Dog daycare can help to establish the dog’s needs in our busy lives. Here are some tips and key questions to ask looking for the right dog daycare.
Photo by Chris Johnson
Dog daycares help to establish the dog’s needs in our busy lives. Here are some key questions to ask when seeking out a daycare.
Three required needs of your canine friend:
- Exercise
- Discipline
- Affection
Dog Enrollment
- What kind of temperament testing is done prior to admittance?
- What waivers and vaccination records are required?
- Take a tour of the facility and check for cleanliness.
- Meet staff and management.
The Play Area
- What is the size of the play area for the dogs?
- How many dogs are allowed to play in the designated play areas?
- How many handlers per number of dogs?
- Are there obstacles for the dogs to play on?
- What is the length of play times? (Dogs should have a rest break to be on their own)
- Are dogs separated by size?
- If you have an older dog, is there an area for them?
Experienced Handlers
- Are the handlers trained to address behavior issues?
- How do the handlers break-up dominant behavior or potential fights?
- Distractions, Water Guns, Whistles, Shaker Cans, etc.
Caution: Water guns can cause ear infections. - Dominant dogs should be controlled and aggressive dogs removed from play.
- Are handlers trained to work obedience to ensure standards are kept per owner’s request?
Dog Emergency
All dog daycares should be prepared for an emergency. The first step should be to call the owner. There may be a release to use an on-call vet or you can request your own vet be used.
Toys and Treats
Daycares should not allow toys and treats in the play area. This can help eliminate possession based fights that might occur. If a dog is treat or toy possessive, it is important the staff is aware of this so treat or toy play with your dog is done in a designated area outside of the play area.
Open communication with the staff at your daycare is a must to ensure your dog he/she is in safe hands!
This training tip was prodived by Mae Charron or K9 Attitudes.
Mae is an IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) certified trainer and CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator. K9 Attitudes is a wonderful positive reinforcement based dog training company which provides in home one-on-one training with pets and their families around Fairfield County.
Mae Charron
K9 Attitudes, LLC
203-283-4878
www.k9attitudes.com
Related posts:
Leave Your Response