Should you use doggie daycare?

If you ever feel worried about leaving your dog home alone, doggie daycare is a great compromise. You can drop your pet off with an experienced dog handler who will make sure your pet has a blast playing with other puppies and getting exercise, love, and affection while you are away.

More importantly, doggie daycare allows dogs to get out some of their natural instincts that they may be suppressing in order to fit into the family—such as not nipping you in the butt during play, even though that is perfectly acceptable and even enjoyable amongst dogs.

Doggie daycare isn’t for every dog though, here are a few things to consider before signing your pet up for doggie daycare.

Does your dog actually want to go?

Many dogs love the opportunity to play with others, but some really don’t. If your dog has behavioral issues that make them questionable with other pets or people, doggie daycare isn’t a good option. Telling yourself your pet will learn to be more social by throwing them into a situation where they’re uncomfortable will likely result with stitches—for the staff, other dogs, or even your own pet.

Is the doggie daycare safe?

Before dropping your pet off, check the area closely to see what sort of company it is. If there’s few or no toys in the play area, that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it’s removing guardable resources that may make a pet feel compelled to start a fight.

Likewise, ask questions while you’re there and see how competent the handlers are. If they’re just letting everyone out into a playpen and hoping things go well, chances are a fight is eventually going to happen.

Instead, look for people who are good at sorting dogs based on their needs, and won’t be afraid to tell you if behavioral problems come up in your pet or if something happened at daycare.

Doggie daycare is often a good way to let out extra energy for socialized pets, but it’s not for every dog. Take into account your pet’s unique needs before deciding on doggie daycare.