The benefits of Dog Daycare: Reasons why your dog should go!
Now, not everybody needs doggy daycare. Obviously if you spend most of your day at home, or out with your dog, then it goes without saying that if your dog is entertained and exercised, it’s probably not on your agenda. However, even just one day a week in a stimulating environment with a dog professional and other dogs could be highly beneficial for your dog’s physical and mental health. Here’s a list of great reasons to send your dog to a daycare:
- Socialization
If there’s one thing that lockdown taught us, it’s the importance of socialization. Many lockdown pups really struggled when it came to dealing with what the real world is like, and this is because in their crucial early stages of life, they missed out on learning fundamental behaviours from regular interaction with other dogs.
Dogs are pack animals; they need to learn about rank and boundaries at an early age, or they will struggle to interact harmoniously with other dogs they encounter. Daycare is a great (and much safer) environment for your pooch to learn about doggy manners. The social cues they pick up on from these sessions will be invaluable when it comes to their understanding of boundaries and lessen the chance that your dog will end up in conflict.
- Activity
All good dog daycare providers are committed to a solid exercise regime for their doggy clients. It goes without saying that your dog will thrive from having a great walk every day, so if your busy life means that it’s not always an option for you, get your pooch to daycare! Physical activity is of paramount importance to build healthy, strong muscles and staves off the temptation to chew or jump up.
- Mental Stimulation
Physical activity is talked about a lot in dog ownership but keeping your dog’s brain engaged is just as important. Boredom can cause mental health problems such as separation anxiety and depression in dogs, and so having a doggy professional who knows plenty of ways to stimulate your dog’s brain is extremely beneficial.
- Help with Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is a much more commonly discussed topic since the pandemic. Destructive, damaging and worrying behaviours (such as regressive toilet training, chewing, scratching, whining and barking) exhibited by our dogs are often the result of being left alone for periods of time. There are some breeds of dogs who are seemingly more predisposed to separation anxiety – such as Border Collies, Dachshunds, Jack Russells, and Bichon Frises (to name but a few!) and so if you’re considering welcoming a breed that is known to suffer from Separation Anxiety, then it’s a good idea to factor daycare you’re your monthly budget. The physical and mental stimulation along with compassionate company from a dog professional could be just the tonic your anxious dog needs.
- Peace of Mind
Sending your dog to daycare is a lot like sending your children to school; you know they are with the most informed and passionate people for your doggy child. Your best pal is safe, cared for, fed, and educated while you do what you need to do during the day. Knowing that your dog is having a ball whilst you are bringing home the bacon (*cue excited Labradors everywhere) is worth the financial commitment, and you can rest (or work) easy knowing that your fluffy friend is in the best hands.
- Additional Services
Lots of doggy daycare companies offer other very valuable doggy services such as boarding, kennels, grooming and behaviour training. Finding someone that both you and your dog know and trust is invaluable, so take time to find a place which is going to reward both you and your pooch in the long run.
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