How Do I Know if My Dog Likes Daycare?
You’ve finally signed up for doggy daycare. You go to work with a smile because you know Fido is in good hands at his new “school.” All day long you look forward to picking up your furry companion who, you imagine, will be jumping for joy to see you and can’t wait to tell you all about the amazing time he had playing with his fellow doggy pals. But how do you really know if your pet likes daycare? This article will discuss how you can pinpoint if your dog likes his daycare center.
Key Considerations of What Doggy Daycare Offers to Suit Your Dog
Avoiding the Anxiety of Separation
If your dog is afraid to be left alone at home or in a car, he may have trouble adjusting to the anxiety of being placed in a new environment. Dogs with separation anxiety show stress when left alone, such as pacing or vocalizing. Some dogs may even destroy things while they’re separated from their owners. If your dog shows these signs when you leave him alone at home, he might not yet be ready for daycare.
Socialization with Other Dogs & People
Dogs who enjoy socialization often interact well with other dogs and people when placed in an unfamiliar situation. They’ll greet others politely and may even initiate play or companionship with another dog or person in the facility. Some dogs may prefer one human over another, but most will demonstrate that they enjoy being around other people and pets.
Keeping Your Dog Physically Fit
This is a big one for many people. Dogs love to run around and play all day long, but if you don’t take them out on walks or runs, they will quickly get fat and lazy. If your dog is getting exercise at home, then chances are your dog will be perfectly fine at daycare. The key here is consistency. If you take him outside only to play once per week, for instance, you might want to rethink using daycare until he has more time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Healthy Interaction with a New Environment
Another common concern is whether or not your dog will get along with other dogs in their new environment. That is another area where consistency helps because it gives your pup time to get used to other dogs before being placed in a group situation. It also allows the staff to observe how well your pup reacts with other dogs in a controlled setting before placing them in a larger group setting like overnight boarding or a doggy daycare.
Learning Proper Etiquette from Other Dogs
If your dog is social and has a good temperament, he will probably do well at doggy daycare. The dogs in the facility will teach him how to behave around other dogs and learn what constitutes rough play and what doesn’t. If your dog tends to be aggressive or overly protective of his food or toys, he might not be a good fit for daycare.
Getting Their Nervous Energy Out
If your dog is nervous or anxious at home, daycare can help him get that nervous energy out. The distraction of new people and new dogs will take his mind off whatever it is that has him worried at home and will allow him to relax more when he gets home after daycare. Daycare also gives your dog a chance to work on his social skills. He or she can interact with other dogs and humans in a controlled environment where everyone knows what their role is, and there’s no chance of any harm arising from interactions between dogs or humans in the facility (as long as it’s well-run).
Being Mentally Stimulated So They Sleep Better at Night
One of the best ways to find out if your dog likes doggy daycare is to see if they sleep better at night. That is because dogs sleep better at night when they are mentally stimulated during the day. It helps them relax and prevents them from getting bored and anxious. A more relaxed dog will sleep better at night, which can signify that they enjoy their time at daycare. If your dog sleeps through the night without waking up, this is a good sign that they enjoy their time at daycare, and you should continue taking them there regularly. It would help if you also noted whether or not your dog’s behavior has changed since starting daycare.
For some people with dogs, there is a lot of stress that can go along with taking time off from work. It can be stressful for the owner and the dog that must stay home alone. If a dog becomes anxious when its owner leaves, what happens when the dog’s owner goes away? That is where daycare facilities come in handy. A daycare facility will allow you to leave your dog there while you are at work, and they can become more socialized with other dogs and have beneficial human interaction.
For example, a dog daycare like this one in Phoenix, AZ or other cities nearby, has indoor and outdoor boarding, lounges, courtyards, spa amenities, and other facilities that make your dog’s stay safer and more comfortable. It also has playgrounds with high-quality equipment and a play pool where your dog can play and interact with other dogs.
Finding The Right Dog Daycare
If you find the need to take your furry companion to a daycare, then you should look for one that suits their needs. Unfortunately, with several dog daycare facilities operating on the market, finding the best one for your dog can be challenging.
However, some ways can help you evaluate your options to make a sound decision. For instance, you can ask for recommendations from your family, friends, vet, and other dog-care professionals. You can also check online to get a list of prospects that you can assess.
When evaluating your options, you should know whether the facility is safe, clean, and comfortable. Also, make sure to check if the staff members are accommodating and friendly and if they’re licensed and trained to handle various types of dogs. By doing all these things, you’ll be able to find the perfect daycare for your furry friend.
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