Exploring the Benefits of Doggy Day Care Services in Perth
1. Overview of Doggy Day Care
As you may know, a pet comes with a serious responsibility. If you have job commitments that keep you out of the house for long periods of time, don’t feel bad, you are not alone. For many people, life’s demands make it hard to pay attention to furry friends, and for many pet owners, there isn’t enough time in the day to attend to a pet for the very first time. Socialization, basic grooming, and skill training like trick learning takes time. And this is exactly the reason why pet owners prefer daycare services. Doggie day cares allow a dog to socialize with other dogs, receive some small training, and engage in play during a pet owner’s working hours. People are increasingly seeking dog daycare services. As a rule, local daycares have experienced staff who monitor the dogs’ activities during the time the owners are busy at work. It eases pet owners minds knowing their furry companions are not alone during the long hours of work. It also helps dogs have the companionship of other dogs which animals naturally prefer.
Although it can be difficult leaving your furry family member with a stranger, it’s nice to know doggie daycares with trained professionals that are safety certified are easy to find. Getting references is just as easy. Looking up local doggie day cares and reading their reviews tells you what your neighbors think. The information we seek is easily available these days, and getting a reliable review does not take much effort at all. How amazing would it be to know the details on services provided, including the lengths the owners go to in order to are for your pet?
2. Recognizing Why We Need Doggy Day Care
Dogs have always been cherished companions to humans, and it’s no surprise that they are called “man’s best friend.” They shower us with love and affection, and we love to play with them. However, often due to work trips or commitments, one is unable to be around their dog. Some people may ask, “What is the big deal? Just leave the dog at home.” But this is a big deal. Dogs are social creatures that are most content when they are surrounded by people or other dogs. If left alone for several hours each day, your dog is likely to become bored and depressed. A bored dog is a problem dog. They may resort to digging up the lawn, chewing on your favorite shoes or furniture, or making excessive noise by barking and whining. The good news is that this problem has a solution. A doggy day care allows you to “drop off” your dog in a safe and fun environment where they can socialize, play with other dogs, and interact while you are on a trip or earning a living.
As soon as you determine that doggy day care is best for your pet, you will need to look for a suitable center that can take care of your dog. Looking for a day care that keeps multiple safety measures in place will ensure your dog is kept in a safe and happy environment. The search for a suitable doggie day care is not that hard. In fact, there are plenty of dog care service companies which provide great services and attend to your dog’s needs. Apart from ensuring that you engage with your dog and watch over him or her, doggie day care services help with training issues, socially in puppies, and even act as a taxi for dogs. All doggies enrolled in day care enjoy packed days full of supervised social play activities.
3. Benefits of Doggy Day Care
Taking your pooch to daycare provides various dog care services you will find beneficial for both parties involved. Activities can be tailored to your pup’s specific needs, providing the ideal balance of interaction, engagement, and rest. Listed below are some of the reasons you would want to consider enrolling a younger or elder dog in doggy daycare.
3.1. Socialization Opportunities In most families, dogs do not get the chance to meet other dogs. Through doggy day care, making friendships that can last a lifetime is simple to achieve through skilled and trained dog counselors who ensure a pleasant experience for all. Socialization with humans and fellow pooches is an important part of any dog’s happiness; daycare is the best place to achieve both kinds of socialization, all at once.
3.2. Mental Stimulation Engaging activities capture the attention of most dogs, including sniffing new scents and many more. Many pet owners cannot find the time to provide sufficient mental activities. Training classes often attract dog owners, but many lose interest after completing a few sessions. Dog day care solves both problems; now, everyone has access to education and trainers while their pets receive daily mental activities.
3.3. Physical Activity The numerous favorable effects of physical activities for dogs start to show at an early age. For example, encouraging your puppy to come inside after a walk, observing his contentment later, and the gentle bounciness that comes after playtime signifies how much joy exercising brings to him. Exercising gives dogs a better quality of life as well as a longer lifespan. Moreover, it aids in promoting their physical health, enables owners to get proper workouts through scheduled walks, enhances manageability, and promotes calmness compared to their unexercised, chaotic peers. These advantages that come with exercising are invaluable and effortless for every dog parent. The mental calmness that some dogs display as a result of physical activities is astonishing.
