Should My Dog Attend Daycare?

Every dog is a good dog, but not every dog is a daycare dog! Many dogs are best suited for 1:1 interaction with others as opposed to a large doggie crowd. Surely, you can relate! If you're wondering how your dog would fare in the daycare scene, we can give you the inside scoop. 

Much like people, dog sociability is a spectrum which contains varying degrees of social behavior and preferences. Wherever your dog falls on this spectrum is neither good nor bad; it's all normal! A dog’s social preferences may have something to do with age, genetic makeup, and frequency of exposure. Because their preferences tend to change over time, it is important to keep expectations realistic when it comes to your dog's social circle. Every so often, you will need to reevaluate their social barometer and make adjustments accordingly. Many owners believe that dog parks and daycares are the best environments to socialize their dog, but oftentimes these settings can be overwhelming and unnecessary, sometimes even detrimental. Before experimenting with a dog group situation, you may first ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my dog display play behavior towards other dogs? Does he/she show sustained interest and engagement when around other dogs?
• Have there been any incidents in the past that might have shifted my dog’s perception of other dogs?
• Can my dog tolerate sharing resources (space, attention, toys, water, etc.) with other dogs? 
• Is there anything that is hindering my dog physically?

If you are unsure about any of these questions, you may consult with a professional trainer to evaluate your dog and guide you to appropriate social outlets. If your dog seems to check all the boxes for a group play atmosphere, you will want to find a daycare program that is structured, safe, and allows autonomy in their participation. Here are some other good qualities to look for:

• Adequate space for the number of dogs
• A comfortable ratio of staff to dogs
• Cultivated playgroups that are rotated throughout the day
• Downtime between play sessions

At times, a dog’s social ventures can be a delicate process that requires much patience and understanding from the human end! Not every dog requires or desires other dog interaction, and it is in the best interest of everyone to not force or rush it. If you and your dog need help getting started with building or expanding dog-dog social skills, we can help.

Here at Revival Dog Training, our customizable Day Training program is designed to meet the needs of each individual dog. This program is what most dogs actually require to be successful in social situations, versus a no holds barred daycare or dog park!

Revival Dog Training

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