Five Key Benefits of Doggie Daycare

More Than Playtime: Why Doggie Daycare Matters

Leaving your dog at home during a busy workday is never easy. Many pet parents worry about their dogs feeling bored, anxious, or under-stimulated when left alone for long periods of time. It’s hard to focus on your day when you’re wondering if your dog is feeling lonely or getting into trouble because they need stimulation.

From the pet’s point of view, time left alone and without any attention leads to depression and anxiety. A lack of activity and interaction can impact mood, diet, and overall well-being.

Thankfully, there is a remedy for both dog owner and dog alike: doggie daycare.

Doggie daycare provides a safe, nurturing space where expert handlers create activities that match your dog’s personality and needs. In this blog post, we’ll explain how both you and your best friend can benefit from a doggie daycare program designed to support your dog’s total well-being.

Whether you’re looking for a trusted place to bring your dog a few days a week, or you need a consistent routine, Greenleaf Pet Resort has you covered.

  1. Doggie Daycare Boosts Mental and Physical Health

Dogs thrive on movement, mental stimulation, and structure. A day of doggie daycare offers the type of play and interaction that dogs crave. Physical activity supports a healthy body, while varied experiences challenge the mind and reduce stress.

At Greenleaf, every daycare day includes physical activity that helps dogs stay active, alert, and balanced. Whether playing and socializing with other dogs in our supervised yards or engaging in games with our team, your dog stays both mentally and physically engaged. We adjust the pace based on your dog’s energy level and preferences. As a result, each dog receives the best possible experience.

Our facilities are built with comfort and safety in mind. Padded floors protect paws and joints. Multiple HVAC systems circulate fresh air throughout the day, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your dog. Climate-controlled playrooms keep dogs comfortable year-round, whether they’re at our indoor-only Oakhurst location or enjoying both indoor and outdoor space in Millstone.

  1. Doggie Daycare Builds Confidence and Social Skills

Dogs are social animals, but not all dogs are naturally outgoing. For some, new experiences can feel overwhelming. Regular, positive social interaction will help your pet build confidence, reduce fear, and develop healthy behavior in a safe, structured setting.

Greenleaf uses a careful evaluation process before any dog joins our daycare program. We start with one-on-one time in a neutral space to assess comfort and response to new situations. Then, we introduce a few well-socialized daycare dogs on leash to observe how your dog engages. Once your dog is ready, we bring them into playgroups based on both size and temperament.

This approach helps us match your dog with the right group. Our trained team understands canine behavior and monitors every interaction closely. Dogs are never left unattended. We intervene when needed, guide appropriate behavior, and celebrate positive social behavior.

When dogs feel safe and supported, they build trust with others, learn how to read social cues, and develop healthy responses that carry over into your everyday routine. Whether your dog is a seasoned socializer or a little shy, our team is here to help them thrive

  1. Doggie Daycare Relieves Separation Anxiety and Boredom

Some dogs do fine on their own for short periods. Others struggle with the silence and lack of engagement. Dogs who experience separation anxiety or chronic boredom can show signs of stress through destructive behavior, excessive barking, or changes in appetite and mood.

Doggie daycare offers a consistent, comforting routine that gives you and your dog a sense of security. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, your dog is surrounded by friendly staff who know them by name, understand their needs, and create a predictable, positive day.

Whether it’s quiet time or a midday lunch, we make sure that dogs in our care have time to reset throughout the day. Dogs are removed from the playgroup for meals, given time to rest, and only return to play once it’s safe to do so. This practice promotes healthy digestion and ensures a calmer transition back to activity. It also helps the dog gain comfort with time of less (or no activity) and less interaction with a person or other animals. 

Being part of a daycare program gives your dog something to look forward to, eases anxiety, and creates a more peaceful environment at home. Dogs who feel secure during the day are more likely to be relaxed in the evening. After a day at Greenleaf, your dog will be ready to cuddle, play, or simply rest by your side.

  1. Doggie Daycare Creates a Trusted Routine and Community

Dogs are at their best when they have a routine. At Greenleaf, your dog will learn the rhythm of the day, recognize familiar spaces, and look forward to returning. Over time, they build relationships with other dogs and form bonds with our staff. New friends are there every day to guide, play, and provide comfort. 

These “pack-mentality” connections support your dog’s happiness both during and outside of daycare. You may notice improvements in how your dog handles transitions, new situations, or time alone.

  1. Doggie Daycare Provides Flexibility and Peace of Mind for Pet Parents

Life moves fast. Between work, errands, and everything else, having a reliable option for your dog’s care makes all the difference. Doggie daycare at Greenleaf is designed to be easy, flexible, and consistent. You are free to focus on your day knowing your dog is in good hands.

