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Frequently asked questions

Our services

Our services
  • All
  • Dog boarding
  • Dog training
  • Acclimatization at the guesthouse
  • Acclimatization at the guesthouse
  • Try Boarding (24h)
  • Visit & assessment

Categories

Categories
  • Rules and conditions
  • Pricing and booking
  • Dog safety and well-being
  • Registration process
  • Establishment & location

Can I have news of my dog during his stay?

Yes, depending on the length of the stay and the dynamics of the group, we send news or photos when it doesn't disrupt the dogs' routine.

We prefer to be present with our dogs, rather than communicating instantaneously.

Where are you located and how are arrivals handled?

Ranch Canin Manitou is located in Sainte-Thècle, in the Mauricie region, in a quiet, secluded forest setting.

Arrivals and departures are by appointment only, to preserve the tranquillity of the dogs and avoid unnecessary crossings.

What do I need to bring?

Only his usual food and a few familiar landmarks (blanket, toy, harness).

We supply everything else: bowls, cages, bedding and adapted shelters.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes, basic vaccinations (DHPP and rabies) must be up to date, as well as protection against parasites.

This is a safety measure for all the dogs present.

What if my dog isn't ready to be looked after yet?

The Ranch offers an acclimatization service at the guesthouse, specially designed for dogs who need time to :

  • get used to the separation from their reference human; ;
  • become familiar with a new environment ;
  • or learning to be comfortable in a cage in a positive way.

This service allows many dogs to live out their stay with calm and confidence.

What are the rates?

The basic rate is 42 $ per night per dog, with a sliding scale depending on the length of stay.

All stays include continuous presence on site, group supervision, and natural, calm living conditions.

It's not a volume boarding facility, but a place for individual attention and respect for each dog's rhythm.

How much notice should I take?

The Ranch operates according to the seasons and the number of dogs present.

As there is only one introductory visit per day and one 24-hour trial at a time, it's best to contact us several weeks in advance, especially before vacation periods.

Why do we need a visit and a trial day?

Because here, nothing is left to chance.

These two stages allow your dog to discover the place, for us to observe his behavior, and for you to see if the Ranch is right for him.

They ensure successful integration, without stress for either him or the dogs already present.

My dog doesn't like other dogs. Is that a problem?

Not necessarily.

Some dogs prefer to keep their personal space, and that's perfectly respectable.

We adapt our groups and enclosures to suit their needs.

What's not possible is to take in a dog that can't tolerate the sight, presence or sound of other dogs, as this would be a source of distress for him.

Can all dogs come to the Ranch?

No.

The Ranch is suitable for dogs who are comfortable outdoors, able to sleep in a crate and tolerant of the presence of other dogs, even from a distance.

La réactivité, l’anxiété ou un fort attachement à son humain ne constituent pas automatiquement un obstacle : c’est plutôt la capacité du chien à s’adapter à notre environnement et à notre fonctionnement qui détermine si le Ranch lui convient.

Each new integration is carefully planned, with a visit and a trial day.

How many dogs do you take in at a time?

We welcome a maximum of twelve dogs on the entire estate, divided into several groups according to their affinities and needs.

This deliberate choice reduces stress and enhances the tranquility of the site.

How does Ranch Canin Manitou work?

Le Ranch is not a traditional guesthouse.

The dogs live in small groups of two to four, in vast natural parks where they spend their days walking, playing, observing or simply resting.

They are always accompanied and observed, never left to their own devices.

At night, everyone sleeps indoors, in a comfortable, familiar cage, for a calm, safe sleep.

How do I plan my first booking?

🗓 How do I plan my first booking?
The admission process includes two meetings before an initial reservation (if no acclimatization is required). As we have no employees, only one visit per dayaccording to our respective availabilities.

➡️ So it's essential to plan ahead.
High-season periods (summer, holiday season, spring break) can be booked several months in advance.

Once your dog is registered, you'll be able to book more easily, even at the last minute. We always save a few places for members, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

📌 Planning recommendations :

  • Holiday season / School break: September to October
  • Summer: April to May
  • Other periods: any time - but the best time is before you need it.

Where can I check the boarding house's schedule and availability?

The schedule may vary depending on the time of year, vacations and traffic. To find out more when reservations are possible and see dates already sold out or closedyou can consulter notre page Horaire et disponibilitésregularly updated.

What are the admission criteria?

What we offer as a boarding service is not very unusual.

Please take the time to read our website in detail to make sure that what we offer is right for you before registering. If you choose to register your dog and use our services, be sure to read all our communications, emails and reminders to avoid misunderstandings that may be unpleasant for everyone, especially since many of you come from far away.

Dogs must:

  • Enjoy healthy interaction and play with other dogs,
  • Be adapted to the climate of our region, have the right coat for the season.
  • Be able to be outdoors from morning to night,
  • Be able to be separate from you in a place he doesn't know,
  • Be comfortable discovering new places, new people, new dogs,
  • Have a minimum of recall,
  • Know how to read other dogs' body language and respond appropriately,
  • Dogs that sleep in a crate must have been positively trained and must enter the crate twice,
  • Dogs that sleep in outdoor kennels must be used to this lifestyle and have the necessary coat..,
  • Weight between 35lbs and 90lbs,
  • Have a certificate of basic DHPP vaccinations: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus.

