The dog daycare industry is big, and it can be overwhelming when trying to find the right place for your dog. There is a lot to look for when choosing a daycare, but the first thing to figure out is whether or not your dog is a good candidate for daycare.
Dog daycare can be great for humans. We feel better knowing that our dog is getting exercise and attention while we work long days. It’s also nice coming home to a tired dog so we can enjoy our evenings in peace, but what is great for us isn’t always great for our dogs.
Here are a few basic ways to tell if your dog is a good candidate for daycare:
Your Dog REALLY Loves Other Dogs
You might be saying, “Duh! All dogs love other dogs,” but that isn’t true. A lot of dogs don’t love the company of other dogs, at least not to the extent that they want to be around them all day. Most dogs are perfectly content being around only their humans. Some dogs only enjoy familiar dogs. Just like humans have different personalities, so do our dogs.
If your dog is an introvert, don’t think of it as a negative, it’s just who they are. Note: If your dog has any reactivity towards other dogs, they might not be a good fit for daycare. It’s important to be honest with any dog daycare about their behavior and talk to them about their evaluation process.
You Can’t Give Your Dog Adequate Exercise
There is no judgment here. Sometimes you just can’t give your dog the exercise they need, whether that’s because you work long hours, you can’t physically give them exercise they need or your dog just needs an extra amount. Sometimes your best option is to send your dog to daycare a few days a week.
Your Dog Suffers from Separation Anxiety
Daycare isn’t a cure for separation anxiety, but sometimes you don’t have the time to modify the problem enough before you have to leave the house next, which is likely. For example, many people who live in apartments and have been issued a notice that they either need to quiet their barking dog or find a new place to live may need immediate help with an anxious dog. Sometimes time isn’t on your side, and you need something to help while you get the training your dog needs. This is when daycare can be a temporary solution. If your dog does suffer from anxiety, make sure you are seeking the help of a professional, positive reinforcement dog trainer.
Dog Daycare Alternatives
If your dog doesn’t like daycare or isn’t a good candidate for it, don’t worry! There are plenty of options to tire your dog out. Here are a few:
- Hire a dog walker: Dog walkers are a great alternative to daycare. They come to your house, take your dog out for a nice walk and give them some personal attention. Your dog never has to leave the comfort of their neighborhood. Dog walkers are usually happy to work around whatever schedule you desire and will walk multiple dogs if you have more than one.
- Research individual play groups: Some dog daycares offer up an individual or family daycare option. This means that they give your dog individual playtime without other dogs around. Or if you have multiple dogs, they will let them play together without other dogs around. This option, if offered, is usually going to cost more, but might be worth it if your dog needs some special attention or doesn’t play well with others.
- Try dog-specific sports: If you have an evening or two free each week, a great way to tire your dog out is to get involved in dog sports. Agility and K9 Nose Work are great options for active dogs. Not only do these dog-specific sports tire your dog out, they give you time to bond with your dog.
Remember, dog daycare isn’t for everybody, and that is okay. There is nothing wrong with your dog if they prefer the comfort of their own home compared to a busy environment. It’s important to be realistic about your dog’s personality (vs. the one you want them to have) and help them thrive in whatever environment may be best for them. If you do take your dog to daycare, try to limit it to two or three days a week so they have plenty of downtime in between.