Boarding

Our boarding experience is designed to give your dog thoughtful care, enrichment, and comfort in a home based setting. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about how boarding works, what’s included, and what to expect during your pup’s stay. We hope this helps you feel confident and informed when planning your dog’s visit with us.

  • Dogs stay in our home and are housed individually in large crates throughout the house or in kennel runs downstairs. This allows each dog to have their own comfortable space to rest and relax while still being part of a home environment, surrounded by the familiar sights, sounds, and rhythms of everyday life.

  • Absolutely. All dogs receive enrichment throughout their stay at no additional charge. This may include puzzle toys, play time in the yard, snuggles with staff, or other individualized activities designed to keep them happy and fulfilled. When weather doesn’t cooperate, dogs still get movement and mental stimulation indoors using our matted training room, ensuring they stay engaged and comfortable even on rainy or cold days. For dogs who want a little extra, swim time or structured training time is also available at an additional cost.

  • We do not offer group play or traditional daycare style interactions, and will not allow your pup to mix with other boarding dogs. This approach helps keep everyone safe, reduces stress, and allows us to focus on each dog’s individual needs rather than managing group dynamics.

  • Yes! Our boarding rates are all inclusive, so there are no extra fees for special diets, medication administration, treats, or enrichment during your dog’s stay. We believe quality care should be straightforward and transparent, and our pricing reflects the individualized attention and enrichment every dog receives as part of their boarding experience.

    Optional add-on services such as swim time or structured training sessions are available for families who would like to include them, but your dog’s daily care, enrichment, and routine needs are always included.

  • For the health and safety of all dogs in our care, dogs must be current on core vaccinations or vaccination titers as recommended by their veterinarian. Proof of vaccination is required prior to boarding.

    Dogs should be in good overall health and free of contagious illness at the time of their stay. While we do our best to accommodate a wide range of dogs, we reserve the right to decline or end a boarding stay if a dog’s physical or behavioral needs cannot be safely met in our environment.

  • Your stay may be booked directly through our client portal. Boarding is by reservation only and subject to availability. Peak dates, holidays, and special event weekends may have limited availability. Please book early to ensure we can accommodate your stay! 

    Payment is due according to the terms outlined at booking, and collected directly through your customer portal. Additional services added during the stay must be paid for prior to pick up.

  • As a home based facility, all drop offs and pick ups are scheduled by appointment only. This structure allows us to offer more flexibility than traditional boarding facilities while still maintaining a calm, low stress environment for the dogs in our care.

    We appreciate clear communication and ask that clients arrive at their scheduled time unless an adjustment has been discussed. This helps us manage transitions smoothly and ensures each dog receives the attention and care they deserve.

  • Cancellations or date changes must be made with at least 72 hours’ notice. Late cancellations and no shows will be charged for the full reserved stay.

  • Bring only the essentials for your dog’s stay, including food and any required supplements. Bedding, food bowls, and treats are provided. For safety reasons, dogs are not left unsupervised with toys or bones. All personal items must be clearly labeled.

  • Yes, we are happy to give medications and supplements at no additional cost. Medications and supplements must be provided in their original containers or a pill organizer. All feeding and medication instructions must be entered in your dog’s profile within the client portal prior to boarding. 

  • If a dog becomes ill or injured during their stay, we will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner or emergency contact. If veterinary care is needed and we are unable to reach the owner, we are authorized to seek care at the owner’s expense. Owners are responsible for all veterinary costs incurred during boarding.

    While we take every reasonable precaution, dogs are boarded at the owner’s risk. We are not responsible for injury, illness, loss, or damage caused by conditions beyond our control, including stress related issues common in boarding environments. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue boarding at any time if we believe it is in the best interest of the dog, staff, or facility. 

Training

We’ve created our training policies with one goal in mind: setting dogs (and their humans!) up for success. Clear boundaries and expectations help us keep classes running smoothly, reduce stress for the dogs, and create a predictable, positive learning environment where everyone can thrive. These policies also ensure that our trainers can give each dog the time, focus, and thoughtful guidance they deserve. By working together and following these guidelines, we help every dog feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.

  • For all training services, payment is due upon booking. This will reserve a time slot for you and your pups and applies to all scheduled training, including: 

    •  private and semi-private lessons

    •  reserving a drop in spot in a group class

    •  reserving a spot for run throughs

    •  training during a boarding stay 

    •  all other training services not listed 

    Payment may be sent by Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal; we can provide the account information when you book. Additionally, for group classes you may pay via the signup link for that specific class. 

  • Private lessons, drop ins, or training during boarding: Need to make a change after booking? No problem! If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment you will receive a full credit for any adjustments made 48 hours prior to your reservation. Changes made by 24 hours prior will also receive a full credit only if we are able to fill your spot. 

    Group Classes: A full credit will be given if a cancellation request is sent at least one week prior to the start of the first class. A 75% credit will be given for requests sent by 72 hours prior to the first class only if we are able to fill your spot. No refunds will be given after this time. Makeups are not available for missed classes. 

    No Shows: Should you fail to show up for a scheduled lesson or class, it will be considered a lost lesson and no refunds will be given. 

    All cancellations or changes MUST be sent in writing to meghanbodie@gmail.com or via text to 803-220-8207. 

    A credit means the amount you’ve already paid will be held on your account and can be applied to a future training service. Credits are not cash refunds and must be used within 3 months of the originally reserved date. 

  • Some training may need to be adjusted or rescheduled in the case of inclement weather. This may include moving the class indoors, modifying a class, or postponing to a later date.  Your trainer will be in touch with you to reschedule if a class or lesson must be postponed. For our outdoor group classes, a rain makeup date is built into the class schedule. Please make sure to keep this date and time free in your calendar; no makeups or refunds will be offered if we are forced to move a class due to weather. 

  • Please bring high value treats cut into pea sized pieces for all training activities! If your dog is toy motivated, bring their favorite toy(s) as well. For swimming classes, you will want to use toys specifically designed for the water so they will float. We also encourage you to bring drinking water and something for your pup to drink from, and to have your dog on a 4-6 foot leash with a collar. If your class requires other specific equipment, your trainer will let you know. 

  • Rotten Dog is located at 80 Charlie Smith Rd, Braselton, GA. Parking is available in the gravel lot. Please don’t block the garage, or the drive down to the back yard, or park in the grass! When you arrive, your trainer will meet you either in the back yard, at the pool, or at the barn area depending on the services scheduled. To reach the back yard, simply walk down the gravel hill to the wide gate. To get to the barn, you will walk around the front of the house to the hay-filled structure on the far side. The pool will be obvious when you pull in. 

    • Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to give your dog time to settle in. Starting on time ensures the whole group gets the most from class.

    • Please pick up after your dog! Trash cans are located throughout the facility. We are happy to provide a poop bag if you have forgotten one! 

    • All dogs must be on leash unless otherwise instructed by our trainers. 

    • Please maintain at least 8 feet between dogs at all times. This allows all dogs to remain comfortable and focused so they can get the most out of their training. 

    • Our trainers reserve the right to cancel a session or excuse a dog without refund if the dog becomes sick, overly stressed, or out of control. 

  • When you come to Rotten Dog, our trainers will develop a program specific to your dog and your goals. It is essential to your success that your commitment to training be taken seriously, that all homework is completed, guidelines are followed, and classes are attended as recommended. 

    Training is not a race! We will always work at your dog’s speed and set them up to be successful. If you have any questions, do not understand or cannot do some of the things laid out by your trainer, please discuss this immediately with them. They will be happy to make adjustments and accommodations as needed.