DOG DAYCARE: IS IT THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG?
Doesn’t it feel great when you come home after spending an exhausting day of fun-filled adventures with friends? And don’t you look forward to the next time you get to do it? After all, it was so much fun! And let’s face it-we need days like that. Your dog needs days like that too, but with other dogs. For dog-owners who do not have regular playgroups with other dog-owners, taking your dog to a doggie-daycare can be an excellent choice. Once a week is a good low-end goal to aim for, but even just twice a month can be helpful. And with prices typically being significantly less than boarding, it can be surprisingly affordable.
Benefits for your Dog
Taking your dog to doggie-daycare provides several benefits for your dog.
Mental Stimulation
If you have ever had too much time on your hands, you know how it adversely affects your mind. It’s that “I’m so bored it’s driving me crazy!” feeling. In our crazy busy world, it’s easy to envy our dog’s easy-going life. But put yourself in their paws for a moment and consider how frustrating too much idle time can be. Your dog needs the mental stimulation that comes from playing with other dogs.
Physical Stimulation / Exercise
A tired dog is a happy dog. While those with toy or small-size dogs may be able to wear them out with a good jog around the neighborhood, many breeds have been bred to work all day-and they can outlast most of their owners. Other dogs can keep up with them and wear them out in a fun way.
Socialization
I’m referring to exposing your dog to new experiences, including environments, people, and dogs. While this is especially important for puppies, it is good for dogs of any age. The more they are exposed to, the better equipped they are to handle other new experiences. It is one of the most important parts of training a dog to live in a human world.
Benefits for you
Yes, your money isn’t just going to the dog. You get some great perks too!
A Better Behaved Dog
Two of the leading causes of behavioral issues in dogs is simple boredom and lack of exercise. Just like kids (and even adults), they are going to try to find something to do just to have something to do. Too often, what they find manifests itself in destructive behavior (chewing, digging, etc.). Doggie-daycare relieves boredom, and because of the socialization, also helps reduce behavioral problems resulting from a dog that does not know how to handle a new situation.
A Calmer Dog
Just like a person, a worn-out dog is going to want to relax after a tiring day. It can make for a nice, relaxing evening for both you and your dog.
Most dog care centers offer half-days or full day options, with packages for the day or for a full week. Some facilities also double as kennels too, and some offer grooming, training, and even pickup and delivery. Some will even transport your dog to their vet appointments.
Your dog will most likely have to pass a temperament test for the daycare facility and will need to be current on all of their vaccinations. For example, Bordetella (kennel-cough) vaccination is a must for obvious reasons, as it is spread by other dogs in close proximity.
While not every dog is suitable for doggie-daycare, most are. And with many doggie-daycare programs costing well under $50 per day, it is an affordable, good time for both your dog and you.