As a dog owner, it’s important to get your dog set up with the right dog daycare that will provide proper socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation for your dog. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right dog daycare for your dog!
Vaccinations
Most dog daycare/boarding facilities require dogs to be fully vaccinated on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations. Make sure you have up-to-date records from your vet and provide them to the daycare ahead of time. Proper up-to-date vaccinations protect your dog and ensure safety and health of all the dogs at the facility.
Schedule The First Day
Many dog daycare/boarding facilities will encourage or require a “temperament test” day. These temperament test days are crucial to a dog’s overall happiness and safety at a dog daycare. Your dog will be placed in a playgroup with other furry friends that match their overall size, playstyle, age, and comfortability.
Feed Your Dog Before Drop Off
Make sure your dog eats a normal breakfast before dropping them off for daycare. Allow enough time for their food to digest to avoid any upset stomach while playing with friends. Feeding your dog beforehand will also give them energy for the increased physical exercise and play!
Practice Time Away From Your Dog
If your dog has not spent a lot of time away from you, a first day of daycare may be a little overwhelming. Dogs can often develop an unhealthy separation anxiety with their owner. Start with leaving your dog for short periods of time leading up to their first day. Dog daycare is a great way for your dog to gain their own confidence and healthy independence.
Prepare For The Drop Off
Dropping your dog off for their first day of daycare may not be easy for you or your dog. It’s important to keep the good-bye short and happy! A long and emotional drop off will increase your dog’s separation anxiety and decrease their own confidence. Allow the staff to quickly take your dog back and ask any questions after your dog is out playing with furry friends!
Reward Your Dog
Keep the first day of daycare a positive experience! Prepare and give your dog a special treat to help them relax after their long day of daycare. Your dog will probably be ready for a long snooze after a fun day!
It’s important to remember that not all dogs will love daycare and it may take some time for a dog to be fully comfortable in this new environment. By following these few tips such as familiarizing them with the environment, practicing separation, and mentally preparing as a dog owner, you’ll set your dog up for success and help them look forward to more days of fun and play at daycare! PRO TIP: choose a daycare that has a large outdoor area for your dog to the space run and exercise with friends such as Fetchers!