PACtivities
The list of PACtivities we play in our dog daycare program is extensive, but here are a few to give you idea of what your dog might be doing. PACtivity is offered Monday through Friday every week of the year including holidays. Your dog can be dropped off to socialize on the weekends, but no PACtivity is offered.
Baseball
In The PAC's version of baseball the dogs play the field. The trainers pitch the ball at a batter on the wall. When the ball bounces off the wall it springs the dogs into action. The first dog to field the ball and return it to the pitcher receives a treat.
Frisbee
At The PAC, Frisbee is a little different than at most places. Since the majority of dogs can't catch a Frisbee we've simply changed the game. A PACleader stands at each end of the room and the Frisbee is tossed from one end to the other while the high-drive dogs chase the disk. What makes this game so exciting it to watch the dogs with less Frisbee-drive chase the high drive dogs. It's quite a sight to see a group of 10 dogs running up and down the floor chasing a lone Frisbee.
Soccer
This is one of the more popular games with ball-chasers. In our version of soccer we set up a goal, and the dogs play goalie. The PACleaders try to get the ball past the PAC and into the goal. Typically, the dogs try to stop the ball and run away from the PACleaders. The PACleaders pursue and a great game of chase begins.
Search & Eat
This is a great game for mental stimulation and confidence building. The entire PAC is taken into another room while the PACleaders hide treats throughout the play area. They hide them under bowls, in corners, on top of equipment—just about anyplace you can think of. The dogs are then released into the room and a free-for-all ensues as they search for the treats. This game teaches the dogs to solve problems in a constructive way. The PACleaders insure no dog fails at this task which leads to an increase in the dog's overall confidence.
Basketball
In PACsketball, the dogs learn to play both defense and offense. The game starts with the dogs defending a low-to-the-ground (about 6 inches) basket. The PACleaders try to make baskets while the dogs jump up and defend the goal. The newest addition to this game introduces clicker training techniques to teach some of the dogs to place the balls into the basket.
Cong-A Line
Each day of PACtivity begins with a 10-20 minute Cong-A line. The PACleaders load-up with treats and start running laps around the play area. The dogs fall in behind the PACleader and are offered treats for keeping up. This game allows the PACleaders to get control of the PAC and demonstrate clear leadership at the start of each day.
Agility
The PAC offers a wide range of agility and playground equipment. Each dog is taught to traverse different obstacles to gain confidence and improve coordination. Agility practice during PACtivity is strictly for fun and exercise and will not prepare your dog for competition.
Suicides
Just like in gym class, our dogs learn how to run suicides, too. The dogs are lined up on one end of the floor. They are run to the first line, back to start, then to the next line, and then back to start, and so on. This is a great way to exhaust your dog.
Come and Get It
This game that reinforces the most important command your dog should know—come! The dogs are lined up on one side of the building and sit in front of a trainer. A second trainer then calls all the dogs. The dogs sprint across the room and must sit in front of the second trainer. Through this game dogs learn to come when called.
