Free Interview Day: How We Assess Your Dog's Temperament

Your Dog’s Safety Starts with Understanding

At Dog Daycare Durham, every relationship begins with understanding. Our mandatory, free Interview Day is a comprehensive behavioral assessment conducted by certified counselors who draw on 15 years of behavioral management experience to evaluate your dog’s unique personality.

This isn’t a formality - it’s the foundation of everything we do. By understanding your dog’s temperament, play style, energy level, and social compatibility before they join our facility, we ensure every dog is placed in the right group for a stress-free, enriching experience.

What Happens During an Interview Day

Step 1: Introduction and Tour

When you arrive, a certified counselor will greet you and your dog. You’ll receive a tour of our facility, see the play areas, rest spaces, and boarding cabins, and have the opportunity to ask any questions about our services, protocols, and approach to care.

Step 2: Behavioral Assessment

With your permission, our counselor will begin the behavioral evaluation. This structured assessment examines:

• Temperament - Is your dog confident, cautious, anxious, or bold?
• Play style - Does your dog prefer rough-and-tumble play, chase games, or parallel play?
• Energy level - High, moderate, or low energy throughout the session?
• Social compatibility - How does your dog react to new dogs, people, and environments?
• Body language - Reading stress signals, comfort indicators, and engagement cues

Step 3: Controlled Introduction

Based on the initial assessment, your dog may be introduced to a small group of compatible dogs under close supervision. Our counselors watch for positive play signals, appropriate social behavior, and any signs of stress or discomfort.

Step 4: Assessment Summary

After the session, your counselor will discuss their observations with you, including:

• Your dog’s ideal play group
• Any behavioral considerations
• Recommended services and scheduling
• Vaccination verification

Why We Require an Interview Day

Every dog is an individual. A temperament assessment helps us understand:

• Which dogs will be compatible play partners
• How to handle any anxiety or fear responses
• What enrichment activities your dog will enjoy most
• Whether your dog is ready for group play or needs a gradual introduction

This thorough approach means fewer stress-related incidents, better group dynamics, and a safer, more enjoyable experience for every dog in our care.

Vaccination Verification

During the Interview Day, we also verify all vaccination records. Every dog must be current on:

• Rabies vaccination
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo)
• Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination

Please bring your vaccination records to the Interview Day. For a complete breakdown of timelines and NC-specific regulations, see our vaccination requirements guide. Our strict vaccination protocols maintain a safe, healthy environment for every dog.

Double-Gated Safety Entry

When you visit for your Interview Day, you’ll notice our double-gated entry system. This safety feature ensures no dog can accidentally escape during drop-off or pickup - two separate gates with an enclosed vestibule between them provide an extra layer of security that gives pet parents peace of mind.

No Obligation, No Pressure

Our Interview Day is completely free. There is absolutely no obligation to enroll after the assessment. We want you to feel confident that our facility is the right fit for your dog before making any commitment. If our certified counselors identify any concerns during the assessment, they’ll discuss them honestly and suggest the best path forward - whether that’s our program or another recommendation entirely.

Schedule Your Free Interview Day

Ready to get started? Contact us at 919-617-0849 or fill out our contact form to schedule your Interview Day. We’ll find a time that works with your schedule and give you and your dog the thorough, caring introduction that sets the stage for a wonderful experience at Dog Daycare Durham.