor.

Our first Daycation was June 19, 2024 and we have done over 65 at this point - we usually do a Daycation, every week!

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HOW TO CHOOSE A SHELTER DOG FOR A DAY OUT

From the beginning, we were drawn to the at-risk dogs - one more chance at finding placement or at least one best day ever filled with love, attention, and fun.

We do Daycations out in the public to help the dog get exposure so have specific considerations.

A list of potentials is created a couple days ahead and we look up all available notes:

• SHELTER/VOLUNTEER human interaction notes
• PLAYGROUP how they act around other dogs
• SCARED / UNTRUSTING is a no - we don't want to put a dog in a situation where they are uncomfortable

We narrow down a list of a few options then when the day comes if a dog is sick, already adopted (yay!), or cannot go on a Daycation for any other reason - there are back up choices that we have researched.

DLB NOTE 1: A scared dog would benefit from a Daycation with an experienced handler who understands dog body language and takes the dog to a quiet, calm home to try and help them relax and come out of their shell

DLB NOTE 2: All dogs will benefit from this shelter kennel and shelter stress break and marketing exposure (not just dogs with a deadline). Grab a dog you feel comfy with from an organization you trust and give that dog a "best day ever!"

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SUPPLIES

This is what we always have ready to go:

• BACKPACK (to carry supplies)
• CLEANING WIPES
• FRESH SPRAY
• TREAT VARIETY
• TOYS
• ADOPT ME GEAR
• MARKETING CARDS / FLIERS

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START TO FINISH DAYCATION STEPS

A breakdown of our full strategy to have a successful day out with a shelter dog!

We use our phones to film and take photos, all day.

1. SUPPLIES are packed up
2. PICK UP our dog is brought out to us
3. BATH/WIPES we get them sparkling before load up
4. POTTY before load up
5. TRAIL WALK on a local trail, burn energy
6. DOG-FRIENDLY PATIO hang
7. PET STORE visit
8. ANOTHER PATIO hang
9. RETURN DOG TO SHELTER
10. GO TIME... promotion hustle!

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GLAM + POTTY

We want them smelling and looking good for all of the people they meet! If they really need a bath, then we will do that before starting the fun.

The shelter has a grooming room volunteers can use. Hollywood Feed also has a self-washing room you can use for a small cost.

It is really important to give a dog time to get to know and trust us before a bath, so that we are not scaring them or making them feel uncomfortable.

We also try to get them to potty before leaving for the day, so no accidents happen in the car.

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ENSURE YOUR DOG IS COMFORTABLE

If a dog seems uneasy about any of our usual plan then we will switch things up so they are not uncomfortable or anxious.

It is extremely important to pay attention to the dog’s body language and mannerisms all day and during every interaction with people.

If they have a tucked tail, pinned back ears, or they are barking in a way that does not seem friendly, but more protective or as a warning, those are signs they may be feeling anxious.

We never want to put a dog in a situation where they might react due to fear, anxiety, or stress.

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WHY A TRAIL WALK, FIRST?

This helps burn off a little energy they may have, get used to us as handlers, and it also gives us an opportunity to see how the dog responds to passing dogs, people, bicycles, and sometimes even cats.

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DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES IN DALLAS

Once our Daycation dog has had a couple of adventures (some combo of: a walk, a patio stop, a pet store), we usually settle into one spot (often Community Beer Garden in Dallas) for a couple of hours letting the pup lounge around, interact with people, and take outside breaks for small walks and potty breaks, so they don’t get restless.

There are many dog-friendly spots in most cities and towns. Googling helps find them. Dallas Animal Services keeps a list of Dallas spots on their website.

When taking photos or video throughout the day, we look for opportunities to capture anything that shows more about the dog’s personality.

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SAFETY FIRST

If someone is interacting with the dog, at least one of us is completely focused on the dog’s behavior - looking or listening for any sounds of discomfort.

At any sign of discomfort (growling, whale eyes, cowering, tucked tail, withdrawal) we take our dog away from that space.

It is so very important to observe a dog's body language, even subtle things - as this is how dogs communicate.

For the safety of the dog and the people around them, it is crucial for daycationers to pay close attention to the pup throughout the day.

If we need to change our plans, we do so if best for the dog.

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MEETING ADULTS

Adults who show interest in our Daycation dog are the "customer" for potential adoption or foster!

We don't want to push a dog on people.

If people approach or are eyeing the dog lovingly (which they will!), we engage with them.

1. DAYCATION tell them what is up
2. DOG'S STORY relayed
3. DOG'S KNOWN TRAITS shared
4. DEADLINE mention (sometimes)
5. CALLING CARD given

We tell them what we know about the dog’s story - if they were found as a stray, if the owner surrendered and why, etc. If they start asking questions, we talk about the observations from the shelter, the play group notes, and our observations so far that day.

We try to feel out how much people want to know, and do our best to not overwhelm them with details or information.

When it feels appropriate we do mention the dog’s deadline - not to pressure but to let them know in case they or someone they know might be really interested in adopting or fostering.

