Waglands Dogs Daycare

29/01/2025

🐶Why We Use Long Lines at Waglands
At Waglands, our goal is to create safe, enriching experiences where dogs can learn and grow in a structured way. One of the tools we use to support this is the long line—a lightweight, extended lead that allows us to guide dogs while still giving them space to explore.

🐶Why BioThane Long Lines?
We specifically use BioThane long lines at Waglands because they are:
✅ Tangle-Free – Unlike fabric or rope leads, BioThane stays smooth and doesn’t get caught on itself.
✅ No Rope Burn – Softer on hands and skin, preventing handlers and dogs from painful friction burns.
✅ Weatherproof & Durable – Easy to clean, doesn’t absorb water or mud, and remains strong even in wet conditions.
These features allow us to better manage play safely, prevent over-arousal, and build reliable recall without the downsides of traditional rope-style long lines.

🐶Why and How Do We Use Them?
✅ Building Reliable Recall – Even well-trained dogs can become distracted in exciting environments. The long line allows us to practice recall in real-world settings while ensuring success.
✅ Encouraging Safe Exploration – With over a hectare of land at Waglands, dogs love to run, play, and investigate! The long line gives them more freedom while maintaining the ability for us to subtly interact and limit activity when needed.
✅ Preventing Over-Arousal in Play – Some dogs get too excited and struggle to regulate themselves. A long line allows us to step in and calmly redirect before things escalate.
✅ Supporting Nervous or New Dogs – For dogs adjusting to daycare or learning social skills, the long line provides gentle guidance to help them navigate interactions safely.
✅ Developing Impulse Control – Whether it’s waiting patiently, responding to cues, or disengaging from distractions, long lines help us reinforce positive habits that benefit dogs both at daycare and at home.

🐶Are Long Lines Safe in Public?
While long lines are fantastic in controlled environments, they can pose risks in public places. Using rope-style or very long leads in busy areas can cause:
⚠️ Tripping Hazards – They can wrap around people’s legs, causing falls.
⚠️ Dog Entanglement – They can tangle around other dogs, leading to injuries.
⚠️ Lack of Control – If a dog bolts on a 15m+ lead, it’s much harder to regain control quickly.

At Waglands, we avoid these risks by using BioThane long lines in a structured way and keeping our standard leads just over a metre. This allows us to quickly reconnect with the dog, gently redirect their attention, and keep play safe.

🐶How This Benefits Your Dog at Home
The training we do with long lines at daycare carries over into everyday life. If you love taking your dog to the beach, bush walks, or open spaces, a properly used long line can be an amazing tool for freedom and safety—just be mindful of your surroundings and other people.

Got questions about using a long line at home? Drop them in the comments below!

25/01/2025

🌿 Wild Week at Doggie Mountain! 🐾 🌿

This week, we’ve been wildly reminded of how wonderful and rural our daycare really is—so much so that the local wildlife couldn’t resist joining the fun!

🐦 Pheasants have been strutting their stuff like they own the place (don’t tell the dogs—they’re not impressed).
🦋 A giant moth decided to pay us a visit, bringing a touch of mystery to the playground.
🦔 And the cutest surprise? A baby hedgehog! It stopped by to check out what all the barking and tail wagging was about.
🦎 Meanwhile, the local skinks and Ngahere Geckos are thriving, treating us to furtive glimpses in all sorts of interesting places.
🐇 (Best not to mention the hundreds of rabbits—let’s just say they’re a permanent part of our scent enrichment program.)

Our unique blend of nature, adventure, and wagging tails makes every day at Waglands a little more magical. What’s the most surprising wildlife encounter you’ve had? Let us know below! 🐕🌳✨

17/01/2025

📣Important Update: Katherine Mansfield Afternoon Bus change

Happy New Year, Waglands friends! 🐾

We’re starting 2025 with exciting improvements, including an essential update to the Katherine Mansfield Park afternoon bus stop.

Starting Tuesday, January 21st, we’ll trial a new pickup location off Hawkestone St (opposite Number 36 Hawkestone Street, which is the back entrance to St Mary’s College and using their basketball court carpark).

