If you have a dog at home but you work full-time, taking your dog to dog daycare could be a good option for you. That way your four-legged friend can still enjoy some company and look forward to spending the evening with his favourite humans.
Dog daycare is somewhere you can drop your dog off for all or part of the day and pick them up later so they don’t have to stay overnight. Some boarding kennels and home boarders offer day care as well as overnight boarding. And most establishments advertised as doggy day care provide an area for a group of unfamiliar dogs to stay.
Most dog daycare services have large areas so the dogs can get lots of exercise. They usually accommodate several dogs. Licences give a maximum number of dogs allowed, but there can be more than ten dogs all mixing together. There’s often a range of sizes, ages and personalities in each group. So there should be at least one person in the area at all times, to break up any squabbles.
Some dogs are fine in this mixed environment. For example, well-socialised adult dogs who enjoy interacting with other dogs, and are not overly physical in the way they play.
Other dogs may find this set up scary – usually it’s those who show fear or aggression around other dogs. And it can cause more social issues for them. You can do a trial day to see how your dog copes, but there are a few things to watch out for.
Most dogs behave well on a trial day. The presence of the other dogs often subdues any underlying aggression or anxiety. This can leave owners delighted their dog will overcome their social issues in this environment. But sadly, the long-term effect can be an increase in anxiety around dogs. This usually shows when they feel less threatened – often on walks with their owner.
Doggy daycare customers often say their dogs come home really tired and sleep almost straightaway. This may seem like a good thing, but it’s actually mental and physical exhaustion. Dogs need more sleep than us and should relax and sleep for several hours a day. At doggy daycare, dogs can spend most of their time interacting or playing with each other, and are alert most of their time there. This excessive play can make them obsessed with dogs on their walks. Some dogs can develop a habit of lunging and barking, especially when they’re on a lead and see another dog in the distance.
Well-trained dog daycare staff will be able to prevent your dog getting overstimulated, and reduce the chances of more social problems developing. So talk to them if you’re worried.
The dog daycare industry is licenced through the local authority in a similar way to boarding kennels and home borders – they should display their certificate at the premises. If they don’t have one, they may be operating illegally. Licencing doesn’t call for qualifications in animal care, behaviour or training. Ask to see a copy of the carer’s licence certificate and find out about their qualifications before you book your dog in.
A nine-year-old Labrador cross called Oreo has finally been rehomed after 490 days at Woodgreen, a pet charity based in Cambridgeshire.
Read more about 'Oreo’s Christmas miracle: Rescue dog finds forever home after nearly 500 days at Woodgreen'
When it comes to walking your dog, it’s not always possible to take them out for regular exercise, especially if you work long hours. Good news is, there are lots of dog walkers out there who walk people’s dogs for a living! Here are some top tips on finding the one for you.
Read more about 'Services for your dog – dog walkers'
At Woodgreen, we take in hundreds of dogs and puppies every year – and find them loving new homes.
Read more about 'Giving up your dog and dog rehoming'