3.4. Separation Anxiety Relief Approximately 15% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety, an ailment that is too common among domestic pets. You can view this as a distressing scenario for both you and your dog and it has several effects like the ones mentioned above. Or you can simply think of the daycare option which offers effective solutions such as fun outdoor activities, fun-filled socialization as well as a change of rhythm and environment to keep you and your pup free from stress and worries.
3.1. Opportunities for Interaction
Pets enjoy companionship not only of their immediate family but also of other family members as well as dog and cat friends. Some pets, especially those that are used to spending long hours with the family, can become stressed while being left alone at home. Pets may display excitement when you return home. However, once the excitement settles, pets might revert to their withdrawn and lonely selves for the rest of the evening.
Most pets spend time with their family members the most. However, interacting with different people and pets also adds value and stimulation. For example, your dog enjoys visiting with friends or even engaging in a fetch game while another dog is chasing them in the backyard. Spending time in enclosed backyards enables your dog to safely enjoy the company of other dogs. Reach out to your friends or family members who have dogs and ask them to come over. It is an amazing sight watching your dog having fun and playing with his friends. If your dog is not good with other dogs, perhaps a friend can hold the dog’s leash and allow the other dog to walk around as long as he doesn’t pull too much on the leash. Make sure to monitor the body language of both dogs. Look for calm behaviors at a distance before allowing them to get closer to one another.
Pet daycare facilities offer plenty of playtime with other sociable dogs, making them great for socialization. You can also take your dog for walks to pet friendly places or enroll him in training classes. Such activities add to the enjoyment and surprise character, which increases the chances of improving social skills. He will learn to encounter various dogs and human beings boldly. Better social skills will increase your dog’s self-esteem and assist in avoiding possible confrontations and violence.
3.2. Mental Stimulation
Doggy daycare keeps canines engaged with interactive toys, puzzle games, and other fascinating experiences just waiting to happen. These experiences can elevate their social skills and increase mental stamina. Sometimes, it can be hard to arrange play dates with other dogs at home. Plus, for busy dogs and owners, a daycare can be a nice treat for your pup and peace of mind for you! To have access to a special facility with toys and a large doggy playground all year round is a big plus! Interactions with other dogs and daycare staff members create an exclusive space for group playtime, as well as help developing your dog’s social skills. A dog that has been visiting daycare will learn to communicate with others more easily. This will help decrease the chances of encountering behavioral problems on walks and at public parks. Socialization isn’t just about playing with other dogs, after all.
As dog owners, we know dogs learn much faster from each other than they learn from us! A daycare will guarantee that everyday training, obedience, and learning occur safely, while also making it fun. So dogs won’t forget the things they learned from their puppy classes. In fact, through socialization training at daycare, your dog may become the ‘star pupil’ in the neighborhood! If you ever feel guilty about leaving your pup alone for long periods of time, rest easy. A dog enjoys staying at daycare and playing with other dogs all day long – it’s like a vacation for him. When it gets back home, it is sure to be tired. And while you’re home relaxing, your dog will be falling asleep from the stress of entertaining itself all day long.
3.3. Physical Activity
Day care centers provide dogs with opportunities for physical activity that most owners aren’t able to offer. Whether because they are away at work for the majority of the day, or because their dogs simply aren’t the easiest to exercise – many owners simply aren’t able to provide the kind of rigorous, consistent daily exercise that dogs need to be their happiest and healthiest. Many dog owners know the basics – that dogs need to run; that, in fact, all dogs need daily exercise of some kind. But many are surprised to learn just how much physical activity they depend on for optimal health and wellness. Without enough strenuous activity, dogs can easily become bored and restless and can even escalate their activity levels to excessive, destructive behavior. Day care can provide dogs who only get a few walks a day with a much-needed outlet for their energy. Many dogs are also deprived of the kind of high-speed, vigorous activity that is necessary for increased stamina and physical health. Let’s not forget that for all their cuddly size and charms, most dogs are descended from a long line of wild hunters or foragers. And while that may be hard to picture for some of the adorably small dogs that now share our lives, even the tiniest of toy breeds harbor a natural instinct for protecting their territory from predators, as well as a genetic predisposition to physical activity. Some of our dog companions – the herding breeds, for example – were bred specifically for endurance over arduous long distances. And like our own human bodies, dogs need physical activity to maintain a healthy muscle tone and remain fit. That’s especially true for overweight dogs, who are at an even greater risk for becoming less active, which only exacerbates the problem.
