Is Doggy Daycare Good For Dogs? (Not Always…)

Daycare can be fantastic for dogs who love being around other people and pups. It’s a perfect way to socialize them and get them used to being away from their guardians. Dogs in daycare also get plenty of exercise running around and playing with their furry friends.

However, not all dogs enjoy daycare, and it can actually be quite stressful for some pups. If your dog is shy or gets anxious when left alone, daycare may not be the best option. Dogs at daycare can also pick up bad habits from other canine companions, such as excessive barking or jumping.

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is doggy daycare good for dogs — Is doggy daycare good for dogs? (Not always…)

And if daycare isn’t run properly, it can be a breeding ground for disease and illness. So while doggy daycare can be great for some dogs, it’s not always the best choice for every pup.

What is Doggy Daycare?

Doggy daycare is a place where dogs can socialize and play while their owners are away. Daycares usually have a variety of activities for dogs to enjoy, including group playtime, individual playtime, and training sessions.

A woman at a doggy daycare walks with a dog.

Some daycares also offer boarding services so that your dog can stay overnight if needed. Daycare is an excellent way for dogs to get exercise and socialization, and it can help to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors at home.

If you’re considering doggy daycare for your pup, be sure to visit several facilities and meet the staff before making a decision. And remember, just like with human daycare, not every dog is a good fit for every daycare!

Different Types of Doggy Daycare

There are a few different types of doggy daycare, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

woman-visits-dogs — A woman visiting a dog facility.

The most common type of daycare is group playtime, where dogs of all sizes and temperaments are placed in a room together to play. This type of daycare can be great for socialization, but it’s not always the best option for dogs who are shy or have a lot of energy.

Some daycares also offer individual playtime, where your dog will get one-on-one attention from a staff member. This can be a good option for dogs who don’t do well in groups, but it’s usually more expensive than group playtime.

A few daycares also offer training sessions as part of their services. These sessions can be helpful for dogs who need to work on their obedience or behavior, but they’re not suitable for every pup.

Before you decide on doggy daycare, think about what type of environment would be best for your dog. For example, group playtime can be a great way for social dogs to burn off energy, but individual playtime may be a better choice for shy pups.

The Pros and Cons of Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare is a great way to give your dog some exercise, socialization, and stimulation while you’re at work. Here are some of the pros and cons of doggy daycare:

Pros:

dog siDogs get plenty of exercise and stimulation at daycare.
Dogs can socialize with other dogs, which is essential for their development.
Dogs come home tired, so they’re less likely to get into trouble when you’re not home.
Daycare can be a great way to meet other dog owners in your area.
It can be less expensive than hiring a pet sitter.
Dogs usually have a blast at daycare and love playing with the other dogs there.
It’s a great way to help keep your dog mentally stimulated.
It can help reduce separation anxiety in dogs.
It’s convenient – you don’t have to worry about picking up or dropping off your dog somewhere.
Many doggy daycares are staffed by certified trainers who can help with behavioral issues or obedience training.

Cons:

Not all doggy daycares are created equal – do your research before choosing one.
Some dogs may not enjoy being around other dogs all day and may become stressed or anxious.
Daycare can be expensive, depending on where you live.
If your dog isn’t well-socialized, he may come home from daycare acting out more than usual.
There’s always the potential for illness or injury at daycare if proper hygiene isn’t followed.
If you’re not careful, you may end up paying more for daycare than you would for a pet sitter.
Your dog may become attached to their new friends at daycare and refuse to come home with you.
You may miss having your dog home during the day.
Some dogs may experience separation anxiety when left at daycare.
There’s always the potential for something to happen to your dog while in daycare (although this is rare).

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare can be a great option for some dogs, but it’s not right for every pup. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. And remember, even if doggy daycare is right for your dog, not every daycare facility will be a good fit.

Cocker Spaniel on grass — Cocker Spaniel lying on the grass and looking towards owner.

Choose carefully and make sure you’re comfortable with the staff and the facility before entrusting them with your furry friend!