Here’s why this change is essential:
🎯Katherine Mansfield Park is too busy during school afternoons, leading to parking and safety issues.
🎯The new location offers safer, smoother pickups for everyone involved.

A special shout-out and heartfelt thanks to Sarah Parkinson, the new principal at St Mary’s College, for her generosity in allowing us to use this space. Her kindness has made this trial possible, and we’re excited about this new partnership.🙏

📅 When: Starts Tuesday, 21st January
📍 Where: Opposite number 36 Hawkestone Street - St Mary’s College basketball court
📍 Morning Trips Remain at: Katherine Mansfield Park

We appreciate your flexibility during this trial and welcome your feedback to make this work for all families. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for helping us make Waglands even better for you and your dogs!

20/12/2024

Day 10: "Jingle’s Tug-of-War Farewell… and a Well-Earned Nap!"
It’s Jingle’s final day at Waglands, and the dogs were determined to give this mischievous elf a proper send-off! 🐶💪 The pups teamed up for an epic game of tug-of-war, showing Jingle that payback is a real tug (literally)! 😂🎅

After a week of tricks, chaos, and shenanigans, Jingle finally ran out of steam. 😴 We found them curled up in one of our cozy bedroom suites, snuggled up with a dog enjoying a sleep. 🛏️❤️

Turns out, even the naughtiest elves need a little rest… and what better place than Waglands, where fun and relaxation go paw-in-paw! 🐾💤

Thank you for joining us on Jingle’s wild holiday journey! From all of us at Waglands, we wish you a joyful, restful, and pawsome holiday season! 🎄🐶❤️

19/12/2024

Day 9: "Bush Explorer Gone Rogue!"
Jingle decided to lead the dogs on a grand bush adventure today! 🌳🐾 But let’s just say… navigation skills are not this elf’s strong point. 🙈

We found Jingle hopelessly tangled in branches, looking like they were trying to become one with the forest. 🌿😆 The dogs, ever the heroes, stood by ready to guide our wayward elf back to safety. 🦸‍♂️🐶

Maybe Jingle should stick to flat ground and leave the bush exploring to the pros! Tomorrow is Jingle’s final day at Waglands—will they finish strong or go out with one last bit of chaos? 🤔🎄

18/12/2024

Day 8: "Power Up, Pup!"
Looks like Jingle’s antics have left them out of energy after last week’s chaos! 😴 Our clever pup decided to give Jingle a little boost to get them back on track. 🚐⚡

But don’t worry, no electricity here—just some good old-fashioned dog-powered motivation! 🐶💪 Jingle, of course, took this opportunity to pretend they needed a recharge, while lounging around and letting the dogs do all the work. 🤦‍♀️

We’re starting to think Jingle’s real talent is getting out of actual work! Will they finally pull their weight tomorrow, or is this elf committed to a life of leisure? Stay tuned! 🎄😂

17/12/2024

Day 7: "The Tables Have Turned!"
Well, that did not go as planned! 😱 Julia called Jingle in for a serious meeting to discuss their behaviour, but somehow, Jingle took control of the situation… literally! 😬

Julia ended up tied up, while Jingle stood there looking far too pleased with themselves. 🤦‍♀️ This elf seems to be running rings around us (and ropes, apparently).

Julia is plotting her revenge, but in the meantime, the dogs are starting to wonder if Jingle's antics will ever stop. Surely this elf has to run out of tricks soon, right?

But wait… there’s a spark of something brewing for tomorrow. ⚡ Jingle might have pushed things a bit too far this time!

16/12/2024

Day 6: "Mischief, Makeovers, and Mondays!"
It’s Monday, and Jingle is back in action after their weekend “recovery.” 🥴 But instead of easing back into daycare duties, they decided to start the week with… a makeover? 🤔✂️

We caught Jingle riding around on one of our dogs, Veet hair removal cream in tow, looking far too ready for a DIY grooming session. 🐶🧴 Thankfully, the dog wasn’t impressed by Jingle’s styling attempts and managed to avoid a bald spot. Phew! 😅

Julia has officially had enough. A “meeting” has been booked to discuss Jingle’s questionable work behaviour. 📅🚨 Will this be the intervention Jingle needs to turn things around?

