Ruff and Tumble

Ruff Tumble and

OK Canine Corral Opens New Location on Norman’s East Side

Dogs are social creatures. They not only love human companionship but also enjoy spending time with their canine buddies. In today’s world, many dogs spend their days at home alone while their owners are at work or school. That may be why the first modern dog day care opened in 1987 in New York, and the trend has spread across the country, including Norman. In 2016, Mike Greb and Jeff Lewis built the first OK Canine Corral at 1413 24th Ave. SW. The Corral offers dog owners a place to take their pets for an exciting day of fun, adventure, training and grooming. Dogs enjoy indoor and outdoor playtime, meals and a nap. At the end of the day, the daycare staff reports information about what their dog enjoyed, what he or she did best and names of new friends.

Due to the success of their first location and to fill the need for a facility on the east side, Greb partnered with Jeff Latham to open a second location at 1224 Lindsay Plaza Drive. “The southeast part of Norman was underserved in the area of doggie daycare. There is not a center anywhere near this location,” Latham said. Luck was on their side when the team searched for a space. The owner of their chosen lot said she would sell to them if they would bring her on as a groomer. “She’s our full-time groomer,” Latham said with a smile. Located a mile from campus, the daycare is next to University Animal Hospital, owned by Dr. John Otto. “Dr. Otto started a prison program for dogs,” Latham said. “One of our trainers was in that program, and that’s where she learned. She now trains dogs at both of our locations.” “Our mission is to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners by providing a safe, clean and happy environment,” Greb said. “Socialization is key to providing a dog with a happy, healthy and productive life and our facilities are equipped with vinyl fencing, mud-free artificial turf and free live HD cameras.” “A person can literally be on vacation and receive images on their phone in real time to watch their dog,” Lewis said. “People have fun checking on their dogs throughout the day on their cell phones. One of our clients watches her dog all day on her I-Pad.” The doggie daycare is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and overnight boarding is also available. “It’s just like dropping kids off at school,” Latham said. “It’s really nice Photos by: Mark Doescher

for owners getting off work or school to not have to go home and take their dogs for a walk. They are played-out from a full day or half day of exercise here.” Standing in the spacious reception area, Lewis said, “Every dog coming in here cannot wait to get back there,” pointing to the play area on the big screen monitor. “It’s like being in elementary school, but it’s recess all day.” Lewis also said it’s fascinating to watch the dogs who know each other from previous visits and the friendships that develop.

The first day at the Corral is free for a required temperament test. Prior to inclusion in the playgroup or for overnight boarding, every dog is tested to evaluate his or her general attitude toward other dogs and people. Physical and mental traits are evaluated, including behavior, body language and personality. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament and a general play day at the Corral includes two sessions in the climate-controlled playrooms, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Dogs play outside when the weather is nice with cool fresh water always available at multiple locations inside and out. When it’s naptime, dogs go to their individual suites filled with cozy cots and blankets. Veterinary professionals recommend rest time between play sessions and the Corral accommodates that between noon and 2 p.m. each day. Greb’s father, Ted, built a western-themed “corral” in the back of the playroom for the individualized suites, which are also used for meals. Strict standards concerning sanitizing and cleaning are in place to ensure a healthy environment. Requirements for dogs coming to the Corral are a quick release collar and vaccinations for rabies, bordetella and DHPP. Puppies must be at least 10 weeks old and they must be spayed or neutered by the time they’re 7 months old. To learn more about the services offered at OK Canine Corral or to schedule a tour or free temperament test, visit okcaninecorral.com. – BSM