After your dog completes their evaluation, daycare becomes a walk-in service. No reservations are needed. You can drop your dog off for a full day (five hours or more) or a half day (under five hours), depending on what works best for your schedule. We’ve got you covered whether it’s a full workday, or a few hours while you run errands.

Daycare can also be added to boarding stays, giving your dog extra social time during overnight visits. And because we’re open every day of the year, including holidays when other services may be closed, you always have a familiar place to bring your dog when you need it most.

Knowing your dog is safe, cared for, and enjoying their day gives you peace of mind. We care for your dog as if they were our own. We know how much they mean to you.

A Happier, Healthier Life for You and Your Dog

Giving your dog a day filled with exercise, connection, and care, while giving yourself peace of mind is a decision rooted in love. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, we believe that every dog deserves a joyful, enriching day, and every pet parent deserves a partner they can trust. 

Our daycare program supports your dog’s health, confidence, and routine with flexible options, expert staff, and a facility designed for their safety and comfort. We’re here to help you both live a better, easier life.If you’re ready to explore daycare at Greenleaf, we invite you to schedule your dog’s evaluation or reach out to our team to learn more. We can’t wait to give your dog love, play, and purpose. We are so excited to meet you.

Lure Course at Green Leaf

Ready, set, run! We’re excited to announce that our brand new LURE COURSE is open! If your dog frequently gets the zoomies, loves to romp around, or chase leaves – they will be ecstatic to learn that we now offer Lure Coursing! One of the fastest-growing canine sports, the Lure Course is a unique activity that stimulates a canine’s chase instinct. If you attended our Canine Carnival in June, then you may have had the opportunity to try this fantastic service! By popular demand, we’ve decided to make it a full-time service. Everyone can now try their paw at Green Leaf Pet Resort.

What is a lure course, exactly? A lure machine uses a pulley system to run a white, artificial lure along a line – simulating a small animal running across the ground – activating your pup’s prey drive. The track can be arranged in numerous patterns to increase the difficulty and simulate the unpredictability of a real hunt. Starting back in the 1970s, this sport was originally designed for sighthounds who, unlike most breeds, hunt using their eyes rather than their noses. While breeds such as greyhounds and whippets have an advantage, the sport has since opened up to all breeds. Dogs can run full tilt in a safe and enclosed environment.

This activity engages both your dog’s body and mind, making it an all-encompassing form of exercise. By provoking their hunting instincts, the participant is driven to follow the “prey” while it zigs and zags across the field. In the endeavor to catch their prize prey, more strength and endurance is used than in many other forms of exercise, increasing their stamina in the process. Little else matches the feeling of satisfaction when the lure is caught and the chase is done. The lure course takes your fur babies’ zoomies and gives them a purpose. High-energy pups will especially love this fast-paced activity that is sure to tucker them out.

While the physical benefits are clear, there are mental benefits as well! By engaging the instinct to chase, the lure course can improve a pooch’s ability to focus. This sport builds confidence in your furry friend. As a great form of enrichment, this rewarding run releases endorphins, and dopamine, leaving your dog happy and content (all while creating a stronger bond between you and your pup)! The Lure Course is such a thrilling activity that achieves much of what we, at Green Leaf, look for in an activity for our dogs. Adding this new all-encompassing form of enrichment as a service to share with our guests was a no-brainer. Ask a member of our concierge team how to get started with your pup’s evaluation today!

Precautions for a Safe Howl-O-Ween

by Christina Fontaine

Halloween is just around the corner (where did the time go), and with the upcoming commotion of families at your doorstep, we thought it would be useful to discuss some of the insurances you can establish to help manage your dog’s anxiety throughout the evening. Since last year’s Howl-o-ween didn’t get the celebration it deserved, we expect to have an influx of eager trick-or-treaters this October. And depending on your pooch’s mannerism, we have several different options to keep your sweet pup-kin happy and stress-free:

1. The first option will work well for a dog who’s semi-social, or at the very least used to interacting with others. Portion out some samples of your pooch’s favorite special treat. We recommend either chicken breast, carrots, cheese, peanut butter, or training treats. The type of treats you choose may vary based on how busy your neighborhood tends to be. If you expect a higher volume, something low calorie would be a better choice. When the doorbell rings, be sure to give your dog a treat each time you answer the door. This will help develop a positive association with the sound of the doorbell knowing.