Stay tuned for tomorrow's update… Something tells us Jingle might not take this meeting seriously at all. 👀🎅

13/12/2024

Day 5: "Elf Gone Wild – The Friday 'Incident'!"
Well, we thought Jingle was finally ready to help out with the dogs’ obstacle course today… but instead, they took a detour into party mode! 🎉🚐

Somehow, Jingle managed to lock the whole team in the doggie van while they partied outside, surrounded by suspiciously empty bottles. 🫣🥂 We’re not sure how an elf even got hold of this much “Christmas spirit,” but one thing is clear: Jingle’s idea of “helping” is getting wilder by the day!

Now, the team is stuck, the dogs are confused, and Jingle? Well, they’re going to need the entire weekend to recover from this one. 🤦‍♀️💤

Don’t worry, though—Jingle will be back on Monday (hopefully with a clearer head) to continue their holiday hijinks. What could possibly go wrong next? 😅🎄

Stay tuned to find out… if Jingle sobers up enough to actually help next week! 🐾🥴

12/12/2024

Day 4: "Bubble Trouble!"
We set up the dog washing station for some well-deserved baths today… but guess who jumped in first? 🛁🎄 Our mischievous elf, Jingle, decided they needed a bubble bath before the dogs! 🧼✨

With cotton-ball bubbles everywhere and a very satisfied grin, Jingle was living their best spa life while the dogs watched in confusion. 🐶👀 Some pups even looked ready to join in… but Jingle wasn’t sharing their tub time!

Now, we’ve got bubbles on the floor, bubbles on the walls, and bubbles on the dogs who haven’t even had their turn yet! 🤦‍♀️ Is Jingle getting cleaner… or just causing more mess?

Will tomorrow bring a clean slate or more sudsy shenanigans? Stay tuned to see what Jingle gets up to next! 🎅😅🐾

11/12/2024

Day 3: "Jingle's Nail Trimming Disaster!"
Today, Jingle decided to “help out” with nail trims at Waglands. ✂️🐾 But instead of trimming the dogs' nails, they went straight for Julia’s! 🤦‍♀️ One tiny snip later, and… disaster! A broken nail! 😱

We’re starting to think this elf might need to stick to supervising instead of doing. The dogs were watching closely, tails wagging, and you can bet they were relieved Jingle didn’t get anywhere near their paws! 🐶💨

With tools now safely locked away 🔒, we’re wondering—will Jingle redeem themselves tomorrow, or is this just the beginning of more daycare chaos? Stay tuned to find out what this mischievous elf gets into next! 🎄😅

11/12/2024

🐾 It Takes a Village... and What a Village This Is! 🐾

This incredible team is the heart and soul of Waglands. They are the Village that works tirelessly every day, caring for your pups of all sizes, shapes, and personalities. 💪🐶

Through every tail wag, muddy paw, playful bounce, and cuddly moment, these amazing humans have poured in their time, passion, and love to help your dogs learn, play, and thrive. 🌟

We are beyond grateful to each and every one of them for being part of our journey in redefining dog care. This year has been a testament to what dedication, teamwork, and a whole lot of heart can achieve! 💖

Join us in giving this mighty Village the round of applause (or paw-plause! 🐾) they deserve! 👏

You might spot a very young puppy in the photo 🐾 — do not worry! This adorable bundle of fluff is one of Jan's latest Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever pups, who was just sneaking in some extra cuddles before heading off to their new home on Friday. 💕

10/12/2024

Day 2: "The Toy Tornado!"
We gave Jingle one simple task today: organise the toy box for the dogs. Sounds easy enough, right? 😇

But when we checked in, it looked like a toy tornado had hit! 🧸🌪️ Bits of fluff and shredded paper everywhere, and there was Jingle, sitting in the middle of the chaos, looking far too pleased with themselves. 🤦‍♀️ Meanwhile, the dogs were wagging their tails like they knew exactly who the real culprit was.

