Dog Daycare

Your pooch is precious, and, like the parent of a preschooler, you are determined to find the best facility in town! There is a great debate over which is the best type of dog daycare: cage or cage-free. I have worked in several canine daycare and boarding facilities throughout the Los Angeles area, both cage and cage-free.  I believe any form of supervised socialization can be beneficial to both the dog and the owner.

Oftentimes, the term “caged” is used to portray a crate or kennel as a form of punishment.  However, dogs are den dwellers, and a safe private area is comforting and calming to most dogs. Whether is it caged or cage-free, you ultimately want to find a daycare system that works best for you and your dog’s needs. Here is some background information that can help you on your search for that perfect fit for your Fido

 

 

CAGE-FREE

If your dog is in need of supervision and/or socialization AND your dog is generally well behaved and comfortable in a pack of other canines, then it is likely that a cage-free daycare may be a good option.  Here, dogs have the freedom to run and play with friends (both canine and human) and may do so in a neutral territory without restriction.

Some cage-free facilities separate their dogs by sizes.  Personally, I feel that if a business chooses to separate their clients, then it is best to do so based on temperament rather than size or breed because balancing energy creates a more harmonious environment.  The amount of space and exercise a dog requires has little to do with his/her size – just ask the owner of a Jack Russell Terrier.

 

STRUCTURED AND SCHEDULED PLAYTIME (CAGED)

No dog is created equal, and for the cases that require or simply enjoy more structure, turning to a daycare with scheduled confinement may be a better option.  In this type of daycare, dogs are still allowed to run with friends and explore the exercise yard during playtime.  Dogs are also scheduled rest periods in a cage or kennel, which can be beneficial, as it encourages dogs to practice being alone. The goal here is not to exhaust the dog, but to teach him or her that it is okay to socialize with buddies and periodically take breaks. If your dog spends time alone at home, teaching your dog this virtue could save you from some destructive behaviors.

There can also be housebreaking benefits for the pup or dog that participates in a caged-style daycare. In a cage-free setting, the puppy or dog is able to relieve himself/herself anywhere at any time (which is counterproductive to house training). However, if playtime and potty time is regulated, the puppy or dog builds the strength to hold it until the appropriate time

 

GENERAL TIPS

If you plan to board your dog, try utilizing the same facility’s daycare. This way, your pet can slowly acclimate to being away from you for longer periods of time and can become more familiar with that particular setting.

Do not be discouraged if your dog is hesitant about being in a strange place without you for the first few times. Give him/her a decent trial period and if need be, try another facility. Sometimes it is the dynamic of the dog group that can make or break an experience for a rookie daycare dog.

Owners are often shocked to learn that dog personalities can alter when separated from their human pack.  Some dogs relish the division while others stress with confusion.  Mild stress is normal and over time it is likely that the dog will adapt and even enjoy attending daycare.

Daycare is not suggested if you and your dog are training unless it is a program that your daycare practices. Training is at the discretion of the business owners and can be offered in both cage and cage-free environments.

If your dog has any potential behavior issues, a cage-free environment is likely to turn you away, as it can be a liability to have a reactive dog in that setting.  For the benefit of you and your pet, a structured system may be more ideal for a special needs dog.

 

BOTTOM LINE

Whichever type of setting you decide to utilize, the most important factor is your and your dog’s comfort.  The staff should be friendly and treat you with respect, and they should communicate with you about your dog’s behavior and interaction with others.

Giving your dog a chance to be independent should build confidence and security when encountering new things, people and other dogs.  After all, we want to make our little and big buddies as happy as they make us.

For more useful information, please download free Dog manual courtesy of FoundAnimals.org.

FREE DOG MANUAL

*Text courtesy of   FoundAnimals.org