Is daycare a good idea for my dog?
While dog daycare can be a great option for many dogs, it may not be the right fit for all dogs. If your dog is anxious, aggressive, or has other behavioral issues, daycare could actually make their problems worse.
Here are some reasons why daycare may not be appropriate for some dogs:
High Anxiety/Nervous:
Some dogs may be anxious or nervous in new environments or around unfamiliar dogs. Being in a daycare environment can be overwhelming for even the most social dogs. While some dogs may warm up and enjoy daycare many do not and instead shut down, avoiding other dogs and people during their day. An anxious dog will go home tired because of the energy spent being anxious and avoiding conflict.
Dog daycare can be compared to a busy nightclub or bar. Just like how some introverts may struggle in a noisy and crowded social setting, anxious dogs may also struggle in a chaotic and busy environment with unfamiliar dogs. For an introvert, being in a loud and crowded nightclub or bar can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. They may feel uncomfortable and out of place, and it may take them time to warm up to the environment and the people around them.
Just as an introvert may prefer quieter and more intimate social settings, an anxious dog may benefit from smaller and more controlled socialization opportunities, such as one-on-one playdates or training classes. It's important to understand that every individual, whether human or dog, has unique needs and preferences. While some may thrive in a busy and chaotic environment, others may find it overwhelming and stressful. As responsible dog owners, it's our job to recognize our dog's individual needs and provide them with appropriate socialization opportunities that are safe and comfortable for them.
Dogs who enjoy rough play or play to hard with others:
Dogs play in a variety of ways from gentle games of chase, to open-mouth bitey games, to wrestling and very hard roughhousing. While every dog is an individual dogs who play excessively rough are not good candidates for daycare.
Dogs who play too rough or who enjoy rough physical play may not be good candidates for dog daycare. While play is an important part of a dog's socialization and development, excessive rough play can be dangerous and lead to injury. Dogs who enjoy rough play often do not understand when they are being too rough and ignore important social cues from others. This type of play can quickly escalate and become dangerous, especially in a group setting where there are groups of dogs playing together. Rough play can lead to injuries such as bites, scratches, and bruises, and can also cause emotional distress in dogs that are more timid or fearful. Even with proper supervision, dogs that play too rough can pose a risk to other dogs and staff members.
If your dog enjoys rough play, it may be more appropriate to provide them with one-on-one playtime with you or playdates with other dogs that enjoy similar play styles.
Aggression/Reactivity:
Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs, people, who are barrier reactive, or leash reactive are often not a good fit for daycare. Daycare is not an appropriate way to socialize aggressive or reactive dogs as they pose a risk to other dogs and staff members. Dogs with a history of aggression or aggressive behaviors toward dogs who are smaller/larger, of the same gender, unfamiliar dogs, or toward household dogs are not appropriate candidates for daycare. We will dismiss any dog showing aggressive behaviors toward another dog or staff member.
Health concerns:
Dogs that have medical conditions (bad knees/bad hips/heart conditions), are not fully vaccinated, or have weak immune systems should avoid daycare. Even with the most strict cleaning protocols daycare environments can be breeding grounds for illnesses, and dogs that are not in good health may be more susceptible to contracting these illnesses.
Size:
We have a minimum weight for puppies and small breed dogs of 15 lbs. Larger breeds are on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to turn away dogs we believe are to small or too large.
Breed-specific behaviors:
Not all dog breeds are suitable for daycare, as each breed has unique characteristics, energy levels, and temperaments that may not be compatible with a daycare environment. It is important to consider the original purpose of your dog’s breed when deciding if daycare is a good fit.
For example:
Herding breeds are meant to move livestock making them generally energetic, often intolerant of other dogs in their space, and with nippy play styles that can be problematic in a daycare setting.
Livestock breeds may believe the daycare is their property to protect from outsiders causing challenges with new dogs and new employees. Per their original job they are bred to protect their property/livestock and not back down from a challenge.
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, can struggle with breathing and overheating. These breeds may not be able to tolerate the physical exertion and heat of a daycare environment.
Some breeds, such as sighthounds, may also have a higher prey drive or a tendency to be intolerant of other dogs, which can pose a risk to other dogs and staff members in a daycare setting.
It's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can also have unique personalities and temperaments that may not be suitable for daycare.
Isn’t daycare for socialization?
Yes, but also no.
While daycare can provide some safe socialization opportunities, it's important for dogs to be properly socialized in a variety of environments and with a variety of people and other animals. It's important to note that daycare should not be a replacement for properly structured socialization.
If your dog has been excused from daycare or you are concerned they will not be a good fit here are some other ways to safely socialize your dog:
Puppy classes: Puppy classes can provide a safe and controlled environment for puppies to socialize with other puppies and people. Not all puppy classes are run with safety and proper play in mind, make sure you ask how puppy playtime is structured. A play-free puppy class can be excellent for teaching manners around other dogs.
Hire a dog walker, please ask for recommendations
One-on-one playdates: If your dog is nervous around other dogs or if you're not sure how they will behave in a group environment, consider setting up one-on-one playdates with other dogs that you know are friendly and well-behaved.
Walks in new environments: Taking your dog for walks in new environments can help them get used to different sights, sounds, and smells. This can help them become more comfortable in different situations.
Training classes: Training classes not only provide opportunities for socialization but also help your dog learn important skills and behaviors.
It's important to note that not all dogs are good candidates for dog daycare. Always consider your dog's individual needs and temperament when deciding on the best way to socialize them. If you're not sure what approach is best for your dog, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Before enrolling your dog in daycare, it's important to evaluate their temperament and behavior and make sure that they are comfortable in a group setting with other dogs.