3.4. Separation Anxiety Relief
To some extent, puppies are prone to naturally experiencing separation anxiety, especially if you plan to leave the house and go to work every day. If this seems to be true for your pooch, it can be stressful for both you and your dog, and can even lead to behavioral issues. If your pet suffers from extreme stress when left alone, it’s best to actively seek a way to help them overcome it. The options include everything from slowly helping your dog become used to being on their own, to doggy playgroup, to using a professional dog trainer. Doggy daycare is a perfect solution, as their day will be spent relaxing and having fun with other dogs, easing their anxiety about being left all alone. If your pup is a little older, and you don’t need to worry about them getting into trouble while you are gone, then you probably won’t be concerned about separation anxiety. But other adults may still experience it to some degree, and if you notice it, rest assured that daycare is a good way to help reduce this anxiety and improve the mood of both you and your dog. It’s important to note that the aforementioned problems are different from dogs that show destructive behaviors or excessive barking. If you don’t see these problems with your pup, but they are doing some other strange behavior that you suspect could be anxiety-related, particularly when you return home after being gone, then the daycare could work to help the problem go away quickly.
4. Choosing the Right Doggy Day Care
Choosing the right doggy day care includes several important considerations like facility location and accessibility, facility amenities, and services provided, which may include dog grooming or training services. Additionally, inquire about staff qualifications, as well as health and safety standards. Location and Accessibility If you plan to drop off and pick up your dog, you’ll want to make sure the facility is close to home or work, or has extended hours of operation. If you plan to drop off your dog for a long stay, check whether there might be increased traffic at certain times of day, especially during peak commuting hours. If you’re dropping off your dog and leaving, look for a day care that allows curbside drop off, to minimize the amount of time your dog will have to spend waiting around. Facility Amenities Different facilities offer different things, and you’ll want to decide which features are important to you and your pet. For example, what kind of outdoor area – if any – is provided? Facilities that don’t have outdoor areas typically take the dogs for walks throughout the day. If this is important to you, check with the facility. Do they have a good bathing area? Is it done often enough? You’ll also want to check on how many toys are provided and what kind of toys they are. You might want to bring a toy that smells like home for your first day. Staff Qualifications Day care staff should be trained, qualified, and passionate about dogs. To help make your choice easier, ask how long the staff members have been with the facility and what previous experience they’ve had, both with dogs and in customer service. Staff members should have experience recognizing unwanted behaviors in dogs and should know how to develop plans for resolution. The signs that indicate a dog is unhappy can be subtle and vary from one dog to the next. Canine communication is complex, and it takes a team of educated and trained staff to observe, recognize, and take necessary actions.
4.1. Location and Accessibility
The location of a daycare for your dog is critical. You do not want to be driving across town to drop off and pick up your pet every day. Pet daycares are generally located in commercial districts. If you live in the suburbs but work downtown you might find that it is more convenient to have your dog looked after by a facility located near to your place of work. Many daycare centers offer additional services such as dog grooming, which can also assist you in making a decision about the ideal location for your doggie daycare. The more services offered, the less frequent you will have to drive to the facility. Some services offer dog training or can set up specialized care for pets that require extra attention because of health or safety concerns.
You also want to make sure that it is easy to get your dog in and out of the facility. Strip malls with public parking can create huge bottlenecks during rush hour. You do not want to be stuck in traffic for a half hour trying to get your dog to daycare so you can get to work on time. Ideally, you would like to have market street parking in front of the facility so that you can quickly enter and exit. For those dog owners who have to catch a bus or train to get to work, proximity to a public transit stop would also help. If you have a flexible schedule, consider using a daycare that is near your workplace. You may be dropping off and picking up your pet at non-peak times, reducing the time involved.
