What are some of the reasons why taking your dog to a doggie daycare is important and why they need it. A well-run daycare, with staff trained in dog body language and behavior, can be an ideal solution for many pets and their people. A good dog daycare provides:
Safe and supervised play: Dog parks are not always ideal places for off-leash interaction. Daycare dogs need to be evaluated for energy level and temperament, and need to be closely monitored while they play, to ensure every dog has fun and stays safe.
Mental stimulation and social interaction: Dogs are social creatures. Meeting up with doggy friends, even one day a week, provides your pets with a break from the usual routine, and allows them as much (or as little) social interaction as they want and need.
Flexibility for owners: Dog daycare is usually offered in full-day or half-day increments, which makes it an ideal solution for people with odd work schedules or occasional dog care needs. Daycares are often more flexible in their arrangements than dog walkers, who have a schedule to keep.
Pinch-hitting for your dog’s exercise needs: While a day spent at daycare can wear your pet out, it’s not a substitute for your responsibility as an owner – namely, twice-daily walks with some play and training mixed in. However, for busy families with packed evening schedules (think after-school games and recitals), sending your dog to daycare when you’re not going to be home at night is a brilliant compromise to make sure all family members are looked after.
Management for problem behaviors: Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety – a panic-induced state where the dog feels abandoned and becomes destructive and physically ill during an owner’s absence. Being surrounded by dogs and people can help to mitigate this response while the owner works with a trainer (and perhaps a veterinarian) to address the underlying behavior problem.
We have all heard stories about dogs that have destroyed furniture, shoes and other items when their families were out. This is one of the many reasons why dog daycare is a desirable solution – and preferred over the temporary relief of an occasional daily outing with a dog walker.
Does your dog have a special need? Do you need a helping hand looking after your furry family member? Or if you have any questions, let us know. We are here not just for your four-legged friend but also for you. This is why PawsVIP is here every day from 5AM to 9AM. Book your appointment today or call / text us at (425) 499-4669. We look forward to meeting and playing with your pawl soon.