Ultimately, whether or not doggy daycare is a good choice for your dog depends on their individual personality and needs. If you’re considering daycare for your pup, be sure to visit several facilities and meet the staff before making a decision.

Why Should You Need a Daycare?

Not every pup is a good fit for daycare, but there are a few reasons it might be the right choice for your dog.

French Bulldog and English Bulldog — French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs have different ears position.

If you work long hours or have a busy lifestyle, daycare can provide your dog with the exercise and socialization they need. Daycare can also be a good option for dogs who are bored at home or have destructive behaviors.

However, daycare isn’t always the best choice for every dog. Some pups may do better with a dog walker or pet sitter, while others may do better staying home.

Consider your dog’s personality and needs before making a decision about whether or not daycare is right for them.

How to Choose a Daycare?

If you’ve decided that daycare is the right choice for your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a facility.

woman holding Dachshund — Dachshund looks up with a woman holding him.

First, visit several different daycares and meet the staff. Be sure to ask about their experience with dogs and their policies on discipline and safety.

You should also observe how the staff interacts with the dogs and see if the environment seems safe and clean.

Finally, be sure to ask about the price of services and whether or not discounts are available for multiple dogs or extended stays.

Questions to Ask When Visiting a Doggy Daycare

What is the staff-to-dog ratio?
What is the average group size of dogs in daycare?
How often are the play areas cleaned?
What kind of safety precautions are in place (i.e. gates, fences, supervision)?
What procedures are in place for managing medical emergencies?
What procedures are in place for managing aggressive behavior?
What kind of enrichment activities do you offer dogs?
Are there any restrictions on what kinds of dog breeds can attend daycare?
What’s your refund policy if my dog doesn’t like it?
How long have you been operating as a doggy daycare?

When to Start Doggy Daycare?

The best time to start doggy daycare is when your pup is young and social. Puppies who start daycare early on often have an easier time adjusting to the environment and tend to be more socialized.

an owner kisses a tiny Basenji puppy — Kissing an incredibly small Basenji puppy!

If your dog is older, you may still be able to take them to daycare, but be sure to ask about the facility’s policies first. For example, some daycares only accept dogs under a certain age, while others may require a trial period before your dog can join the group.

When you start doggy daycare, introduce your pup to the environment gradually. Start with short visits or half days and increase the amount of time as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Alternatives to Doggy Daycare

If you’re not sure if doggy daycare is right for your pup, there are a few other options to consider.

Dog Walker

For many dog owners, doggy daycare is a lifesaver. It allows them to drop their pups off for a few hours or even all day while they’re at work, knowing that their furry friend will be well-cared for. But what if doggy daycare isn’t an option?

walking a Toy Poodle — The owner walk her Toy Poodle.

Or what if you just prefer the personal touch of having a dog walker come to your home? Either way, hiring a dog walker is an excellent alternative to doggy daycare. Dog walkers provide one-on-one attention for your pup, and they can tailor the walks to your dog’s needs.

They’ll also ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and socialization, which are important for a happy and healthy pup. So hiring a dog walker is a great option if you’re looking for an alternative to doggy daycare or just want to give your pup some extra love.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitters provide in-home care for your dog while you’re away. That means your pup gets to stay in the comfort of their own home – and you don’t have to worry about them being around other dogs. Pet sitters can also provide customized care based on your dog’s individual needs.

create paw inspired captions — A woman creates paw-inspired captions on he mobile phone!

And, perhaps best of all, they can offer peace of mind knowing that your beloved pet is in good hands. So, when it comes to choosing the best care for your furry friend, be sure to consider a pet sitter as an alternative to doggy daycare.

The Bottom Line

Doggy daycare can be an excellent way for dogs to socialize and exercise, but it’s not right for every pup. Be sure to visit several facilities and meet the staff before making a decision about whether or not daycare is right for your dog.

And if daycare is not a good fit for your pup, pet sitters and dog walkers can provide excellent care for your furry friend.

Don’t be concerned if your dog does not like attending a doggie daycare; as long as they have your friendship and love and the appropriate amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation, their life is quite nice!