We don’t want them showing up too late.

We have created ID cards to hand out so people don't have to remember all of the information we may be telling them.

You can create your own version with blank spaces to fill in!

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MEETING CHILDREN

Regarding children, we try to not let the dog engage too much because some kids are not taught how to engage safely and respectfully with a pet. If their parent is with them, we are more comfortable with it, but we will also guide their hands to easier areas for petting…top of back, not near face or ears.

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MEETING OTHER DOGS

Never put a dog you barely know in a situation where they are physically engaging with other, unknown dogs such as a dog park, at your home with your resident pets, or nose-to-nose at any dog-friendly spot.

This is a recipe for an unwanted incident and against the rules of any shelter or rescue which offers a Daycation-style program!

However! Data you can gather about how your "borrowed shelter dog" responds with other dogs inthe area is valuable information!

This can include how they act / react when passing other leashed dogs or when hanging out in the vicinity of other dogs at a dog-friendly spot.

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MARKETING ALL DAY

We both have our phones ready for photos and videos all day.

Examples of content we try to capture:

• walking on leash
• passing other dogs
• engaging with strangers
• resting in public places
• showing affection
• tricks (sit, shake, etc)
• taking treats

As we hit multiple locations, we can take notes and capture images of the dogin different settings.

Often, the dog will become more comfortable as the day goes on so sometimes they may look happier and more relaxed in a photo or video, for example: when performing a sit, in the afternoon VS in the morning.

You can announce your Daycation on social media, in the morning, then drop some photos, videos, and updates on your shelter dog, throughout the day, as you are out and about.

Tagging in the places where you have been with your dog may get shares from those spots to reach even more new eyes!

You can tag the businesses and/or the locations in various types of posts on different platforms.

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NOTES ALL DAY

We are taking notes about the dog throughout the day.

Even though we spend a good amount of time with the dogs inside and at public places, we make sure to balance it with time outside with just us.

Those are some of our favorite moments - engaging with them and enjoying our time together.

Whether it’s running around playing chase, playing with toys, or just laying on a blanket in the grass giving them lots of love, these are great opportunities to see their personalities away from other people.

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RETURNING TO SHELTER

We try for one last potty break before putting them back in their kennel.

We add appropriate "bling cards" to their kennel door such as "Affectionate," "Dog Friendly," etc.

It can be a little emotional so after we have said our goodbyes and given final pets, we try to make it easier for the pup and us by giving them a chew stick that will keep their attention for a few minutes while we slip away.

P.S. You may usually opt to extend your hang to a staycation or foster situation, if wanted!

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SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING, LET'S GO!

Once we leave the shelter, it is GO TIME…preparing notes, editing photos and videos, and preparing social media posts.

• POSITIVITY we try for an uplifting vibe
• FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK personal accounts
• REELS, POSTS, STORIES
• STORY to tag for other volunteer accounts to share
• COLLABORATE the shelter gets a collaboration invite so the post shows on their page, as well
• NEXTDOOR we don't use this but others have found success with this platform
• URGENT PETS FACEBOOK PAGE we add links to our posts plus comment with some photos and videos in the comments to boost these posts and have the media where people may see the dog's urgent deadline post

Since our doggie daycation dogs are urgent, we consistently check comments to make sure we are answering any questions or seeing any important comments regarding possible outcomes.

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PHOTO AND VIDEO TIPS

• VARIETY having fun, relaxed, play, love, different spaces
• IN FOCUS touch the screen to ID a focal point
• GOOD LIGHT cloudy weather, shade, or indoor diffused light is better than harsh sunlight and shadows
• KEEP FILMING choose the best and delete the rest!

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NOTHING IS PERFECT - BE FLEXIBLE, YOU GOT THIS!

Every dog is unique with their personality, energy level, and daily mood. It's important to respect this and do what is best for the dog.

With any dog placement (an outcome such as foster to adopt, adoption, foster, or a rescue tag) a MATCHING placement is important - for the outcome to stick!

Respecting who a dog is, what their particular needs are, and sharing this with transparency is how to achieve matching placements!

Daycations have to work for you and what YOU are comfortable with, as well.

It does not have to be a day filled with activities.

It can be a day of lounging comfortably.

The dog is getting a break from the shelter and this has so many benefits for them!

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Thank you Andrea & Daniel! Amazing work helping so many dogs and we appreciate you sharing your winning tactics to get those dogs seen and homed.

Give one or a couple of the phrases below a google + your area to find similar opportunities near you. Can't find any? Reach out to a local shelter and suggest the launch of a Doggie Day Out Program! Maybe you can help get it started!

• Daycation
• Pup Day Out
• Borrow A Buddy
• Dog Day Getaway
• Foster A Dog For A Day
• Doggies Day Out
• Kindness on the Go
• Borough Break
• Doggie Date Night
• Work Paws Playdate
• Borrow A Dog For A Day
• Adopt A Dog For A Day

And, remember - most shelters and rescues also offer short and long term fostering as well as "foster to adopt!"