20/05/2025
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in dog injuries in our community and with a recent incident that we experienced, we thought we’d start an important discussion.
Let’s talk about it. 🐾
Recently, we experienced one of the hardest parts of working with animals. Two dogs, both longtime, much-loved clients of ours, were involved in a sudden and unexpected fight during a supervised playgroup. While the injuries were treatable (a few stitches and a bonked tooth), it shook us deeply. We’ve been in close contact with both families and are incredibly grateful for their trust and understanding. 💛
This isn’t something we take lightly. This is the part of the job that breaks your heart. The “what ifs.” The “how could this happen?” The truth is, even in the safest, most structured settings, animals can be unpredictable. And it’s our job to constantly grow, learn, and stay transparent.
So here’s what we’re doing:
✨ Enrolling our staff in advanced behavior & body language training on top of our continued learning if
✨ Reassessing our group play policies with fresh eyes and flexibility
✨ Offering more one-on-one play and enrichment options
✨ Doubling down on fear-free strategies like visual barriers, decompression time, and kennel customization
And here’s how you can help reduce the risk of conflict—whether your pup is with us or out at the dog park:
🐕🦺 Watch for signals: lip licking, yawning, turning away, raised hackles, or tense posture
🧠 Know your dog’s thresholds: not every dog thrives in group settings, and that’s okay
🫶 Respect their space: if a dog seems uneasy, give them time and distance to regroup
🐾 Choose structured play over chaotic crowds: smaller groups or one-on-one play is often safer
📚 Keep learning: we’re all students of dog behavior, and that curiosity protects everyone
The truth is, dog safety and wellbeing is up to US. As we grow and improve in this, we urge the community to join us in personioritizing dog aafety and to reach out for tips, resources, or recommendations.
We’re a small, local business with big hearts, and we’re committed to giving every dog the safest, happiest stay possible. Thanks for being part of our BARC family and for walking this journey with us. Worth love, honesty, and open conversations. 🫶
READ MORE: https://www.barcutah.org/the-scoop-1/blog-trust-and-tail-wags
At BARC Boarding Center, we believe that dogs are more than pets—they’re family. That’s why every decision we make is rooted in one mission: to provide a safe, enriching, and trustworthy environment for the animals in our care and peace of mind for their people.
