Finding A Boarding Center With Your Values

Some dogs get sad if left alone all day. High-energy dogs may damage your household items out of restlessness while you work an 8-hour shift. Protect your goods and entertain your dog at the same time by bringing the dog to dog daycare. New dogs can find the experience a shock at first, so try these tips to prepare your dog for dog daycare. 

1. Socialize Your Dog 

Your dog will interact with numerous other dogs while at daycare. You have a responsibility to ensure that your dog can handle the situation without getting aggressive with the other dogs. In order to do this, you should socialize your dog while under your supervision. Visit busy dog parks, and create doggy play dates with other dog owners. 

2. Observe the Dog at the Daycare Center

When you feel comfortable with your dog's ability to play nice with other dogs, visit the daycare together. You and your dog will have the chance to familiarize yourselves with the facility and its amenities. You will also get the opportunity to observe your dog as they play with the other dogs on their own. Ideally, your dog makes friends and has fun after the initial shock of getting left alone in a new environment. If the dog does become afraid, you can de-escalate the situation.  

3. Provide the Daycare with Dog Essentials 

Bring everything your dog may need at the daycare, including treats, muzzle, harness, leash, toys, medication, and vet information. The daycare will provide the essentials, but your additional items can come in handy. Many dog daycares provide a checklist of things they suggest you leave with them. Dogs with health problems may need to visit specialized dog daycares with on-site veterinarians instead of typical facilities. 

4. Visit the Vet and Groomer

You should visit the vet before you visit the daycare to ensure that the dog is healthy and doesn't have any inflictions that he may pass on to the other dogs, such as fleas. You will also have a clean bill of health immediately before attending the daycare in case something happens on the premises. 

Your dog will want to look its best on the first day of daycare, so visit the groomer, too. The groomer can remove excess hair and provide your dog with a great haircut for picture day. 

Doggy daycare gives you the freedom to work during the day without worry, and, with the right preparation, your dog will learn to love it, too.