Why do daycare?
A letter from the owner:
When I first graduated from training school, I thought daycare was a terrible idea. You are throwing a bunch of random dogs into a pack and expecting them to just get along. It’s a recipe for disaster. And while there is some truth to that, I have since witnessed what amazing things daycare can do for dogs, and am now a strong advocate (providing the daycare is clean, supervised, and all dogs are temperament tested).
So, why is daycare so great? Here are a few reasons:
- It gets dogs used to being in a kennel setting. This is very important because it keeps them from being stressed out when you have to leave them there for the weekend/week.
- It can help fearful, timid dogs come out of their shell and start socializing with both dogs and people better—often by learning from other dogs.
- It can give owners a way to exercise those dogs that seem impossible to wear out. And, for people with low to normal energy dogs, 1-3 days of daycare per week can be enough to exercise your dog for the entire week!
- It can help dogs with separation anxiety learn to be away from their owners.
- It keeps dogs socialized in a safe setting—and a well socialized dog means less chance of aggression and anxiety.
- Most dogs love it! And, those that do truly enjoy coming to play with their “friends” on a regular basis. It becomes their favorite place to be—other than with you, of course.
Jessica Lohry
Certified Canine Behavioral Specialist
Dogwoods Lodge Owner and Trainer