You don't want to drop off your precious pup with just any doggie day care. You want a safe, clean, fun, engaging environment where dogs get to romp and play and get a few hugs. That's the Houston Dog Ranch. It is styled after an old Western town complete with a saloon, hotel and bunk houses. Each building is actually a private cabin with a porch, patio, ceiling fan, flat-screen television, air conditioning and homey furnishings including soft bedding, rugs and chairs. Each dog enjoys off-the-leash individual and group play, social interaction sessions, nap time and water play. Plus, wading in the farm's bone-shaped swimming pool is always fun. There's even cuddle time for less active dogs. While the staff uses positive behavior reinforcement with the dogs throughout the day, private training, good citizenship classes and agility training are available for a small extra fee. Staff members live on site and everyone at the farm has received pet first aid training.
READERS' CHOICE: The Pooch Pad