About 

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What is the difference between K9 Kindy and Doggy Day Care?

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Doggy daycare can be a great option for older dogs, but it often isn’t the right fit for young puppies. Many daycares can’t take puppies who haven’t completed their full vaccination schedule, and staff-to-dog ratios can be high, sometimes 10–25 dogs per handler. Puppies need a lot of supervision, and even a brief lapse can lead to overwhelming or negative experiences during important developmental stages.

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Socialisation:

Daycare can be overwhelming and intense for younger dogs- puppies have keen observational skills and if they are confronted with bullying or inappropriate social behaviour before 6months old, they can develop unhealthy habits.

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Exercise:

Puppies need around 14-18hours of sleep per day. Daycare offers so much stimulation that puppies have a hard time self-regulating for naps. At K9 Kindy, we make sure that puppies receive appropriate downtime and aren’t allowed to overexert themselves. Puppies have lots of fragile growth plates and overdoing exercise can lead to lifelong physical issues.

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Support & learning:
Most daycares are focused on supervised play. K9 Kindy is a puppy-specific experience, run by a qualified trainer, with a focus on confidence, handling, gentle learning, and age-appropriate enrichment — all in a calm, home-based farm environment.

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Does my puppy have to be fully vaccinated?

No- they just need to have started their vaccination schedule. Because of the homebased nature of Kindy, I am able to offer a safe and sanitised environment for puppies.

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Will my puppy get fed at K9 Kindy?

Yes, please pack lunch for your puppy!

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How many puppies attend K9 Kindy?

We have a strict limit of 6 puppies per day

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Will my puppy meet older dogs?

Yes- we have resident inhouse dogs to ensure that your puppies have only good, safe experiences meeting dogs of all sizes.

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Safety

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Is my puppy safe at K9 Kindy?

Yes, your puppy’s physical and emotional safety is always my top priority. I know how important your new family member is, and K9 Kindy is designed specifically with young puppies in mind. Puppies are transported safely (using crates), directly supervised throughout the day, and given plenty of rest on soft, puppy-friendly surfaces.

Everything we do is age-appropriate!

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My puppy is nervous, will he be ok at K9 Kindy?

Absolutely. Nervous, sensitive, and thoughtful puppies are very welcome and supported at their own pace. Every puppy's day looks a little different, and that's exactly how it should be. 

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Puppy Classes

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Will I need to attend puppy classes if my puppy attends K9 Kindy?

Yes - we still recommend attending puppy classes. K9 Kindy is all about giving your puppy great experiences, confidence, and foundations, but puppy classes are where you learn the skills and get hands-on practice too.

Think of K9 Kindy as supporting your puppy’s development, and puppy classes as supporting you and your family. They work really well together. After all, your puppy lives with you, not me! 😉

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Pickup & Delivery

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What is the pickup/delivery zone?

We offer home pickup and delivery in most parts of Tauranga. ​

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What if I am outside the pickup/delivery zone?

No problem- please get in touch anyhow and we can usually sort something out 😊  We can arrange a meeting point, pick up from your work etc.

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Can I drop off or pick up my puppy?
Not at this stage - council requirements mean on-site drop-offs aren’t available. Pick-up and delivery is included, and your puppy will be whisked off for their Kindy adventure instead.

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How does pickup/delivery work?

Puppies are picked up between 8 - 9.30AM and delivered home between 3 - 4PM.

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Pick-up and delivery is part of K9 Kindy for a few important reasons:

• Travelling calmly in a vehicle is one of the foundation life skills we cover

• Puppies are transported individually in crates for safety and comfort

• And (the less fun but very real reason) council requirements mean clients can’t attend the property for pick-up or drop-off

Keeping pick-ups off-site also helps limit foot traffic and keeps the environment as clean and sanitary as possible for young puppies. Pick-up and delivery is included in the daily fee.

 

Do I need to be home for pickup/delivery?

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I recommend being home for the first pick-up, just so we can all feel comfortable. After that — not necessarily.

I know people have busy lives, work commitments, and kids to juggle (which is exactly why this service exists!). You’ll just need to arrange a secure spot for pick-up and drop-off, such as a yard, kennel/run, or by providing a key if needed.

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Payment & Cancellation Policy

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How can I pay? 

Payment can be made weekly in advance or as a lump sum.

Payment via cash or internet banking. 

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What if we are away during the course? 

No problem, life happens!
Please give at least 48 hours’ notice if your puppy won’t be attending and that day will be held as a credit.
Less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged for the day, unless there are genuine extenuating circumstances.

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I have a vet/groomers appointment on a school day? ​

K9 Kindy runs on limited days, so I recommend booking appointments around Kindy where possible. If an appointment genuinely can’t be moved, we can usually organise to take your puppy to and from their appointment - just chat to me first.

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