Doggy day care can be a boon for dog owners who work all day. And for many dogs, doggy day care provides a great opportunity for playing hard, blowing off steam, and socializing with canine buddies.
Of course, day care is not, and shouldn't be considered as, a replacement for walking with your dog. Walking with your dog is not just good exercise, but also provides an important bonding time for both of you. But for busy dog owners, day care takes the pressure off if they have to work a little late, or get caught in traffic on the way home.
However, you should be aware that doggy day care is not a regulated industry. This means that anyone can hang out a sign and begin business. There are no set standards for facilities, and staff do not have to be trained or certified in any way. So as a savvy dog owner, you'll will want to choose a facility with care, before dropping off your dog.
Choosing a good day care for your dog is much like choosing day care for your child. First ask around. Check with other dog owners at the park, on your walks, or in your vet's office. This is a great way to hear about both good and bad experiences.
Next, call each doggy day care. There a number of questions you can ask that will help you narrow down the fielld. For example, you'll wnat to know:
What is their staff to dogs ratio? (There should be 1 staff member to every 10 dogs)
Does the staff watch the dogs while they're playing? (There should be at least 2 staff members keeping an eye on the play area. Like kids, a group of dogs can get into trouble very quickly.)
What kind of flooring do they use? Is it non-slip? (Very important for dogs with joint problems)
What kind of cleaning supplies do they use? (All supplies should be non-toxic. For example, bleach, when mixed with urine, forms a toxic gas. It should be used only in very well-ventilated areas.)
Do they have a trainer on staff? (Preferable, but not essential if the staff is experienced.)
What kind of methods do they use to control the dogs? (Needless to say, ANY punishment-based techniques should never be used. Apart from the philosophical questions, punishment-based techniques can backfire badly. Avoid day cares that use physical punishment for any reason. Time-outs, redirection, and other positive reinforcement methods should be used for control. Some kennels use squirt bottles, which is acceptable to some owners, but not others.)
What do they do to keep your dog safe? (For example, does the staff perform regular walk-throughs when the dogs are in their kennels? Are dogs with chew toys supervised? My kennel removes the dog's collar. This way, if Fido tries to climb out of the kennel, he won't catch his collar on anything and hang himself. It happens.)
Are vaccinations required? (Be sure that all the dogs in the group are required to have current vaccinations, including Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella.)
Do they have a veterinarian on call? (Accidents happen, even in the best-run facilities.)
Once you've collected some information, it's time to hit the road and check out each facility. As you step through teh door, take a good whiff. There should be no odor of ammonia or feces. If it looks or smells dirty, it probably is.
Are the exercise areas indoor or outdoor? Indoor areas are easier to keep clean, and easier to make escape-proof. If there are outdoor exercise areas, make sure the fencing is at least six-feet high and sunk a couple of feet into the ground. If you've got an escape artist, you may want to opt for an indoor facility.
Dogs should be placed in playgroups that are appropriate to their size and temperament. Unspayed or unneutered dogs may be more dominant or grouchy. An unspayed female coming into heat can also create agression among the male dogs, even if she is not yet showing signs.
Your dog should be introduced to the new dogs in a separate area, one at a time. Ideally, will meet the most social dogs first, then the other dogs. Your dog should never just be sent in to "sink or swim" in an existing group of dogs.
Check for safety hazards, like sharp objects, protrouding edges and the like. Check that htere is adequate space for all the dogs in the area at the time. Some dogs get nervous and irritable when crowded together. Roughly 50 sq ft of space per dog should work for most dogs.
If there are toys or agility equipment available, check to make sure they're safe. Toys should be too large to be swallowed or inhaled.
Finally, watch to see how the staff interacts with your dog. For example, do they respond appropriately to the dog's signals? Or do they seem oblivious to signs of stress? Are they calm? Assertive? Do they seem to be having fun?
It's perfectly normal for your dog to be apprehensive for the first few visits. But like a pre-schooler, usually as soon as you leave, your dog will relax and start having fun. If his reluctance and far doesn't go away, take heed. He doesn't want to be there for some reason, and you may need to find an alternative.
However, in the right doggy day care, most dogs enjoy playing with their friends all day. And as an added benefit, the socialization makes them happier and better adjusted. In fact, with the right doggy day care, you'll both be happier and well-adjusted!
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