For Dogs
Doggy daycare has become very popular in recent years as a way to provide dogs with companionship and exercise while pet owners are away from home. If your favorite furball enjoys being social, the last place he or she wants to be is cooped up in a house without company for hours on end. They’d be much better off in an environment where they can have fun! And that’s what doggy daycare is all about.
Benefits of Doggy Daycare
Doggy daycare can be an ideal solution for many pets and their humans. Dogs who attend doggy daycare tend to:
- Be happier
- Be less anxious
- Suffer less from separation anxiety
- Display less destructive behaviors, such as chewing or soiling in the home
- Be more apt to follow commands
- Be more social, with both dogs and humans
- Be less fearful of the unknown
- Be more fit due to the daily exercise
What Makes a Good Candidate for Doggy Daycare?
Dogs who like to socialize and who are in good physical health are usually the best candidates for daycare. They should be comfortable around new dogs and new people. They should also have name recognition and understand basic commands, such as come and sit. It also helps if your dog is comfortable being away from home for several hours of the day.
Dogs who are under-socialized or who are prone to overstimulation may become acclimated to their new surroundings in time, however, that is not always the case. Dogs who have a history of aggression towards dogs or people should not be taken to doggy daycare.
At Central Pet and other reputable doggy daycares, a temperament test should be performed with every dog to ensure that they are ready for a doggy daycare environment.
How to Tell If Your Dog is Enjoying Daycare
It’s not like your dog can tell you about his or her day, but there are signs you can look for to determine if they should continue going or if they should stay home instead.
Some signs that point to your pet having a positive experience include:
- More relaxed at home
- More at ease in new environments
- More sociable with dogs and humans
- Tired at the end of the day from healthy activity, not stress
Yes, doggy daycare can be an exciting opportunity for dogs--but that doesn’t mean it’s right for every dog, including yours. Keep in mind that playing for long periods of time can be physically taxing on your four-legged friend. Furthermore, it’s never a good idea to force your dog to socialize in situations where they don’t feel comfortable. If your dog comes home cranky, sore, and/or stressed, it might be time to look at other alternatives, such as organized play dates or training classes.
Do you think your dog could benefit from doggy daycare? If so, call today to schedule your pup for a temperament test to see if they are ready for the daycare environment!
