Is Doggy Daycare Right For Your Puppy?

Doggy daycare has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is an excellent choice for many of our canine pals. Fido  can become lonely and restless if left at home alone for an extended period of time. Going to doggy daycare is usually a win-win situation! However, daycare is not appropriate for all dogs. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet lists some important aspects to consider when deciding whether daycare is best for Fido.

How Do I Know If My Dog Enjoys Daycare?

Opinions on doggy daycare differ greatly. Some dogs might enjoy it, while others may be afraid or too excited. Your best bet is to monitor your puppy’s demeanor. If Fido gets delighted when you hear ‘Daycare’ and wags his tail the entire way there, it’s safe to assume he enjoys it. If he appears afraid and uneasy, he may not be the best fit.

If your dog dislikes daycare, you may notice it in his temperament when you pick him up. He may appear terrified or shaken, and he may simply not act like himself.

A good daycare will also have experienced staff who will evaluate every dog there. Trained eyes can often identify puppies who aren’t having fun. Ask the staff how Fido did!

How Often Should My Dog Go to Daycare?

This changes based on both the dog and the person. Some puppies would want to come every day and would be content with coming in on Monday through Friday while you are working. Others will prefer a more limited schedule, only visiting us a few times per week. You can also experiment with different schedules to determine what your canine companion likes.

What Are The Perks of Dog Daycare?

We said before that daycare allows Fido to spend the day playing with his friends rather than sitting at home moping or, worse, getting into mischief. That may be the primary benefit, but it is not the only one.

Here are some of the key ones:

• Socialization: Proper socialization is essential for pups. This helps them develop open views about the world, which leads to them becoming open-minded, kind, and polite adults. Dogs who were not adequately socialized as puppies are more prone to exhibit hostility and fearfulness as adults. Letting little Fido mingle and play with other dogs can be really beneficial here.
• Exercise: While we have some furry patients who are couch potatoes, many dogs at daycare are quite active. Fido will be able to burn off a lot of his extra energy. This is not only helpful for keeping him in shape, but it may also be very useful for you. By the time you pick up your pet, he will most likely be tired. That means he’ll be ready for cuddles and quality time, rather than bouncing off the walls with pent-up energy.
• Safety: We cannot overstate the importance of safety in daycare. Some dogs become very distressed when left alone, to the point that they actively attempt to escape. Others will react in different ways. For example, Fido may attempt to dig through the carpet. He may also tear into the trash or eat your sofa. These things can not only make a mess, but they are also highly dangerous.

What Breeds Do Well At Daycare?

As one might think, doggy daycare is best suited for friendly, high-energy dogs who enjoy socializing with their peers and have plenty of zoomies to burn off. Our ideal furry ‘student’ is sociable, outgoing, playful, and well-mannered.

However, some of the dogs who enjoy daycare may surprise you. Many toy breeds, for example, are known for being cuddly lap dogs. However, these guys also enjoy running and playing. Senior dogs also love socializing with their friends. It all ultimately just depends on the dog.

When Should My Puppy Start Daycare?

In many cases, this will be determined more by your puppy’s vaccination program than by his age. Most daycares do not accept puppies until they have received their initial vaccinations and boosters. In addition to the basic immunizations, this would generally include the Bordetella vaccine and, in certain situations, the canine influenza vaccine.

In most cases, young Fido will have met those milestones by the time he reaches 12 to 16 weeks. However, you will want to obtain specifics from both the daycare and your veterinarian.

What Are the Signs That My Dog Isn’t Suitable for Daycare?

Each of our canine buddies is unique, with their own individual characteristics. This is not something we can necessarily tick off based on breed. Much of it is due to Fido’s history and disposition.

Good daycares will also carefully evaluate the canines in their care, to ensure that they are a good fit, as well as protect the comfort and safety of the other dogs in daycare.

With that considered, here are some signs that Fido would not do well at daycare.

Aggressive Dogs: While some dogs’ aggressive behavior can be handled via training, doggie daycare is not the place for them. Dogs can be aggressive for a variety of reasons, including territorialism, fear, and pack politics. Whatever the cause, this is undoubtedly a deal-breaker.

Intact Dogs: Most daycares require a dog to be spayed or neutered before starting class. As you may know, unneutered male canines are more likely to be violent than other puppies. Pups will also fight for intact females. Overall, there is plenty of room for unnecessary doggie drama with unfixed pets. If your canine pal hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, make that appointment with your vet right away. 

Giant Dogs: This one will vary slightly from pup to pup. Some bigger dogs are quite lazy and will happily spend their days snoozing and dreaming of bacon. That probably won’t be a problem. However, a really large dog that is untrained or extremely active may pose a considerable hazard to other puppies or personnel simply because of his size.

Timid Dogs: Did you know that dogs can tell when a puppy is frightened or insecure? Unfortunately, shy dogs are particularly susceptible to being picked on or bullied. Plus, nervous pups often just dislike daycare and would rather be at home on their doggy beds.

There is also plenty of room to make decisions for particular canines. An extremely intelligent dog may be better served in puppygarten, where he may devote some of his energy to learning new things.

If you are unsure whether daycare is appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian and the daycare staff.

In Conclusion: Doggy daycare can be a great option for energetic, friendly dogs who enjoy playing and socializing with other pups. Your pet can spend his time with his buddies, rather than sitting home alone, moping. However, it isn’t right for all dogs: a pooch that is aggressive, fearful, sick, or fragile may not be a good fit.

Book Your Stay at Our Doggie Daycare.

Would you like to learn more about doggy daycare? Do you think this is a suitable fit for your puppy? Contact us at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO pet clinic, any time. We are always happy to help!