4.2. Facility Amenities
There are many different types of doggy day care services and not all facilities are alike. Before entrusting your beloved pet to any facility, make sure that the facility has all the amenities that you feel your fluff-ball needs. Some dog boarding services have multiple play areas for active puppies, and quiet spaces for elderly or sick dogs. Some places have indoor pools or even agility equipment, as well as comfy spots for a rest in between playtimes. You will also want to inspect these facilities so that you know your pet will be safe. Look for signs of wear on tools and equipment, doggy-proof exteriors and fencing. Check that there are safe areas for dogs to have downtime apart from each other, enough shade, ice water, and clean bathrooms. Ideally, the pet care provider should complete a remote monitoring process of the facility so you can check on your dog when you want. You might want to choose a service that specializes in your furry friend’s breed, since some breeds get along well with everyone, while others need more careful supervision. For some busy families, a doggy day care with extended hours is very convenient. Other people dislike the thought of a tired pet spending much time in transit to and from the facility. If you are short on time, find a nearby facility that works well with your schedule. Daily or weekly boarding might be your best option if you work long hours and participate in after work activities during the week. Many doggy care facilities have multi-pet discounts to reduce your costs.
4.3. Staff Qualifications
When searching for a doggy day care service in which to entrust your child, you must do the same due diligence, if not more, as you would when seeking a child daycare service. You wouldn’t dream of leaving your child with someone unqualified, would you? Then why would your dog be deemed any less deserving? When considering a potential doggy day care service, find out how the employees were trained and what certifications they hold. Taking direction and working for someone else might not be enough for an employee to respond appropriately to a stressful situation, such as an injury, illness, or dog fight. Ideally, the employees will not be required to learn on the job but enter the business having received formal education and training in canine behavior and care. Grooming and handling fear-aggressive dogs, dog health and hygiene, CPR and first-aid, and canine behavior are a few subjects of study for formal dog training programs and certification. Although not strictly qualifications, doggy day care services that go the extra mile and hire individuals with a background in animal behavior or animal welfare are desirable, as these individuals have the most exposure to what day care involves.
The day care should also employ enough staff to provide a safe ratio of dogs to caregivers, especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times when tempers can be frayed and during routine breaks, including feeding time, playtime, naptime, and bathroom breaks. Smaller ratios also assure that your dog will receive enough supervision and affection throughout the day. Many doggy day care services will have at least one staff member for every ten dogs, though a better caregiver-to-dog ratio is one for every four to six dogs, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health or behavioral problems. Ask how long the employees have worked there, how many caretakers are on duty at all times, and if the employees are on site at all times. The longer the employees have been with the doggy day care, the better they know the dogs and their needs, and being on site at all times allows the employees to address needs when they arise.
4.4. Health and Safety Standards
Everyone wants to know that every dog is happy and safe when it is at dog daycare. It is important to ask the right questions to confirm that a dog daycare facility implements the facility health and safety procedures you can trust: “What are the rules for owners and pets?” “How are puppies and dogs separated?” Daycare is definitely a place for pups and pooches alike, and that means that each should enjoy their time in a safe and happy place! Check that a daycare has emergency procedures in place regarding illness or injury to the dogs in its care, especially if your pooch has any especial needs. For instance, should your little peanut go running off to join the big dogs at playtime, is there staff on duty with a special eye for watching over the safety and wellbeing of the smaller daycare visitors? If the daycare you’re considering accepts dogs from different sources, you may want to find out if the dogs receive alternative care in separate areas or at times; after all, you wouldn’t want your pooch to be sharing space with a doggie who could be sick. Most doggie daycare facilities require you to bring a copy of your dog’s veterinary vaccination records with you when you first bring your dog to daycare. In addition to the core vaccinations your police should have received, additional vaccines such as Bordetella and canine influenza vaccination recommendations are made, especially during the cold winter months when dog flu can spread more easily.
