Dogs need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Not only does this keep them healthy, but it prevents them from getting into mischief in your home when you aren’t around. For pet owners who work long hours, consider the benefits of doggy daycare. Dogs that go to doggy daycare get to play and exercise, build socialization skills and have less separation anxiety compared to their non-daycare counterparts.
Pet owners may have different reasons for putting a puppy or dog into dog daycare, but the results are almost always positive. Reputable dog daycare facilities will conduct a meet and greet evaluating your dog’s temperament. No one wants your dog to be miserable at dog daycare. Unhappy dogs lead to aggression and possibly injury.
The majority of dogs pass temperament tests, don’t experience separation anxiety while at daycare and generally love the experience. In fact, most dogs start to recognize the days when they get to go to their playgroups and can’t wait. If your dog’s enthusiasm isn’t enough to convince you to take him, consider all the benefits of dog daycare.
Benefits of Doggie Daycare
There are many reasons to get your dog out of the house and out to his playgroup. The price of doggie daycare is well worth according to most pet owners. Don’t believe it?
Here are 14 reasons to consider putting your pup in doggie daycare:
Safe Environment for Play
Giving your dog a safe environment to play is top priority. When at a dog boarding or day care facility, your dog is not just in play areas designed for dog play, his play groups are structured with other dogs that play like him. The entire time your dog is interacting with other dogs, he is being supervised in a safe environment where he can have fun being a dog.
Release Pent-Up Energy
You know what it’s like when you arrive home from a long day at work. Your dog is so excited to see you and get outside. When your pup has spent the day with friends, he is more likely to want a nap while you make dinner than demand an hour walk. Let him get that energy out so you can settle in at home and then spend quality time with him later.
Develop Socialization Skills
Dogs are pack creatures and need social interaction. Puppy play groups helps dogs develop positive behavior skills. Some dogs take some time to adapt to the daycare pack but once they do separation anxiety lessens. Dogs become more social and have less anxiety not just at the boarding facility but also at home.
Make New Doggie Friends
Forget a petty sitter, give your dog a real canine companion at dog daycare. He will find new canine friends with the same play style. It also builds strong socialization skills that will help you when you take him to the local café, a wake at the park or to play at the dog park.
Overcome Dog-Mom Guilt
Forget scheduling your entire day to make it home early or for lunch to spend a bit of time with your dog. Alleviate dog-mom guilt knowing your puppy is having fun at his doggy play group. You can enjoy a lunch with friends while he enjoys exploring the dog play areas at day care with all his pooch pals.
Controlled Play Areas
When your dog is at doggy day care, he is always being monitored by staff members. This means someone is always there to prevent trouble from starting and deal with any emergency that might arise. Canines are social animals but left unchecked can find trouble. By keeping playtime controlled, everyone is kept safe while boredom and destructive behavior is curbed.
Affordable Pricing
Most doggy daycares have affordable pricing tiers making it possible to take your dog often. Pet owners appreciate loyalty programs and punch cards that discount frequent visits or include boarding facility options as well for extended stays when you are out of town. If you are concerned about pricing, talk to the doggy daycare facility to see what pricing options are available. You might be surprised.
Pet Care for Healthier Dogs
Doggy daycare is a type of pet care that isn’t health care per se, but does help to keep dogs healthier. They get more exercise, are less likely to eat things that can lead to poisoning or obstruction and improve mental capacity. Dogs come home from doggy day care exhausted and ready to cuddle with you on the sofa.
More Comfortable Bladders for Small Dogs
While your dog might be willing and able to hold, it isn’t always healthy for him. Leaving your dog at home for extended periods of time can lead to bladder or kidney infections, especially in older or small dogs. Staff members make your dog gets to go potty several times a day. Your dog’s health is worth it.
Big or Small Dog Play Areas
Your dog’s temperament determines where he will spend his play time while in pet care. Small dogs are kept in the small dog area while big dogs romp amongst themselves. Staff members are trained to recognize anxiety or aggression in dogs. They will make sure that shy and scared dogs are not put in with the rough-n-tumble crowd.
Stop Destructive Behavior at Home
You’ll find less unwanted chewing than when leaving your dog at home all day. When dogs are given a fun environment and outdoor play areas to enjoy, the dog’s overall behavior improves. Even if you only take your dog to daycare twice a week, he’ll be less likely to chew, mark or bark all day long. If you’ve been told that your dog cries, howls or barks all day while you are away, doggy daycare is a positive solution.
Outdoor Play and Fun
When you leave your dog at home, chances are he is on the sofa for the day just waiting for you to return. Many doggy daycare facilities have indoor playrooms and outdoor play time when weather permits. Getting outside in a safe environment with other dogs gives your dog mental stimulation and gives him friends to work on his social skills.
Gives Dogs a Routine
If your schedule is unpredictable, you can provide a clear routine for your dog. Dogs like routine and habits and are less likely to experience anxiety and separation anxiety when they have regular routines. While at doggy daycare, your dog will have specific routines for play, potty and feeding.
Prepares Dogs for Overnight Dog Boarding
Dogs that go to daycare do better when owners are out of town and have to keep the pups in boarding facilities overnight. By socializing your dog and creating happy habits away from home, your dog is more likely to adapt to extended stays away from you.
Dog Owners, Dog Kennels and Dog Daycare
Pet owners are the only one who can determine the total value of doggy daycare. Many owners see their slightly lethargic and overweight dogs drop weight and become enthusiastic partners for longer evening walks and weekend adventures. Find a dog daycare that makes you feel comfortable and gives you peace of mind. You’re leaving your dog in someone else’s care.
Check facilities for reputation and ask for insurance. They’re going to ask you for vaccination records as well. Dog daycare has to mutually work otherwise dogs become depressed or aggressive. No one wants a serious incident to happen. You want to make sure the kennel is a good fit for your dog.
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via Whisker Therapy