The Benefits of Dog Daycare

I became a big fan of dog daycare after seeing the benefits my own dogs received. I don’t “need” to put my own dogs in daycare as I work from home or am lucky enough to bring them to work with me, but there is no substitute for running free for hours with a pack of other friendly dogs. (Plus I enjoy the break  too – LOL)

True, you could go to the dog park after work or on weekends and that might be a close second. But how long do you spend at the dog park…30min, an hour? And have you ever had a “bad experience” there with another dog or irresponsible owner? Daycare dogs are screened for temperament and supervised by a professional. To me it’s worth the cost even if that’s only once/week or whatever fits into your budget.

As a dog trainer, and dog owner, here are some of the benefits that come to mind:

• Socialization: I can hardly believe when some people tell me their dog NEVER gets out to play with other dogs. Socialization should be an ongoing part of your dogs life from the day you get him and for as long as you have him. The benefits of a well socialized dog are too numerous for me to mention. I see the results of lack of adequate socialization daily and know what problems, stresses and challenges the dogs and their owners go through. Prevention is a must.
• Release of excess energy: If you work an 8 hour day, 5 days/week chances are you aren’t able to keep up with your dogs physical and mental needs on your own. Daycare gives you access to relieve your dogs boredom and put that energy to good use, so that when you come home tired, so does he.  
• Reduction for chances of aggression or fear based behaviours: Self explanatory.
• Reduction of most excessive (obsessions, fixations), destructive, or neurotic (anxiety, reactivity) and pretty much any other bad behaviours. Don’t misread this… I said reduction, not that it will solve a problem on its own. Additional training may be necessary.

There are many benefits and few disadvantages. If you have been on the fence about trying daycare, I recommend you call several locations and ask some questions. Visit the daycare and see where your dog would spend the day and what the staff is like. Once you find one that suits your specific needs, give it a try!