5. Daily Routine at Doggy Day Care
Arriving at a doggy daycare is similar to dropping your child off at school, and no one likes the tearful goodbye. The best part is, as soon as you leave, your pup is running off to have some fun with their buddies! Dodge that sad moment by waiting a few seconds after they’re through the door before heading off for work. You can always check in on them throughout the day using the daycare’s webcams if you feel the need.
The majority of playtime in a doggy daycare consists of both indoor and outdoor play. Making sure they’re constantly supervised by staff members is a big reason why a tighter dog-to-staff ratio is so important! It is vital while your dog plays that they’re being constantly monitored and given proper playtime breaks. No dog ever wants to wind down, but calming them down is crucial to a successful day. Taking breaks, playing, taking supervised potty breaks, participating in scheduled rest times, and engaging in organized low-key group activities will reduce the chances of injuries and are great assistance in the training of overly excited pups!
You’ll be glad to know that nap times usually consist of lying peacefully in an air-conditioned room with soothing music while the soft light turns on and your dogs get all the attention they deserve! Each area has cozy bedding, snooze spots, and fun toys to play with along with their favorite staff. You’ll find that having proper napping times increases your dog’s energy levels, making them less prone to exhaustion and thus keeping them in a better mood at pick-up!
Lastly, throughout the day, it’s so important to ensure they’re staying hydrated. Each dog will need individual attention and care to fill their water dishes when they’re getting low and they’ll also have the chance to get a drink of water every time they finish outside playtime before heading back inside. For any dogs being at daycare long-term, their lunch will be pre-packed along with their specifically shaped kibble for the staff to feed them!
5.1. Arrival and Check-In
Just like us, pups get overwhelmed too, especially when taken somewhere unfamiliar. However, at a doggy day care centre, the experienced staff will understand your dog’s needs and help ease them into their new routine. Arrival and check-in is standard across all day care centres with staff on hand to help.
On the first day or two, drop off may take a little longer as the staff may ask you all sorts of questions about your dog, their history, medical history, what does your dog like or dislike, what is your dog’s behavior like around other dogs, have they attended day care before, etc. All in all, these questions will help the staff understand your dog better. Once your dog has been checked in, then the staff will introduce your dog to the other dogs and get them familiar with the place. After a few days, check in and drop off should be quick and easy.
Some doggy day care centres will allow you to pre-book and ensure a spot for your pooch beforehand so that they aren’t left standing on the street waiting. At check-in, you simply drop your dog off, grab them a towel, and head to work. This way, your dog will know a set routine when attending, and not get anxious or worried about being abandoned at day care.
5.2. Playtime Activities
One of the fun parts of using a dog daycare service is all the organized playtime activities. Dogs usually play intermixed with nap times, for about four to six hours a day depending on the season, climate, location and hours of operation of the center. In terms of what activities take place, generally this includes free outdoor play with appropriate dog friends. Dogs play their own dog games, such as chasing balls or sticks, chasing each other, wrestling, or just hanging out together. The playgroup will usually rotate depending on the personality of each dog and the current activity. For example, puppies or young adolescent dogs with soft mouthing behaviors may enjoy some time with the adult dog sleepyheads who are less interested in regular group play; or the special big guys can hang out together. Many dog daycare centers will also take playtime requests, and will have routine activities, to mix things up a little, such as obstacle courses or water play. If the weather permits, you may even get the chance to pick and choose fun dog games on those hot summer days. At some busy dog daycare centers, a separate training room may be needed to provide proper space to the daycare attendees who require time outs, or are taking a mini-vacation from group play. This private room will more than make up for the experience missed by the dog, as they typically get what we all want; one-on-one individual time with a staff member! Doting on our dogs is so important. Volunteer staff of typically high school or college students love it!