2. If your dog is the type to bark loudly when visitors are out the door, you might consider simply leaving a bucket of candy at the door for people to take from as they please. For even better assurance, you can post a sign on your door asking people to not knock or ring the bell due to an anxious pet. Periodically check the candy basket throughout the night and refill as you see fit. When you’re out of candy, update your sign to say as much so any straggling guests will know to move to the next house.

3. If you don’t mind the sound of the bell (or if you don’t trust people to moderate candy-taking on their own), you could also create a safe, separate space in your home for your pup to spend the evening in. Turn on the tv to help mute any rings or knocks, and try to have this space be as far away from the front door as paw-sible. Keep your furry friend occupied with a chewing bone, toys, and specialized attention or playtime throughout the night.

4. While the first three methods may work for some canines, you might be thinking that none of those will work for you. If that’s the case, then this last suggestion will likely be your bet! Maybe your dog is highly anxious, or maybe you just have your own Halloween party to attend and don’t want to leave them home alone. Either way, Green Leaf Pet Resort has your answer. With half-day rates as low as $30, Green Leaf’s doggie daycare will provide your loved ones with all of the attention, care, and play they deserve at an affordable rate. To book you pup’s staycation, cal (844) LUV-DOGS today. But most importantly, have a spook-tacular day!

Halloween Safety Tips

  1. Stash the goodies! We all know that chocolate is dangerous to consume for dogs and cats, but other candies can be dangerous too. Some sweets contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which even in small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, subsequent loss of coordination, and seizures. Tinfoils and candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. (If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the SPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.)
  2. Decorate, yet keep it safe! If you’re getting into the Halloween spirit, make sure to double-check your decore for safety hazards. Jack-O-Lanterns are a festive staple, but can easily be knocked over with an open flame or become a snack! Make sure all cords are out of reach or taped to the floor away from playful, teething puppies. Elevate candles from curious kids!
  3. Keep calm and haunt on! Having a barrage of strangers knocking on the door can be confusing and stressful for some pets. Make sure they’re in a secure,  safe environment away from stressful stimuli that may cause them to dark out of an open door. Never leave your pet unattended in the yard! If you’re looking for peace of mind, Green Leaf offers a stress-free alternative for pups at home during the holidays with daycare, day-stay, and boarding options.
  4. Make sure they say yes to the dress! Halloween costumes can be a fun way to include your pet into your holiday plans, but make sure they enjoy it first! Wearing a costume can be very stressful for some dogs, sometimes even restricting their movement, breathing, hearing, or sight. Never leave your dog alone in costume. It’s important to know if your dog is comfortable and confident in their costume. Some dogs just prefer their birthday suit!
  5. ID’s, please! In the unfortunate event that you and your pet are separated for any reason, it’s crucial to make sure they have ID! Use Halloween as a reminder to make sure your pet’s identification is up to date with the most current information. If for any reason you and your pet are separated, identification increases the chances that they will be returned to you.

COVID-19 Update & Current Promotions

As the official Monmouth County Emergency Pet Care Facility, we’re still open and operating during this time. This is through our involvement with CART (County Animal Response Team), an organization developed by FEMA to provide a disaster response team for the petcommunity. Learn more here

We’re also running select promotions to help out those in need. See the list below.  

-FREE Daycare for Hospital Workers in Ocean & Monmouth County in NJ

-FREE Daycare for Veterinary Clinic Workers in Ocean & Monmouth County in NJ

-FREE Transportation for day services at each location, call to see if you qualify

-15% OFF Daily Services (daycare, grooming, swimming)

-Additional 5% OFF when services are bundled together.

We hope everyone and their pets are staying safe and healthy out there. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team. We’re always here to help! Call us anytime at (844) LUVDOGS.

Purina Partnership Announcement

Purina Happy Dog

At Green Leaf Pet Resort, our passion for pet welfare goes beyond the door of our facility. We believe that people and pets are better together – and as such, our primary focus is centered around the well-being of pets and the people who love them. As we navigate these uncertain times, we’ve been reaching into the community and actively seeking new ways to provide solutions and support to families affected by the virus. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with Purina VetDirect.

Starting immediately, Green Leaf Pet Resort and Purina VetDirect are providing FREE HOME DELIVERY for any over-the-counter pet-food at a special discounted rate. With Vet Direct, you can enjoy the convenience and safety of online shopping with your pet’s meals delivered right to your door. All products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee (or your money back) and ship right from production, safely minimizing handling to maintain sanitary delivery. No minimum orders, no exceptions, and (more importantly) no worries.

