A Guide to Doggy Daycare For Your Pet
Dog daycare facilities have popped up all over the country over the last few years. They provide a wide range of benefits for dogs and their owners alike, which makes them increasingly popular. If you've been considering sending your dog to daycare, it's important to understand the benefits and how to tell if your dog is ready for such an endeavor.
The Benefits of Doggy Daycare
There are several benefits to taking your dog to daycare. One of the biggest ones is safe socialization. When your dog uses a toy like the Chomper Mini Safari Dug Pals Dog Toy Elephant with other dogs, they learn to play safely with other dogs. Doggy daycare also provides your pet with more exercise, can help it with symptoms of separation anxiety, and helps them maintain a sense of routine even when you are at work.
How To Tell if Dog Daycare Is Right for Your Dog
Before you sign your dog up for doggy daycare, you need to be sure it can handle sharing its toys, such as the Pet Qwerks Animal Sounds Babble Ball Dog Toy, with other dogs. Determining if your dog is ready for daycare is vital. Start by taking him to local dog parks to see how he greets other dogs. If your pet loves to play with others, wags his tail, and seems generally happy, then he is probably ready to go to daycare. Keep in mind that a dog that bares teeth, snaps, lunges, or hides behind you still needs better socialization and is not ready for a daycare situation.
How To Choose the Right Dog Daycare
No two dog daycares are exactly alike, so it's important to find the one that will best fit your pup's needs. Tour the facility before signing your dog up for daycare. Be sure to pay attention to how clean and organized the building is, whether the fencing seems to be strong and secure and whether the room is free of hazards such as broken toys, wires, or electrical cords. The building should also smell clean and be at a comfortable temperature. There should also be plenty of staff members to help keep the dogs safe and comfortable. Consider whether they ensure the dogs are all spayed or neutered and have their vaccinations. Ideally, dogs will also be wearing ID tags like the Military Large Engravable Pet I.D. Tag in Chrome.
There are several questions you can ask as well. The right daycare will do temperament tests on all new dogs to ensure they will play well together. You should also ask what kind of training the staff receives, whether there are emergency procedures in place, and whether you'll receive reports about your dog's time in the daycare. Other questions to consider include what type of correction they use when needed, whether they provide a variety of activities and whether the business is bonded and insured.
How To Prepare Your Dog To Go to Daycare
There are several things you can do to help prepare your dog to go to daycare. First, work on his socialization. If your pet hasn't been properly socialized with other dogs yet, take him around your friends' dogs or to the dog park to see how he reacts. Be sure to keep him tethered on a leash like the ZippyPaws Mod Essential Rope Dog Leash in Teal during his first few visits to ensure he'll be comfortable and that everyone stays safe.
It's also a good idea to introduce him to the daycare and let him explore it before you leave him there alone. Let him meet the staff, meet the other dogs, and check out the facilities to see how he reacts. Another essential way to keep your pet and other pets safe is to ensure your pet isn't coughing or sneezing, doesn't have bowel problems, and has no cuts or rashes. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about any vaccinations or medications your pet needs before entering daycare as well.
Tips and Tricks For Making Doggy Daycare Successful For Your Pet
The best thing you can do for your dog before he goes to daycare is to pack a bag with all of his essentials. This includes medication and supplements, his medical records, and any food he needs from home, such as Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Small Breed Freeze-Dried Dog Food. Other things to consider including are his favorite toys (but only if he's good at sharing them!) and an extra leash and collar.
Once your pet is at daycare, be sure to provide him with lots of praise and reassurance as you're leaving, especially if he is a pet that has separation anxiety. When you pick your pet up from daycare, bring his favorite treats and provide him with even more praise.
Your dog is a member of your family, so of course, you want what's best for him. If you work long hours or have a long day of errands ahead of you, doggy daycare is an excellent way to ensure he's still getting the love, attention, and socialization he needs, even when you're busy. By understanding how to prepare your pet for daycare and knowing what to do to find the best daycare to meet his needs, you can be sure your dog is safe and happy in his new surroundings. Just remember, ease into it slowly and don't be afraid to try a new daycare if the first one turns out not to be a good fit.