5.3. Rest and Nap Times
While doggy day care is undoubtedly a time for fun, play, and exploration, there are oftentimes during the day when the dogs do need to relax a little or take a power nap. Many doggy day cares will offer rest times before and after lunch; some may also incorporate mid-morning and mid-afternoon nap times. These breaks will help balance out the various different energy levels among dogs of all sizes and ages and give the larger, older or more sedentary dogs a chance to relax a while so they aren’t constantly being disturbed by the rambunctious youngsters. As your dog may not be used to resting or taking a nap when they would be at home, it may take a little practice for them to adjust to the act of winding down in the company of other dogs. Usually there are designated resting areas in the dog play rooms where the dogs can retreat to. Some dogs will be laid on comfy dog beds, others might simply be put in crates with the door left open or pushed up against a wall; cots or raised beds; and for some, just simply a small, private space away from all the other dogs can be enough for them to calm down and drift off to sleep. The caregivers at your doggy day care will ensure that your dog can lie down peacefully and offer assistance if they struggle to relax. In some doggy day cares, naps are staggered for different groups of dogs, allowing for greater relaxation and very little upheaval for the dogs who are getting ready to stretch their legs again. If the facility allows naptime to go on for longer, some dogs will be awoken and given some cuddles and attention or taken outside again for some fresh air before playtime starts up again for either group.
5.4. Feeding and Hydration
In between all the fun and games, doggy day care services understand that dogs have to take breaks to eat and hydrate, which creates opportunities in the daily routines for feeding and hydration. Meals and snacks at doggy day care are usually provided by their pet parents, because they usually know best when their dogs are fed or if their dogs have special dietary needs and restrictions. If your dogs come to daycare for an extended number of hours, the daycare may encourage pacifying their tummies with meals, especially if they are puppies, seniors, or prone to any nausea or bellyaches. These should be prepackaged and labelled if kept at daycare for an extended period of time and refrigerated if necessary. Daycare services schedule food breaks at specific times and offset them away from the busy play and potty times to reduce the possibility of food aggression or guarding from one dog with another.
In addition to meal times, water bowls are conveniently available in the main play areas and in other parts of the doggy day care to allow for unlimited water access. Some doggy day cares may take it a step further and add ice cubes to the water bowls on scorcher summer days. Dogs get very hot and thirsty in playgroups, and it is important for pet parents to hydrate their dogs before they head into daycare or leave their dogs at daycare with access to water. Most doggy day cares will keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially in older or disabled dogs who may not keep as well hydrated during playtime, to be sure every dog has a fun day in daycare.
6. Cost Considerations
Every pet parent thinks about the cost of pet boarding services. But at what point does that price become so cheap that it might be cause for concern? Are pet daycare facilities worth the price?
6.1. Average Pricing in Perth
It costs approximately $43 per day for the average dog daycare service, but there is a large variety in quality according to services offered and reviews. In Perth, notably we have Bark Avenue who’s at the higher end of the price spectrum at $58 per day. Paw Hill has packages that range between $25 to $27 for 5 visits, whereas The Dog House has prices as low as $25 per day. Fuzzy Wuzzy Pet Resort has packages that range between $30 for 5 visits or 4 dogs (mainly for owners of multiple dogs.) For dogs who get along with their furry friends well, sharing a daycare session helps alleviate some of the expense!
6.2. Value for Money
Your dog’s day consists of playgroups and using up energy. And in playgroups, dogs run, jump, chase, and wrestle until they’re all worn out. The skills provided by dog daycare facilities can also reduce the damage inflicted on a poorly-trained dog. Such dogs can tell the difference between dogs they play with at daycare vs other dogs they don’t know who are outside, which limits the chances of excitement that can lead to jumping or nipping at their well-known furry friends.
For dogs who can’t get access to a safe space or somebody to play with during the day, daycare is the perfect opportunity for them to socialize and let loose in a safe, supervised facility. And for some dogs, that skill is worth the price.
6.3. Budgeting for Doggy Day Care
Small businesses are developing around pet daycare where the businesses want to make sure dogs get the attention they need and to create a fun environment. As a result of the flexible work-from-home schedule, the demand for daycare services has lessened but now families are excited to return to work, and pet daycare facilities are seeing a surge in new furry faces.
Just like how we feel at home, dogs don’t like going to strange places. Many daycare facilities recommend taking your furry friend into the business before leaving them to feel more comfortable when you need to leave them for longer periods. While you’re there, check out the staff and see how they interact with your dog’s group.
