Is Doggy Daycare Good or Bad For Dogs?

If you’re a busy pup parent, you’ve probably considered sending your furry friend to doggy daycare. But is doggy daycare good for dogs? What about if your pup is a little shy around others? Or you’ve recently adopted an older dog who hasn’t been fully socialised, how would they get on?

The good news is that at The Dog Dazzlers, we focus fully on our dogs to ensure they have a great time at our daycare. Our experienced team knows that every dog is different and what some pups might enjoy may be overwhelming for others. That’s precisely why we carry out dog daycare assessments to make sure all pups fit into the pack and can enjoy their time with us.

So, let’s dive a little deeper into doggy daycare and why it can be an amazing experience for so many pups and a challenge for others.

In General, Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs?

Most dogs love going to doggy daycare – but of course, it depends on the facility itself, the other dogs already there, and the staff. As an owner, you’ll know how important it is to socialise your pooch. It allows them to meet new furry friends, learn important doggy behaviour and stimulate their minds. It’s also a great way for them to get exercise (a lot of the time socialisation is running and playing) which is really important when it comes to them staying fit and healthy.

Doggy daycare is the perfect place for dogs to socialise. They can have fun, play together and even learn new tricks from one another! If your pup comes to our purpose-built doggy daycare facility in Burwood, it means we think they’ll be a good match with the rest of the dogs and are sure to make friends.

Another reason why our doggy daycare is a great choice for pups is because it’s been built with dogs in mind. We have several different pens all catering to different dogs and their unique needs. So, even if you’ve got a boisterous puppy or an older (and calmer) pup we’ll be able to accommodate them.

But How Do I Know My Dog Will Like Daycare?

The truth is you don’t. However well we know our dogs, we can’t always predict how they’ll react in certain circumstances. Which, again, is why we carry out initial assessments. Our experienced staff can monitor your dog’s behaviour and how they interact with the other members of the pack and see if they’re likely to enjoy daycare or not.

When Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs?

Pup parents across Melbourne bring their dogs to us for several reasons. For some, it’s a matter of leaving their dog somewhere safe whilst they go to work or are busy. They can rest assured knowing their pups aren’t lonely and are actually having a great time with their friends in our safe facility.

Dog daycare can also be the perfect solution if something is changing at home. Renovations, for example, can be stressful for dogs, and ‘escaping’ to doggie daycare can help to keep them calm and distracted.

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is really important for their health and wellbeing. But it can be demanding for owners. Bringing your dog to daycare ensures they get lots of exercise and stimulation from playing with other pups and staff. We also provide them with safe and fun areas to play and we offer extra enrichment packages for pups that need it.

Is Doggy Daycare Good for Puppies?

Yes! Doggy daycare is great for puppies and can be a wonderful way for them to socialise and learn good behaviour. Our experienced dog handlers can keep up regular training and our facility is perfect for play and rest time. Just like older dogs, puppies will need to have an initial assessment and be fully up to date with any vaccines.

Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs with Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety can be really difficult for both dogs and owners to manage. It can result in undesirable behaviour such as barking, digging, restlessness and destructive chewing.

Whilst it might seem counterintuitive, daycare can be an excellent way for dogs to gain confidence and enjoy spending time apart from you. Not only are all the toys, wagging tails and new areas to explore a great distraction, but having a routine can really help dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Often, these feelings come on when a dog doesn’t understand what’s happening, but making doggy daycare part of their daily or weekly routine can help to improve their independence.

What’s more, all the staff at The Dog Dazzlers are highly trained and experienced and know how to make dogs feel as comfortable as possible. We understand when pups need a little more encouragement or when it’s best to give them some space.

In the initial assessment, we always ask owners to be as honest as possible so that we can offer their pups the best care. Letting us know if your dog suffers from separation anxiety means we can offer them the support they might need early on.

When Is Doggy Daycare Not a Good Idea for Pups?

There are some instances in which we wouldn’t recommend sending your dog to daycare.

• If your dog hasn’t been socialised. Dogs that haven’t spent time around other pups may find daycare overly stimulating which could lead to unwanted behaviour. If you’ve recently adopted a dog and are unsure about their past experiences, it’s best to talk to a professional and let us know before your assessment.
• If your dog is fearful or aggressive. Dogs often display aggressive behaviour out of fear, uncertainty or confusion and new places can be particularly difficult for fearful dogs. Of course, at The Dog Dazzlers, all the pups in our care are our priority and we need to make sure that they all get on well. A fearful or aggressive pup is likely to upset the balance for the others.
• If your dog is very anxious. Some pups just don’t like being around others, often because of a bad experience. Lots of furry faces, however friendly they might be, may cause your dog to feel even more anxious, unhappy and uncomfortable. If this is the case, we may suggest bringing your pup in to meet one of the other dogs first so they can have a buddy. We can then monitor their behaviour and see if daycare is an option for them.

So, overall – Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs? Or a Bad Idea?

The answer to this question really depends on your pup and the daycare facility you go to. At The Dog Dazzlers, we have purpose-built pens that can make most dogs feel comfortable in our care. It’s a great opportunity for dogs to play, socialise, make friends and get external stimulation.

However, for some pups, daycare may be too overwhelming, especially if they’re anxious, have had bad experiences or are happier on their own. If you have questions about your pup and how they’d enjoy daycare, get in contact with the team at The Dog Dazzlers. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and book your pooch in for an assessment.