There are lots of reasons why dog owners place their beloved pooches into doggie daycare. For some, it will be a one-off due to an event such as a holiday or a business trip. For others, it will be at least once a week due to regular weekly obligations, and for many, doggie daycare will be where they take their dog each day so that they know they are being well cared for whilst they go to work.
Whatever the frequency of how often you place your dog in doggie daycare, there are ways that you can help your dog adjust to that experience, and there are ways that you can hinder this too. We like to call these the “Dos” and the “Don’ts”, and if you read on you will find lots of them which can all help make doggie daycare as stress-free and rewarding as possible for both you and your beloved dog.
DOs
Carry Out Thorough Research So That You Choose The Best Possible Doggie Daycare Centre
To find the best possible doggie daycare centre you must do some research. This should include asking other dog owners if they would recommend one they have used. Also, check online for reviews and testimonials, plus check doggie daycare websites to assess their facilities.
Visit The Doggie Daycare Centre In Advance
Once you have chosen your doggie daycare centre, arrange to make an advance visit which they should be happy to arrange for you. When there, speak to the staff, ask about procedures including mealtime arrangements, enquire about medical protocols, and request a tour round the centre including play areas.
Ensure Your Dog Has All Its Vaccinations, And Their Flea And Deworming Treatments Are Up To Date
You must check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and that you have a record of that. If not, your dog will not be permitted to enter any doggie daycare. Also, make sure you have given them their latest worming and flea treatments.
Let The Doggie Daycare Centre Know About Any Medical Or Dietary Requirements Your Dog Has
If your dog has any medical conditions that require daily medication or has a specific dietary need, you must let the doggie daycare centre know so that they can make arrangements to facilitate them.
Mark Your Dog’s Collar And Leash With Your Name And Phone Number
You would be amazed at the dozens of leads and collars that doggie daycare centres have that have been forgotten or lost by the owners of past guests. Ensure your dog’s collar and lead do not join them by marking them with your name and telephone number.
DON’Ts
Don’t Make Your Goodbyes Lengthy And Prolonged
Help your dog settle quicker by not making a prolonged fuss of saying goodbye to them. It might feel like your child’s first day at school, but your dog will be better served if you say a quick goodbye and then leave them to it.
Don’t Assume Every Dog You Meet Wants To Be Petted
Being a dog lover you will doubtless want to say hello to all the dogs you see at the doggie daycare centre, but it is best if you wait for them to approach you. Not all dogs are “people friendly” so be cautious until you are sure a dog wants to say hello.
Don’t Continually Call The Doggie Daycare To Ask How Your Dog Is Settling In
We are sure you will be keen to know that your dog has settled, but please do not make the mistake of calling the doggie daycare centre every hour to check on them. If there is a problem, they will call you, and all you do by calling is disrupt the staff from their duties.
Don’t Assume Doggie Daycare Is A Substitute For You Playing With Your Dog And Exercising Them
Simply because your dog is playing whilst at the doggie daycare centre, it does not release you from your responsibilities as a dog owner to play with your dog and give them exercise in the form of regular walks.