6.1. Average Pricing in Perth
When looking for a doggy day care in Perth, one important factor to consider is the price. Although there is quite a range for doggy day care prices throughout the city, the average price in Perth is around $50 per day. When searching for doggy day care services, some places can charge $20 for half a day, then charge an extra $5 per day for feeding your dog, or they can charge $160 for a full week depending on the service and price package you choose.
There are a number of different factors that can impact doggy day care pricing in Perth, such as the services offered, location, care level, number of dogs, and with whom you get the service. There are also various doggy day care services available in Perth to choose from. For example, one facility offers other fundamental services like grooming, however they are specifically known for their doggy daycare, which includes feeding services, walking, pet taxi, pet cleaning, and a massive space for your dog to socialize, exercise, and more while you’re away from home. The facility is designed to be suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds. However, safety is important, so there are guidelines for which dogs can socialize with friends while others can stay at their playroom until it is safe to come out.
6.2. Value for Money
Daycare may seem like an expense you weren’t counting on. However, being forking out a few hundred dollars a week for dog daycare might actually give you a better return on investment than you realize. For starters, the relief of being able to go off to work without worrying about whether your dog is safely being looked after is worth the expense alone. But aside from this, is the cost real value for money?
Consider a few things. If you regularly hire a dog walker, you can be looking at $30 a time, while having your dog at daycare has a ballpark rate of $55-65 per day. If your dog walker comes to your home twice a week, having your puppy at daycare is actually cheaper than using a walker! Of course, daycare does more than simply save on costs. You can be confident that while you’re out at work, your dog will be socializing with other dogs and people, having fun chasing after toys and playing games with all of their friends. Clean towels, comfy beds, and affection showers are all great, but you can’t always afford to have your dog walker giving your dog 1-on-1 attention for the entire time they’re with you. With daycare, your dog is the entire staff’s focus ALL day.
But perhaps the biggest plus is the added service daycare owners offer. Your daycare is usually involved with veterinarians, trainers, and groomers in your local area and can better help you with that crutching problem you’ve had at the back of your dog’s neck, that nagging itch, or that overly hairy coat. Your daycare operator is a little like your vet – in that, when you go out to work, you’re just handing your dog over for the day, but it is so much more than that! They can monitor your dog’s diet and any health problems, and they know your dog the best if they ever become unwell or act differently, which makes it easier to spot abnormalities or further trace specific problems back to their source.
6.3. Budgeting for Doggy Day Care
In considering the cost of doggy day care, consider how this fits with your family budget. If you only have a busy period for a few weeks, or if you only need dog care while you are at work, doggy day care facilities can save you money and provide a stimulating environment for your pooch. Some options for budgeting for doggy daycare might be to: * Look for package deals that provide a reduced rate if you book a number of days in advance. * Consider combining your requests for care with other family members or friends if they need dog care as well. This could give you several bookings and provide a saving. * Look for seasonal specials – some facilities run specials for quieter times/less demand, such as Christmas. * Look for services that offer additional facilities free of charge. For example, an evening stroll for your dog before you pick him up late. Or if there is no charge for bathing or grooming. Do also think about hidden costs. Are there any travel costs? Most day-care facilities should be within a reasonable distance but if there are excessive travel times involved – traffic jams – you will be adding to your day, which could make tired, cranky doggies or a lengthy commute for you.
7. Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Day care for dogs is often met with skepticism. Many people worry about safety issues, if their furry friend is having a great time or if they are cruelly left lonely. They have questions about overcrowding and fear for what happens to their best friend when they themselves are not available, especially for those long periods of time when their beloved pets are alone at home during the day. And others have concerns about potential behavioral problems resulting from their pet being at doggy day care and not living a staid life within their family unit, that their dogs could start to behave in a more animalistic way and start to recognize themselves more as dogs than as family members. Safety in a doggy day care environment stems from proper supervision. Experienced staff will know the dogs in their care and will recognize good and bad behavior. They will also monitor play behavior and determine when play becomes aggression. Smaller numbers of dogs allow for a greater level of supervision. Overcrowding is another concern of dog owners searching for a day care center for their pet. They picture an overwhelming environment, with dozens of dogs throwing themselves at the fences and barking while staff members struggle to keep some semblance of control. This can happen at some facilities if they have no cap on the number of dogs, but more and more centers are not only limiting their numbers, they are also utilizing the important concept of play groups, groups of dogs which play and engage well with each other under constant supervision. Successful play groups are made up of dogs with compatible play styles, ages and activity levels. The supervised mixing and matching of dogs into play groups can help prevent so-called behavioral problems which concern so many dog owners.
