As a dog owner, you want to do what’s right for your pet. This extends to how to handle your pet’s time at home alone. Leaving your pooch in the house while you go grocery shopping or to a medical appointment is fine, but what about if you have to be away for a full day of work?
Doggie daycare is growing in popularity and is certainly an option worthy of consideration. Here’s why it can be a good idea for your best friend.
Helps manage separation anxiety
Dogs are generally very social by nature. Even so, some may have a little difficulty saying goodbye to their favorite human when they’re dropped off at daycare. The good news is that doggie daycare can quickly cure them of their separation anxiety.
Of course, there may be some sad eyes and shyness when they first attend the program, but they’ll soon get used to its sights and sounds. It’s also more ideal than leaving them at home on their own where they can grow increasingly stressed from the isolation. Not all dogs will nap the hours away.
Supports healthy routines
Your dog needs and loves routine. Just think about how they know the exact time to expect their food or wait at the door, leash in mouth, ready for their evening walk. If you’re going to be away from home for the entire day, there’s a risk that your pet’s routine will be disrupted.
It’s better, for example, for their digestive and urinary health when they don’t have to wait a long time between meals or to relieve themselves. Having a consistent routine is important, and that’s another reason doggie daycare can help. The structure these operations provide can result in a healthier, happier dog.
A wonderful place to learn social skills
A daycare is a wonderful place for your pooch to make new friends, both animal and human. When it comes to socializing with other dogs, your pet may have few other opportunities. Many households have just one canine family member and, while spending quality time with you is great, your pet craves the companionship of other animals.
Daycare facilities offer a controlled setting where your pooch can safely learn to interact with other canines. Playtime with dogs of all sizes and breeds is structured and supervised. In addition, having some fun running around with other dogs will allow your pet to burn off excess energy and build confidence.
Provides exercise and mental stimulation
Another amazing advantage of taking your pup to a doggie daycare is that they’re sure to get lots of exercise and mental stimulation. These programs aren’t meant to replace the walks you take with your pet twice a day, but they can go a long way toward meeting your pet’s exercise needs.
Making sure that your dog stays active is necessary for their physical and mental well-being. This will help them maintain an optimum weight, keep them mobile into their senior years, and reduce the risk of illness. What’s more, indoor exercise in a space that’s made for running and playing promotes physical activity even when the weather is cold or wet.
Offers expert care
At a reputable doggie daycare, you’ll find a team of individuals who have collective expertise in giving your pet the best care. There’s no doubt that these individuals are dog lovers and know their stuff. Expect daycare staff to be trained in understanding dog behavior and their body language and to be skilled in addressing common problem behaviors.
Play and interactions between the canines are closely supervised, and the staff get to know their charges well. They’ll make your pet feel right at home—and you may receive some valuable advice that you can use with your dog. Daycare staff work to provide a safe environment for their doggie clients.
Easier to manage your home life
These pet care businesses usually have considerable flexibility in terms of hours of operation. You can manage your needs and the needs of your pooch by signing up for the number of full and/or half days each week that works best for you. One of the bonuses over having a pet sitter is that no one has to come into your home, so you don’t have to worry about any security issues or cleaning the place up beforehand.
Plus, with a doggie daycare, you also don’t have to be concerned about the extra time away when you have to run errands after work or are running late when heavy traffic slows you down.
Finally
In conclusion, these benefits of a doggie daycare add up to giving you more peace of mind. When you head out, you’ll know that your canine friend is going to be well looked after.