Dogtopia of Tysons Corner, VA Blog

How's your day going?

I promise it’s not as nefarious as you may be thinking!

Most of you know the doggy schedule at Dogtopia of Tysons Corner. it’s very much like one a child’s daycare might have – our General Manager Joye often jokes that dog daycare is like a roomful of three year olds with teeth and claws.

We have open play, outdoor time and naptime. On many occasions I’ve had parents ask me if the dogs actually sleep at naptime. Some do. Puppies in particular conk right out. Older dogs like the break from all the hub bub. Adolescents, a 2 year old Chocolate Lab for instance, will simply sit in the homestyle crate, “smiling” at you, wagging their tail and wondering why they aren’t out playing yet. They don’t know it, but the break is good for them as well.

There are some exceptions to this. The management staff that resides in the back office has been known to

Work?? Dog daycare is a job?

“steal” a dog every now and then at naptime.

The dog is brought into the office for some intense spoiling and fawning. If your dog is or was a puppy with us, it’s guaranteed this occurred. We just can’t help ourselves and often need that fix.

Today I dog-napped Henry Johnson. He’s a handsome, 7 year old Golden Retriever that’s been coming to Dogtopia of Tysons Corner for over 5 years now. He visits us for boarding, daycare and grooming. He’s a “full-service” client.

How could anyone care about how full your inbox becomes when you’ve got that face peaking over it at you?

Have a happy New Year everyone!

In Tysons Corner we cater to a high-end, educated, doggy loving customer base. They also tend to be a technologically savvy bunch. It’s one of the reasons our webcams have always been such a huge hit!

But is your dog as much of a techie as you are?

From Forbes.com – 10 Techie Things For Your Pet

Our Favs

The I.D Chip – because anything that helps get Max back home in a worst case scenario is a good idea!

DNA Testing – for any lover of a designer mix (not a mutt… a designer mix) who ever wondered “What in the world are you?” when looking at their dog, DNA testing has become ever more popular. It not only satisfies curriousity, but can also give clues in behavioral and health mysteries.

Social Networks – we have Facebook and MySpace, so why wouldn’t our four-legged companions have Dogster, Pawspot and Dogbook? Everyone on the internet really should be treated to that picture of your dog in that pumpkin costume from last Halloween.

Doggie Seatbelts – not only do seatbelts keep your dog from distracting you while jumping from front seat to back, back to front, repeat, but it could also save their life in the event of a crash.

See the full story here, then visit the slideshow.

This holiday, Dogtopia’s non-profit, K-9 Support, will be collecting donations and creating care packages to send to military dogs and their handlers stationed overseas. We are so grateful for all they do for our country and hope to send some holiday cheer their way.

If you’d like to donate goods for a care package, please check out the wishlist above. There is also a printable PDF version. There is a donation box located in the lobby of Dogtopia of Tysons Corner. We encourage you to include photos and notes letting the soldiers know how much we all care.

Click here to learn more about K-9 Support.

What are breed days? Every Tuesday here at Dogtopia of Tysons Corner, we hold a special playgroup for different breeds, breed types, and mixes. The dogs get special play time and a fun photo session. Everyone who participates gets to take home a fun photo collage, and the photos all get posted to our online gallery.

Mark your calendar! Here are the next four breed days:

• Dec. 9th – Black & White Ball (dress code: dogs that are a mix of black & white only!)
• Dec. 16th – Gentle Giants (100 lbs and up!)
• Jan. 6th – Snow Day (for our little white friends)
• Jan. 13th – Tiny Terrier Tuesday (brace yourself!)

Have a breed day suggestion? Leave a comment or let us know at the front desk! Here are some colages from our most recent breed days:

One of the most anticipated events of the Northern Virginia holiday season is upon us – The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in gorgeous old town Alexandria, VA.

The sound of bagpipes will fill the city’s quaint cobbled streets as thousands of attendees and participants enjoy family friendly events such as Taste of Scotland, a Children’s Tea Party, a Celtic Concert and the Christmas Marketplace. Not to mention the weekend’s grand jewel – the PARADE!

The parade takes place this Saturday, Dec 6th at 11am and will feature bands, local business and community groups, marching Scottish clans and Santa Paws… excuse me, Santa Claus.

Sounds fun, but what does that have to do with dogs right?

I failed to mention local dog clubs are always a favorite in the parade! In particular, it’s a wonderful scene to watch Scotties get out and strut their stuff.

Scottish Terriers have always been a favorite here at Dogtopia. Their intelligent expressions, feisty nature and “Bring it on” attitude always makes for a fun play group.

Did you know?

• The Scottish Terrier has been a Presidential Doggie 4 times – Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and George W. Bush were crazy for their Scotties.

• Regardless of your politics I think we can all agree that Barney and Miss Beazley are adorable. The annual Barney Cam will be sorely missed. If you’ve never enjoyed Barney Cam, each holiday season a film was made featuring an adventure young Barney would embark on. Cameos by some of Washington’s most powerful politicians made the videos extra fun.

• Carnegie Mellon University named the Scottish Terrier it’s official mascot in 2007.

• While black is the most recognized color, Scotties may also have a brindle or wheaten coat.