Published Friday, September 2, 2022 by Madeline I in Dog Care & Safety
Doggy daycare is an excellent choice not only for owners who want to provide a fun and safe place for their dogs while they are away from home, but also for owners who are looking for a place where their dogs can exercise, play, and socialize with other four-legged friends.
There are many benefits of doggy daycare, but among them, 5 benefits stand out the most. If you want to know what doggy daycare is all about and what benefits there are to enrolling your dog in one, we invite you to discover them with us.
Table of Contents
What is Doggy Daycare?
Doggy daycare is a place where daytime care under supervision is provided for dogs. In daycare, your dog has a set routine with activities, snacks, doggy interactions, physical activity, playtime, and nap time. Some daycares for dogs also provide special meals, training sessions, and grooming as part of their package. How doggy day care typically works, is they group dogs according to their age, breed, size, and temperament to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.
The Benefits of Doggy Daycare
Physical Activity
One of the biggest benefits of having your dog in daycare is the daily physical activity routine that helps your fur baby exercise and burn off energy, all while having fun. Some owners opt for doggy daycare for this reason alone. Not properly exercising your dog daily is unfair. Small dogs may not need as much exercise as big dogs do, but regardless of their size, all should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Doggy daycare provides your dog with the right amount of physical exercise that is tailored to their size, age, and energy. Instead of spending their full day on the couch, your dog gets to run, chase, and play with other dogs, all while burning off energy.
In dog daycare, physical activity is also accompanied by mental stimulation, which is another great beneficial thing for your dog. Stimulating your dog’s mind is as important as exercising them physically and doggy day-cares are equipped for this.
No More Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a feeling that attached dogs often go through. And it’s a condition that brings on many unwanted behaviors. Chewing, excessive barking/whining, and digging are all signs of separation anxiety. As are behaviors like not eating, panting frantically, sleeping too much or not sleeping at all, following you at every turn, restlessness, and snappiness. If your dog does suffer from any or some of these, doggy daycare may be the best option for them.
Dog daycare offers plenty of activities that keep your fur baby occupied and entertained. Games with other dogs, physical activities, and interactions are part of the daily routine at dog daycare. By doing these activities, your dog will spend more time playing and having fun and less time thinking about you being gone.
If you have a busy schedule with work, doggy daycare is the best option for when you are away from home. Instead of spending time alone waiting for you, your dog can have the time of his/her life at daycare.
RELATED: How to Treat Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
Nap Time
Part of the routine at dog daycare involves a scheduled time for naps. This typically happens on rotation so that all dogs get an hour or two of rest. After meals, playtime, or physical activity, your dog gets to rest for a bit. Although most dogs are too excited about playing to really take the time to nap between play sessions, the daycare does offer this benefit.
It’s important to note that your dog can simply have too much fun to sleep at daycare and will likely arrive home exhausted. This is an extra benefit for most owners who take their dogs to daycare.
Socialization From a Young Age
Taking your dog to doggy daycare is also beneficial when it comes to early socialization. Although most dog daycares only take in puppies that are over 5 months of age, it is still early enough to ensure that your dog learns how to be sociable and friendly.
Interacting with other dogs from a young age will teach your puppy all kinds of amazing skills. They become more outgoing, more sociable, and friendlier. They discover how to work well with others, how to play, communicate, and bond with other dogs. Adult dogs can also benefit from socializing at doggy daycare. Dogs are pack animals that crave and need to be surrounded by others so doggy daycare is a place your little one will love.
At doggy daycare, all interactions and playdates between dogs are supervised by a care specialist to ensure everyone is safe and happy.
Training and Grooming
In addition to socialization and fun playdates with other dogs, some daycares also provide special programs for training and grooming services. You can opt for a professional trainer to teach your dog basic commands and tricks while your dog is at daycare. You can also opt to have your little one washed and groomed if they have a groomer on-site.
RELATED: Grooming Your Dog at Home
Things to consider before enrolling your dog in doggy daycare
Doggy daycare isn’t for every dog. Your dog must check a few boxes before even being enrolled in daycare. Some of these dog daycare rules for admission include:
- Your dog must be healthy so as not to jeopardize the health of other dogs present in the daycare – if you drop your dog at daycare when he/she is feeling sick, chances are you can worsen their condition. Both physical activities and the loud/active/unfamiliar environment can worsen your dog’s condition. Not to mention, your dog can get other dogs sick, which is always best avoided.
- If you have an older dog, he must be sociable rather than anxious in the presence of other dogs
- Aggressive behavior isn't allowed
- Guarding tendencies are a no-no
- Destructive behavior of any kind is also something that will make your dog ineligible for dog daycare
- Your dog must be up to date on all vaccinations
- Very young puppies are not typically allowed in dog daycare. Your pup must be at least 5 months old for most doggy day-cares
Scroll down to see FAQs about the benefits of doggy daycare!
Madeline I
About The Author
Madeline, a remarkable wordsmith and canine connoisseur at Premier Pups, possesses an exceptional understanding of dogs, setting her apart in the world of pet journalism. Her meticulous research skills and genuine affinity for her furry subjects culminate in articles that are both informative and captivating. Madeline's distinctive writing style brings the canine experience to life, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers. As a trusted source of wisdom for dog enthusiasts, Madeline's unique contributions have become an essential component of the Premier Pups community, where her passion and expertise continue to inspire a deeper appreciation for the world of dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does doggy daycare cost? Doggy daycare prices can vary depending on several factors such as the services offered, the location, and the duration of your dog's stay. On average, the cost of doggy daycare can range from $15 to $30 per day, although some high-end facilities may charge up to $75 per day.
Is doggy daycare good for dogs? Yes, doggy daycare can be beneficial for dogs in many ways, such as providing socialization opportunities, exercise, and mental stimulation. It can also help reduce boredom and destructive behavior at home.
Are doggy daycares safe? Most doggy daycares take safety very seriously and have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of all dogs in their care. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable facility that follows proper safety protocols, including separating dogs by size and temperament, requiring up-to-date vaccinations, and supervising playtime.
Does doggy daycare help with separation anxiety? Doggy daycare can be helpful for dogs with separation anxiety, as it provides a stimulating and social environment that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. However, it's important to note that not all dogs may benefit from daycare, and it's important to work with a professional to determine the best course of action for your individual dog.
Is doggy daycare good for socialization? Yes, doggy daycare can be an excellent way to socialize dogs with other dogs and people. It provides a controlled and supervised environment where dogs can learn how to interact with others, which can help prevent aggression and other behavior problems.
Is doggy daycare worth it? The value of doggy daycare can vary depending on the individual dog's needs and the owner's circumstances. For dogs that require a lot of exercise, socialization, or mental stimulation, daycare can be an excellent option. However, for some dogs, it may not be necessary or may not be the best fit. It's important to evaluate the costs and benefits on a case-by-case basis.
What do dogs do at doggy daycare? The activities at doggy daycare can vary depending on the facility, but typically include supervised playtime, socialization with other dogs, and rest breaks. Some facilities may also offer training, grooming, and other services. It's important to choose a facility that aligns with your dog's needs and preferences.