A Play-Date for Your Dog
Doggie Daycare is a trend that is sweeping across north America.
Thousands of pet owners work all day, and this requires leaving your dog home while you work. Often these owners come home to a stressed out dog, and rampant destruction, either of the house, or the yard, and neighbours who complain of barking and howling, due to seperation anxiety.
One of the top ten reasons given at an
animal shelter for owner turn-ins is "he destroys my things when I'm not home". This could be prevented so easily with either crate-training, exhaustive exercise, or daycare.
So what is Doggie Daycare?
It works just like Daycare for human babies. Dropping your dog off in the morning on the way to work, and while you slave away, your pampered pooch is pampered indeed! Depending on both your dog's activity level, and the curriculum set out by the Daycare owners, he may enjoy his day by playing with other dogs, playing with people, inside or outside, or he may be the type to while away the hours ensconced on somebody's couch, getting loving attention.
How much does Doggie Daycare cost?
Cost can vary between $8.00 a day and $15.00 a day, depending on the provider, whether the daycare is operated out of a private home, or a fully-staffed facility.
In-home daycares are often cheaper, and are restricted to a low number of dogs being cared for at any given time. If your dog is of the anti-social type, this may be the better option for you and your dog. In-home, or private daycare operators offer your dog a home environment, and more human-to-dog contact.
A fully-staffed facility offers much for social dog. Often the number of dogs on a day at these places can be from 10 to twenty dogs, all ready to make friends. Trained staff keep the dogs busy in outdoor play, or even, in some cases, happily munching snacks (healthy, of course!) watching movies made just for the entertainment of dogs. Activities might include "hide and seek", or "tag", or anything that canine minds can come up with. Staff is often trained to deal with any outbreak of aggression that might result, and also has a standing agreement with a local veterinarian should an emergency arise.
In both private and commercial daycares, dogs are must show proof of up to date vaccinations, and all must be healthy, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and parasites.
How will I know which is best for my dog?
This may be between you and your dog. Where do you feel more comfortable leaving him? Where do you feel your dog will be most comfortable and happy? Talk to the operators, and go with your instincts. If anything seems out of line, move on. You'll know by the time you pick your dog up at the end of the day that you made the right decision.
How do I find a Doggie Daycare in my area?
Most private Doggie daycare providers are listed in your local newspaper Classified Ads section. For a full facility, you can also check in the yellow pages of your phone book. Word of mouth is a great way to find somebody that everybody else recommends. Ask your friends who also have pets.
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