Dog Day Care - What To Know Before Dropping Fido Off
Released on = January 12, 2007, 4:18 am
Press Release Author = Terri L Malueg-Ray, Professional Dog Expert
Industry = Entertainment
Press Release Summary = Dog Day Care is booming and used by at least 1 out of 6 dog
owning families but without any regulation or oversight loving dog owners should
proceed with caution.
Press Release Body = As a dog socialization professional, I find that dog day care
is a great way to keep a dog healthy and well socialized if done under the right
design and staffing but it is your responsibility to best match your dog with the
right day care program. Things like space to run, staffing and safety protocol
should be researched since there is no governing regulations with this business.
Anyone can open up a dog day care in a location of any size, amenities or health
hazards. It is not uncommon to have dogs getting ill or injured with stagnant
water, dog run surface trash or non-secure fencing, so consider the following when
determining if dog daycare is right for your dog and how to select the best program.
What are the reasons you are considering Day Care for your dog? If you are
considering daycare because the leash walks, training and other social activities
you do with your dog do not provide enough stimulation or exercise, daycare may be
an option to explore. Active, high energy or even overweight dogs may require more
than your time permits so a good daycare will provide this for the socialized,
trained and well mannered dog. Daycare should never replace your regular social and
training time with your dog nor should be considered to resolve destructive
behavior.
Picking the Day Care that best fits your dog. Without any regulation, anyone can
open a dog daycare program and operate it within a small room or outdoor area. Some
dogs may comfortably play within a small sized play area while a medium to large
sized or active dogs may be stressed, not get the exercise desired and even be at
risk of harm in a small area. A shy, lacking confidence, active or high drive dog
would not do well in a small area, so a program with more space and one that limits
packs size would likely be the better fit. With many dog daycare programs, your
efforts will pay off when you find the right program that will truly benefit your
dog.
What to look for at considered Day Care programs. A dog daycare program can take as
many dogs as they would like, do not have to segregate by dog size or energy or
drive and can use your dog to determine if an incoming dog is socialized enough to
enjoy the program. You should consider when picking doggie daycare:
Tour: We recommend you get a complete tour of the facility, including special
note of all of the areas and grounds where your dog will be running, playing,
resting, drinking and walking. Note how visible the play areas are to the public.
Meet Staff: We suggest both you and your dog meet the staff who will be spending
the day with your dog. Ask how long they have been working there, watch how they
handle your dog and how they handle the other dogs. You are entrusting these
people with your dog for the entire day.
Screening process for new dogs: Verify there is a screening process and confirm
it is being followed for every dog.
Pack introduction procedures: Carefully see what area is used and the techniques
the staff uses to bring a new dog into the daycare pack. Bad greeting
experiences can socially damage or set-back your dog.
Patron References: It is always of value to talk with other patrons to learn of
this businesses experiences and safety record.
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