How to Choose the Best Doggy Day Care

It’s not that hard. It just takes visiting several locations, watching and asking questions. Keep your dog at home when interviewing potential doggy day care locations. You’ll need to be focused and ask lots of questions.

Qualified Staff

This is a must, as qualified staff can spot bullies, scared or shut down dogs and ensure dogs are having a positive play experience. All staff must complete training on canine body language, manage dogs effectively, introduce dogs positively and break up dog fights (unfortunately, it happens). Plus, they must have at least six months to a year of experience before managing playing dogs alone.

Thorough Pre-Screening Exam

Oh, this is important too, but only if exams are completed by qualified staff. Your dog must be screened before being allowed to play with other dogs.

During the screening process:

• Dog day care staff are gathering information about your dog’s play style, personality and health, which is invaluable in ensuring a fun time by all.
• If all goes well, an experienced staff member may introduce your dog to another (one) friendly dog and then move along slowly. Dogs should be introduced to a small group of polite dogs (two to three) at first and allowed to play under supervision. After a week or so, your dog can meet and play with a full play group.
• During a pre-screening test, your dog should never be placed in a room full of dogs as a screening test. Information must be gathered with you and your dog alone first. Before this happens, take your dog and leave.

Doggy Day Care is Not for All Dogs

Dogs that are scared, fearful, anxious, growl, snap, bite or refrain from engaging in play should not attend day care.

Forcing scared or aggressive dogs to meet other dogs will make fears worse. They won’t overcome their fears, but they will learn how to fight instead of play. I know you don’t think this can happen to your dog, but this happens every day, if not several times a day. If your dog doesn’t want to play, don’t make him. Think about it this way: if you’re scared of spiders and someone locks you in a room filled with fast-moving spiders, your fear will only worsen.

If a staff member is hesitant about adding your dog into a play session, listen to his gut reaction and don’t push the issue further. Many dogs are pushed into playgroups because pet owners want to socialize their dogs. Don’t do it. It’s not worth it. Invest in a fabulous pet sitter instead.

Limit Amount of Playing Dogs

One staff member for eight dogs is plenty. Staff members are present to ensure all dogs are having fun, playing politely and removing dogs that are tired and no longer having fun. With too many dogs, this won’t happen and it becomes a free-for-all, meaning your dog learns to threaten other dogs to keep them away.

Pushy Dogs are Not Allowed to Play

Bullies are everywhere: at schools, in our workplace and, yes, even at doggy day cares. Pushy dogs constantly pester (pick on) other dogs by pinning, holding a dog in a corner, chasing and rolling, and/or body slamming. Bullies should not be allowed to practice this behavior during playtime. They will only worsen and it’s not fair to other dogs. Bullies must be removed immediately. And if they continue the behavior, bullies should not be allowed to play again.

RELATED: Stop Bullying Behavior

Health Comes First

Potty accidents should be cleaned immediately with disinfectant and free from any odor. Also, dogs must be vaccinated with regular fecal checks, as disease spreads quickly when large groups of dogs are housed together. Lastly, play areas should be disinfected once all dogs have gone home for the day.