Doggy daycare has become quite popular in recent years. It can be a great option for your canine buddy. Fido is exceedingly sociable and frequently experiences feelings of isolation and restlessness when left alone at home for extended periods. Taking him to a doggie daycare might be beneficial for both of you! While you are out at work, your dog will have a great time running and playing with other canine companions. However, daycare may not be suitable for all dogs. A Bowmanville, ON vet provides some information below.
What Are the Advantages of Doggy Daycare?
Allowing Fido to mingle and interact with other dogs can provide various benefits. The obvious one would be convenience: your pooch will get walked while you’re at work, and he’ll also be able to play. But some of the advantages go a bit beyond that.
Socialization: Socialization is a big one. As previously said, daycare allows Fido to spend the day playing with his buddies rather than being bored at home or causing problems. This is a must for puppies. Proper socializing fosters a sense of tolerance and acceptance in the puppies, allowing them to grow up to be well-mannered, kind pooches who are open and friendly. Poorly socialized dogs are more likely to develop hostility and fearfulness as they age.
Exercise: While some of our furry friends enjoy a more sedentary lifestyle, the vast majority of the dogs at any particular daycare are vibrant and full of energy. Fido will be able to burn off surplus energy. Not only will this help him stay fit, but it will also be quite beneficial to you. When you go to pick your pooch up, he will most likely be a bit fatigued. That means he’ll be ready to snuggle and wind down, so you can relax together.
Keep Fido Safe: Safety is a critical component of daycare. Some dogs feel extremely anxious when left alone. This can lead to bad behavior, such as digging and chewing. Fido may even try to escape, which could be quite dangerous for him.
Do Any Dog Breeds Do Well In Daycare?
Daycare is great for friendly and energetic dogs who enjoy spending time with their furry friends and have lots of energy to spare. The ideal ‘student’ is sociable and outgoing, with a playful and well-behaved attitude.
However, some of the canines who greatly love daycare may surprise you. Toy breeds, for example, are well-known as friendly lap dogs. They do, however, thoroughly like having fun. Senior dogs like socializing with their pals. It really boils down to the individual dog.
What Is The Best Age For A Puppy To Start Daycare?
While there are usually age limits, little Fido’s vaccination plan is often more important than his age. Many daycares will not accept pups until they have received their initial vaccinations and boosters. In addition to the basic immunizations, the Bordetella vaccine and, in some cases, the canine influenza vaccine are frequently prescribed.
Most puppies will have met those milestones by about 12 to 16 weeks. Ask your vet for more information.
How Do I Know If Fido Is Not Ready for Daycare?
This is not something we can necessarily tick off based just on breed. Fido’s upbringing and personality have a significant role in this. Each of our lovely canines has their own personality. Many daycares assess their potential students carefully, and ensure that the pups in their care are well-behaved and friendly.
Having said that, there are signs that a dog would not thrive at daycare.
Aggressive Dogs: Dogs can become aggressive for many reasons, including prey drive, territorial impulses, fear, and social dynamics. Sometimes, aggressive behavior can be efficiently addressed by training. However, doggy daycare may still be inappropriate for them.
Pups That Haven’t been Fixed: Typically, daycares want dogs to be spayed or neutered. This makes sense: unneutered male dogs are more likely to act aggressive than fixed ones. However, even fixed dogs may occasionally become aggressive towards unneutered dogs, considering them as a potential threat. In addition, intact females can occasionally cause fights among pups. Overall, there is simply too much potential for unwanted fights amongst unfixed pets, resulting in unnecessary—and potentially dangerous—doggy drama.
Timid Pups: Unfortunately, timid dogs are far more likely to be targeted or bullied by other dogs. Our canine companions can instinctively detect when a young puppy is uncomfortable or hesitant. Shy dogs may choose to stay at home in their cozy doggy beds rather than go to daycare.
Huge Breeds: Many times, big dogs are giant couch potatoes, who are content to spend their days napping and dreaming of bacon. Those gentle giants are unlikely to cause a problem. A huge dog, on the other hand, that is untrained or overly enthusiastic may pose a threat to other dogs or staff members simply because of its size.
Dogs with severe medical issues may also not be the best candidate.
Keep in mind that Fido’s personality also comes into play here. A highly clever dog would benefit significantly from attending, because it would give him an outlet for his unlimited energy while also allowing him to learn new things. A timid couch potato may prefer to stay in his doggy bed.
If you are unsure whether daycare is appropriate for your dog, check with your veterinarian and the daycare facility’s personnel.
How Can I Tell If Fido Enjoys Going to Daycare?
That depends on the pooch. Certain dogs may react positively, while others may be afraid or overstimulated. Keep a watchful eye on your puppy’s disposition. If Fido becomes highly excited at the thought of ‘Daycare’ and cheerfully wags his tail all the way over, it is safe to assume that he genuinely enjoys it.
If he appears nervous and agitated, he might not be a good match. If your dog has a severe aversion to daycare, you will most certainly notice a difference in his behavior when you come to pick him up. He may appear anxious or unsettled, and his conduct may differ from his regular demeanor.
A high-quality daycare will also have knowledgeable staff who can analyze each dog’s needs. Experienced observers can quickly recognize puppies that aren’t having a good time.
How Often Should I Bring My Puppy to Daycare?
It varies based on the dog and the individual. Many puppies would be pleased to come every day, and they will be completely content to attend school Monday through Friday while you are at work. Others may do best on a reduced schedule, coming in only a few times each week. You’ll of course also have to factor your own schedule in as well. Feel free to experiment with different schedules and see what your pet prefers.
Conclusion: Doggy daycare can be very beneficial, as it gives dogs a chance to spend their days running and playing while their humans are at work. However, it isn’t necessarily the right fit for every pooch.
Contact Our Bowmanville, ON Animal Clinic
Do you have a question about your dog’s health or care? Do you need to book an appointment? Please contact us today! As your Bowmanville, ON pet hospital, we are dedicated to providing excellent care.
