Dog Daycare: A Few Things You Need To Know About

For pet owners, ensuring the well-being and happiness of their furry friends is a top priority, especially for those of us who regard our dogs as part of the family and worry constantly about their safety and wellbeing.

As pet owners, we tend to worry about the times when we need to be away at work or for extended periods, leaving our dogs at home alone and unattended. More than any other pet, dogs are known to suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owners, which can cause a great deal of stress. That’s where dog daycare centers can be the perfect solution, keeping our beloved furbabies occupied, happy, and safe, while providing a great environment for them to socialize, exercise, and receive proper care. If you're passionate about canine well-being, you might even explore one of the rewarding dog daycare jobs on Jooble.

In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to take a closer look at some of the key aspects of dog daycare to help pet owners make informed decisions regarding the welfare of their beloved canine companions.

About Janice

Janice is the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu. Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, she served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu.

When not writing, reading, or researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, her husband, and her family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting.

Why send your pet to Dog Daycare?

Modern lifestyles often involve long work hours and busy schedules, leaving us with limited time to spend with our dogs during the workday week. That’s where doggy daycare centers come in handy. They can provide a safe and supervised environment for our cherished four-legged friends while we’re at work.

So let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of doggy daycare centers.

Socialization

Dogs are social animals. They not only thrive on interacting with humans but with other dogs as well. Daycare provides the perfect environment where our dogs can engage in supervised play and socialize with both humans and their furry friends.

Prevention of Boredom and Destructive Behavior

When left alone for extended periods, dogs often become bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or excessive barking. (How many of us have come home to find our sofa cushions shredded with the stuffing scattered all over the living room floor?). Well-run doggy daycare centers prevent boredom by channeling a dog's energy into positive activities.

Physical Exercise

Dogs need regular physical activity, not only for the benefit of their health but also for their well-being. Daycare centers typically offer ample space for dogs to run, play, and exercise. This can also help prevent obesity.

Professional Supervision

Daycare facilities usually provide trained and experienced staff to oversee the dogs in their care. This ensures their safety, and staff can intervene in case of any conflicts.

Separation Anxiety

Some dogs experience a high degree of separation anxiety when left alone. I once had a German shepherd who would start howling (or baying at the moon, as my partner referred to it) the moment I left the house, often causing the neighbors to complain. This was very stressful for my dog - and for me! Dog daycare centers help to alleviate this anxiety because the animals in their care are constantly surrounded by other dogs as well as their caretakers. There’s simply no time to feel alone, neglected, or isolated.

Travel Convenience

In my experience, when traveling for business or leisure, leaving my pets in the care of a dog daycare center is far better than booking them into a boarding kennel where they are often locked in a cage for the duration of their stay. Who can blame your dog for feeling sad, alone, and abandoned while you’re away?

Peace of Mind

Above all, for me, the number one benefit of using a reputable dog daycare center is knowing that my beloved furkids are safe while I’m away. Knowing that they’re in a supervised and stimulating environment gives me a great deal of peace of mind. I know that my animals are well cared for. Speaking about separation anxiety - sometimes I’m not sure who suffers from this the most – me or my furbabies!

Factors to Look for When Choosing a Dog Daycare

When choosing a daycare center for your canine companions, there are various points to consider to ascertain whether you’ve chosen the right daycare. Here are some of them:

Cleanliness and Safety

Check for well-maintained play areas, clean water bowls, and secure fencing. Assess both indoor and outdoor areas.

Staff Qualifications

A reputable dog daycare should have trained professionals who understand canine behavior, can recognize signs of stress or illness, and know how to handle emergencies.

Playgroups

Ask about the size of playgroups and how dogs are grouped based on size and temperament. The object here is to ensure that your dog will interact positively with the other dogs, and not be intimidated by them.

Daily Activities

Ask about the types of activities provided. Dogs benefit from a mixture of playtime, rest, and mental stimulation.

Preparing Your Dog for Daycare

Preparing your dog for daycare is a bit like preparing your toddler for their first day in kindergarten. You will need to understand that initially, the daycare environment is going to be a new, unfamiliar, and somewhat scary experience for your dog, especially if they’ve never been to a daycare center before. It’s important to prepare your dog (and yourself!) for daycare to ensure a positive experience for you both. Here are some of the ways to help your dog adjust to its new and unfamiliar daycare setting:

Socialization

If your dog has had limited exposure to other dogs in the past, make sure to gradually introduce them to social situations with other dogs. Arrange with friends or family to visit with their dogs to help your pet become more comfortable in group settings, or visit your local park where your pet can meet and socialize with other dogs.

Gradual Exposure

Visit the daycare with your dog before the actual enrollment. This allows your dog to explore the facility, meet the staff, and become familiar with the surroundings in your presence. Start with short visits, allowing your dog to become accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the place.

Positive Associations

Create positive associations with the daycare experience. Use treats, toys, or verbal praise to reward your dog during and after visits. This will help your dog associate daycare with a positive experience.

Provide Comfort Items

Send your dog to daycare with familiar items such as their favorite toy or blanket. Having familiar scents can be comforting and make your dog feel more at ease.

Positive Goodbyes

Dogs are extremely adept at picking up on your emotions, so when dropping off your dog, remain calm and upbeat to reassure them that everything is okay.

Final Thoughts

A dog daycare center can be a wonderful solution to provide the best possible care for your beloved furkid when you’re apart. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your dog is safe and, above all, content. By selecting the right daycare facility, you can ensure a positive experience for both you and your furry friend.

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