What to expect (and not expect) from dog daycare

Dog daycares are such a great concept and have become more and more popular in recent years. They can be total life savers for dog parents with new pups, or even high energy adult dogs. Even senior dogs may enjoy daycare visits.

So what can you expect to receive from a daycare facility? Benefits of daycare can be plentiful including (but not limited to) burning off energy, socializing your dog, and preventing possible damage to your home.

The facility should be able to provide safety precautions such as durable and double fencing, strategic play groups so dogs are put with like minded dogs with similar energy levels, well trained employees, as well as downtime between play sessions to give dogs rest time. They will also require proof of vaccinations and have implemented plans should an injury or illness occur while under their care.

You should expect your dog to come home from daycare most days much more tired and relaxed allowing you more freedom with your time in the evenings. You should expect your dog to be well looked after and safe from any trauma while at the facility.

Having said that, here is what not to expect from your daycare. Don’t expect your unsocialized pooch to be turned around by daycare. Some dogs, like kids and adults, prefer not to be in social situations which is fine. Listen to the suggestions of the facility and realize just not all dogs are made for daycare. We have two Vizslas, one is the life of the party and the other is a total hermit. They are both happy and well-balanced dogs with their own personalities so we work around both.

Don’t expect your pup to be trained at daycare. Daycares tend to focus on providing mental and physical stimulation for your dog.

We don’t mind taking more timid dogs at our facility as long as the owners understand they may get more one-on-one time with our staff rather than with other dogs. Though we try our best, we will never promise to get any dog socialized and playing with other dogs.

We do promise to treat your dog with love, kindness, patience, care and respect. And as an indivisual. At least that’s how we do things here at Ruby’s K9 Corral.

We also believe in giving dogs downtime between play. Dogs, like children, get tired and cranky if they don’t get adequate rest. Crankiness leads to altercations and fights. We help diminish that by giving breaks throughout the day.

Questions you should consider asking whenever shopping around for a daycare (and boarding) facility include (and certainly not limited to);

• Do they require vaccinastions?

• How do they handle illness/injuries?

• Are they insured?

• Is the staff well trained in what to look for in dog behavior and observing body language?

• Are they genuine dog lovers? Do they even have staff?

• Does the staff know how to assess dogs and place certain size/temp dogs together?

• How much playtime do they get and how much down time?

• How do they handle crazy weather days?

• How do they handle shade & water? Treats & toys?

• Do they allow smoking in their facility and/or on their premises?

• Are they able to provide references upon request? Do any local (nonpartisan) vets or other businesses recommend them?

• Are they properly and safely sanitizing their facility between dogs? (Note, if they use bleach, that is a hazard to dogs if not properly contained).

• Are they located off a high traffic road?

• How secure is their property? Fencing, double fencing, double gates, how busy a road are they on, etc.?