15% Off Purina

Get started on your free home delivery today!
Follow these steps to get start.
1. Click this button to create your account.
2. Visit the “shop” page and select your recommended diet.
3. Checkout! Begin saving right away with these specialized Green Leaf offers:
– Every order ships for free! No minimum orders, no exceptions!
– Save 30% off your first purchase with monthly delivery! Enter the TAKE30 promo code to your order during checkout.
CLINIC ID: Q3RBY

Purina’s passion for pets surpasses pet nutrition and into forging partnerships in the pet welfare world. Combined with Green Leaf, it is our mission to shape the future of pet care to come. So go ahead – order room service. Let us handle the rest.

Shelly & Rookie Take the Spotlight

We all knew Rookie the bat dog was a star and now AKC TV agrees! They’ve recently covered both Rookie and Shelly’s stories. Rookie is a third generation bat dog for the Trenton Thunder known for retrieving bats during games in addition to bringing water to umpires, greeting fans and handing out trading cards to fans. Watch this segment on our favorite sports-loving pup and his trainer here.

From Shelter to School

Meet Mighty. He’s an 8-month-old Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Shih Tzu mix–and one lovable pooch. He was rescued by North Shore Animal League from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee. After a long 850-mile trip, he arrived at the League ready to find his forever home. What he didn’t know was that his forever home was going to change many lives.

Credit: New Jersey News 12

Mighty is now a member of the Jackson school district as a part of the Mutt-i-grees program–a program created by The Lab School at Yale. This is designed to train therapy dogs to help children with social and emotional learning. The goal of the program is to create a space where kids can understand themselves, their feelings and learn to be empathetic towards others.

And it works. Arianna N., a student Mighty works with said, “When you pet the therapy dogs, it’s really calming. And when they’re calm, you’re calm.” She also notes Mighty is “a great addition to our school.”

Way to go, M!

Before they knew Mighty was the one, they had to ask the pros. They came to Shelly Leibowitz here at Green Leaf Pet Resort for final approval and his professional opinion. He was then in charge of Mighty learning the proper manners and obedience skills before making his Jackson School debut.

And what a debut he made. “He comes in and everyone just falls in love with him,” said Library teacher Carrie Hogan. “We know he’s going to make a really big difference in the lives of our students and our teachers, “ she continues. He’s even received the title of most beloved staff member at the school. Mighty is currently working with his trainer at Green Leaf to get certified through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Learn about American Kennel Club

Now his days will be filled with helping children sharpen their social behaviors and students who are struggling find their focus.

We can’t wait to see what else is in store for this appropriately named pup.

Dog Lovers Uniting at Humane Societies of Tinton Falls!

Green Leaf Pet Resort and the Associated Humane Societies of Tinton Falls are working hand-in-hand to improve the lives of the dogs at their shelters – and the owners who are fortunate enough to adopt them. This partnership began this past holiday season when Green Leaf donated all proceeds from their 2018 holiday events. Green Leaf is looking to continue to partner with the Associated Humane Societies of Tinton Falls through the current year by campaigning for monthly donations and an adoption incentive to ease each adoptee into their new homes.

For every dog adopted out of Humane Societies of Tinton Falls, as well as their affiliated locations – Popcorn Park and Newark, Green Leaf Pet Resort of Oakhurst will provide a “dry bath,” which includes a nail trimming, ear cleaning, a bow or bowtie, and an overall freshen up. This offer is valid for a full 10 days following the adoption to allow enough time for new dog owners to book an appointment and receive the service. In addition to this, each newly adopted dog will also receive a certificate for 25% off of one of the following services at Green Leaf of Oakhurst: boarding, daycare, swimming, retail, or grooming. This certificate is given on the day of the adoption and is valid for 90 days.

With this partnership, Green Leaf intends to ease the transition for each adopted dog into their new homes. By exposing these owners to the luxurious aura of Green Leaf after adoption, they hope to help make adopting a more attractive alternative. Overall, this can generate confidence in owners to see their dogs partake in activities such as daycare, swimming, expert obedience training, swimming, and much more!

 

Training Series: Law Enforcement Dogs & Human Heroes, Too!

Shelly Leibowitz, the owner and head trainer of Green Leaf Pet Resort, has been training dogs for over 40 years. Throughout Shelly’s career, he has trained almost every breed and mixed breed from puppies to senior dogs, working with aggression / behavioral issues to potty training, and everything in between

Shelly’s experience with dogs extends further than obedience training. He has directed training for handlers in law enforcement agencies, private detection, and other private businesses. Shelly has mastered the process of importing purebred dogs overseas from Europe for this purpose, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and occasionally Rottweilers, Dutch Shepherds, etc.

Once a month, we’ll be doing a blog post on special canines we’ve imported with information and fun facts on the breeds and what they do, including what they’re up to now!