Did Jingle do this alone, or did they have some four-pawed accomplices? 🐶🐾 We’re starting to wonder if this elf has a talent for trouble!

Will tomorrow bring order or more mischief? At this point, we’re bracing for anything. Stay tuned to see what Jingle gets into next! 😅🎄

09/12/2024

🎉 Guess who just dropped in (literally) for the holiday season? Our newest team member, Jingle, the Waglands Elf! 🎄✨

Jingle clearly doesn’t do quiet entrances. Instead of walking in like a normal elf, they decided to zipline straight into the daycare! 🎢 Attached to a leash, zooming over the dogs’ heads, Jingle made a high-flying first impression while the dogs watched with a mix of curiosity and confusion. 🐶👀

We’re not sure if Jingle is here to help us or to cause mayhem (our bets are on mayhem!). But one thing is certain: the holiday season at Waglands just got a whole lot more exciting!

Stay tuned to see if Jingle settles in… or if this is just the beginning of some serious elf mischief. What do you think they’ll get up to tomorrow? 🤔🎅

27/11/2024

🐾 The Secret to Calm and Happy Dogs! 🐾

At Waglands, we believe calmness is the foundation for balanced and happy dogs. With over 1 hectare of beautifully designed space and 22 unique play areas, our focus isn’t just on fun—it’s also about creating an environment where dogs can thrive both mentally and physically.

Our team uses positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour, especially during transitions between play areas. This ensures that every dog enjoys a stress-free, enriching experience while practising essential skills like self-control and balanced play.

🌟 Thinking of daycare for your dog? Discover how we create the perfect blend of fun, learning, and relaxation for dogs of all sizes and personalities.

➡️ Want to know more? Visit our website or message us today to learn how your dog can join the Waglands family.

22/11/2024

🎥 Why am I paying for daycare for my dog to sleep?! 🐾

We get it – it might seem a bit funny at first! But here at Waglands, our approach to dog daycare is all about balance. 🐶💤🐾

Our day follows a structured rhythm based on the idea of thirds:

🧠 1/3 Mental Stimulation: Foundation training, obstacle courses, and scent work to keep those clever brains ticking.
🛌 1/3 Rest: Essential downtime to relax, recharge, and avoid burnout.
🐕‍🦺 1/3 Play: Joyful, social play to build strong, positive interactions.
But here’s the trick – these aren’t blocks of time; they ebb and flow throughout the day. This thoughtful balance ensures your dog stays happy and healthy, both mentally and physically.

On sunny days, you’ll find our groups enjoying chilled-out moments in the yard. For our younger pups or those needing extra help relaxing in a group, we provide naps in our private rooms, often with a licky mat for a calming touch. 💕

🐾 It’s hard work getting dogs to chill! 🛌 Creating this balance takes skill. Our team carefully reads body language, manages energy levels, and encourages rest – because we know dogs running and playing non-stop isn't just exhausting; it’s unhealthy. High states of arousal all day long can lead to stress and long-term behavioural challenges.

So yes, your dog might nap here – and that’s part of the magic. 💤 Think of us like a doggy yoga retreat: fun, balanced, and designed for long-term wellbeing.

Got questions or a favourite chill moment of your pup? Drop us a comment below! 🐾👇

18/11/2024

🐾 Exciting News from Doggie Mountain! 🐾
This week, Arlene had the privilege of speaking and being a panel member at the first-ever New Zealand Pet Conference! 🎤✨ It was an incredible opportunity to share our journey at Waglands, including how we've embraced innovative systems, technology, and collaboration to enhance the care we provide for your furry family members.

We also explored the role of AI in streamlining our operations, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—creating enriching, positive experiences for the dogs in our care. 🐶💙

A huge thank you to the organisers and everyone who joined us at the event. Together, we're shaping the future of pet care in New Zealand, and we're so proud to be part of this inspiring community! 🌟

05/11/2024

I so love this initiative from RadioNZ... what a great service to our community in so many ways. Go RadioNZ!!

RNZ Concert is offering a Guy Fawkes night radio show of music chosen to be gentle for pets, and people, during fireworks, in collaboration with SPCA.