7.1. Safety Issues
Many pet parents worry about the safety of their dog in an off-leash setting, and rightly so! After all, there are some horror stories out there and pictures of facilities that have had some nasty scrapes and accidents come out. Proper operator vigilance and good doggy daycare training certification help reduce the chances of such things from occurring.
A good daycare knows how to look after your pup and prevent dog fights. They will be clutter-free, rules to keep food, chew toys, and balls away will be followed, dogs will not be mixed up as far as activity level, age, or temperament goes, and they will also be closely monitored at all times to give safe, positive feedback to pups so they show great safe behaviors.
Supervising dogs that play with each other is not as easy as it seems! Bored or overstimulated dogs will attempt to crown themselves with their actions. Good doggy daycare services involve staff with daycare training in dog behavior and doggy daycare certification. They are observing pups closely for the slightest signs of stress or discomfort; re-routing attention to toys or positive behaviors, and calling in the appropriate behaviors when puppies have too much energy or become bored, avoiding naughty behavior before it occurs.
7.2. Overcrowding
Though overcrowding is a common fear of many doggy day care clients, a well-designed facility would seldom be overcrowded. For an open floor plan that has no visual barriers, the staff typically uses dividers to create various sections, which group dogs of a similar size and/or energy level. They may change the sections frequently throughout the day, depending on the ongoing dynamics in each section. Well-designed facilities also have separate, smaller areas for feeding, resting or quiet time, and cleaning up messes, so these spaces will not detract from the dogs’ activities while the facilities are in full use. They also have separate areas for large, rambunctious dogs and tiny, more easily injured dogs.
Professionally operated doggy day care facilities are typically staffed with at least one trained dog behavior specialist for every 10 to 15 dogs for most of the day. Such attention should help prevent an unruly puppy or social misfit from disrupting the activities or generating a dangerous or damaging fight. Enrichment activities can also help keep the dogs busy, and can be tailored to the available staff members, sizes and personalities of the current groups of dogs, and weather. Group play is important, but it should consist of at least 30 minutes of intense play and at most one hour of less intense play, interspersed with 5 to 10 minutes of quiet leader-controlled “training” exercises requiring using their voices or sniffing. Many dogs would tire of a day of continuous group play, even in moderate sessions.
7.3. Behavioral Problems
A common justification against dogs attending daycare is the possibility of reinforcement of unwanted behaviors due to exposure to other feisty dogs. It is argued that if dogs growl and nip when playing, they will learn this behavior, and be more likely to exhibit it at other times when not playing. Others argue that puppies should be allowed to play freely while young, because they are still learning appropriate social behavior. It is thought that puppies learn from older dogs to inhibit their bites. The reality is that dog socialization is complicated, and no one has all the right answers. Furthermore, it is difficult to make blanket statements about exposure to dog daycare because not all daycare centers operate in the same way. It is essential to recognize that some daycares pose a major risk to all attending dogs by failing to supervise play properly, or failing to use correct matching or segregation.
Prolonged exposure to heavy rough-and-tumble play between puppies could lead to the development of unwanted behaviors. It is certainly possible that daycare can create a group of dogs that are overly aggressive in play, a particular danger in siblings because of the increased likelihood of rough play fighting, or a dog with low bite inhibition possibly triggering a provoked bite. However, this aspect of daycare only applies to puppies, and is equally a risk factor for when young dogs engage in puppy-like play for a long time together regularly, not just daycare. There is no clear data whether spending one day a week at daycare as a young dog produces any negative side effects. Proper supervision, using body language evaluation, would help minimize the dangers involved. Furthermore, the daycare may also serve to help socialize puppies as play can become inhibited when puppies miss a crucial socialization window.