Not allowed:

  • In winter, hairy dogs with excessively long leg hair cause ice balls under the paws,
  • Dogs that can't be separated from you anywhere but at home,
  • Unsterilized females ovulating, 
  • Dogs with aggression problems,
  • Dogs that refuse basic handling,
  • Dogs that are afraid of people, of dogs,
  • Dogs uncomfortable in the presence of other dogs,
  • Dogs that don't like the presence of other dogs,
  • Dogs dependent on humans,
  • Dogs that bark excessively and constantly,
  • Dogs that have not been positively accustomed to the crate.
  • Dogs with wounds, lameness, joint problems, wounds or illness: diarrhea, cough, temperature and other symptoms,
  • Dogs without proof of vaccination,
  • In winter, short-haired dogs: Doberman, Braque, Dalmatian, Great Dane, Beagle, etc,

Can my dog meet other dogs during this visit?

If conditions lend themselves to it, a brief supervised socialization can be proposed. However, priority is given to your dog's safety and comfortwho can also discover the Ranch at their own pace, without any interaction.

Is this compulsory before a first stay?

It's not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Acclimatization makes it easier to adapt to your dog's first stay in a boarding kennel, especially for dogs that are sensitive, fearful or have never been kept elsewhere.

What does free acclimatization at the boarding facility entail?

This is a free introductory meeting where your dog can discover the Ranch, get to know the team and enjoy a positive, gentle first experience. It's a great way to prepare for a future stay with complete confidence.

My dog is reactive or fearful: can you help me?

Yes, we're used to working with sensitive, anxious or reactive dogs. Respecting the animal's rhythm and needs is at the heart of our approach.

Where do coaching sessions take place?

The meetings take place at the RanchThe environment is calm, safe and conducive to learning. In some cases, at-home or real-life sessions (e.g. on a walk) can be suggested.

Do you offer group courses or just individual coaching?

Coaching is personalized and is made in individual sessionOur courses are tailored to the unique needs of your dog and its environment. We do not offer group courses at this time.

Is coaching only for dogs with behavioral problems?

No. Coaching can help to correct undesirable behaviors as well as to reinforcing good habitsimprove communication with your dog or simply accompanying the adoption of a new companion.

I haven't received your confirmation emails, what should I do?

Be sure to add info@ranchcaninmanitou.ca to your address book or approved sender list. This will prevent our messages from ending up in your spam box.

Is it possible to make an exception to the regular schedule or if there's no more room?

In certain exceptional cases, an exception to the schedule or available places may be considered. To make a request, please contact Maxime at 418 507-6668 or to info@ranchcaninmanitou.ca in advance.

Can we arrive on Christmas Day or New Year's Day?

No. No entry or exit permitted on December 25 and January 1even if it falls on a day usually available on the calendar.

Is my dog allowed to board during the winter?

Winter (December to March), we do not accept short-haired dogsThey are more sensitive to weather conditions. In addition, dogs must have the short hair on legs to prevent the formation of painful ice balls between the pads.

What if my dog hasn't stayed at the Ranch for more than a year?

If you have not used our services for more than 12 monthsplease contact Maxime at 418 507-6668 before booking. This allows us to review your dog's profile together.

Are there any periods with minimum stays?

Yes. June 15 to September 15 as well as December 15 to January 5a minimum stay of 4 nights is required. These periods are very busy and require better planning.

Why is it impossible to make an entry or exit on a Tuesday or Wednesday?

No. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for the residents' peace and quiet - no arrivals or departures are possible on these days. However, it is possible to book a stay that includes these days, for example from Saturday to Thursday.

Do you accept all types of dogs?

We welcome most breeds, as long as they do not show aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs. A behavioral assessment may be requested for new boarders.

Will my dog be in a crate all day?

Not at all! We offer active boarding where dogs are taken out several times a day, alone or in groups, depending on their temperament. They enjoy periods of play and relaxation in nature.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated to stay at the Ranch?

Yes, only core vaccines are mandatory: Distemper, Parvovirus, and Hepatitis. Other vaccines (rabies, kennel cough, etc.) are at the owner's discretion. Proof of up-to-date vaccination for mandatory vaccines will be required before the stay.

What should I bring for my dog's boarding stay?

We ask that you bring your dog's usual food, properly identified and portioned if possible. You can also bring his bed, a blanket or a comfort toy, but it's not compulsory - we provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Can't find the answer to your question?

Contact us at info@ranchcaninmanitou.ca or 418 507-6668.

Opening a file01


The first step in the process is to open an account and fill in the application form for your dogs.

Make an appointment for a visit02


The second step in the process is to make an appointment for a visit & evaluation of your dog.

En attente de l'étape 1

24h pension reservation03


The final step in the process is to book an overnight trial stay at the guesthouse.

En attente de l'étape 2

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