08/28/2025
The facts about Doggy Daycare: You would be surprised to know how often I hear from clients "My dog lunges and barks at other dogs when we are on walks", it's pretty much daily. My first question to the client is "Does your dog attend doggy daycare?" 9 times out of 10 the answer is "Yes, and they love it". While it may be true that your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, taking them to Doggy Daycare is 100% contributing to the way they feel about other dogs. Outside of Doggy Daycare being a breeding ground for disease, fleas and injuries consider the following:
1. When your dog goes to Doggy Daycare it is typically in a room off leash with many other dogs, running around annoying each other and barking for 4-8 hours straight--then you take them home put them on leash and see other dogs on your walk. Your dog becomes frustrated on leash because when we see other dogs we get to run around and bother each other. Your dog then starts barking and lunging on leash out of frustration. Your solution, you say is once he gets to "say hi" he is ok, while that may be true that is not a safe nor responsible way to manage your dog. True dog socialization is not that my dog will "play" and interact with other dogs, but can they walk calmly past another dog.
2. Many pet daycare facilities advertise themselves as fun, stimulating environments for your pets. However, the reality can be quite different. Most facilities have inadequate supervision, with too many animals being watched by too few staff members, think 1 person per 30 dogs. Could you safely watch and manage 25-30 dogs by yourself-doubtful. This can lead to unnoticed bullying behavior or even injuries that go untreated for hours. The Daycare will typically only notify you if there is a significant noticeable injury. If there is a dog fight but your dog is not injured, you most likely will not be told as long as your dog does not get hurt.
3. Not all dogs enjoy the company of other dogs and many dogs have different play styles that are not compatible with other dogs. Dogs end up having to advocate for themselves in these large situations, where they are required to growl, bite and lunge to advocate for themselves to tell other dogs they don't want to play. That really isn't a behavior I want my dog practicing for 8 hours a day, after all the more you practice something the better you get at it, right? The Daycare is not going to tell your that your dog does not LIKE being there, that cuts into the financial bottom line. The only time you will be told your dog cannot stay is if your dog is visibly aggressive. However, keep in mind that the people working in these facilities often lack knowledge in general dog behavior and training. Many times they are given a paddle or a winter sled to move dogs around and break up fights, that is about the end of their dog interaction.
People typically feel that they "Can't live without Doggy Daycare" which truly isn't the case. Not having your dog exhausted from a day at Doggy Daycare means when you come home you actually have to walk and play with your dog. Dogs are not ornaments to sit in your house and simply "exist". They are sentient beings with short lives waiting for you, their designated person to come and spend time with them. You might consider hiring a mid-day dog walker from Rover. If you need to be gone all day and truly need someone to watch your dog many boarding facilities do day board where you dog is in a kennel with their bed, toys and maybe a favorite chew for the day. They get taken out for potty walks and get to nap. Adult dogs sleep about 12-16 hours per day, its totally fine for them to be in a boarding kennel with some potty breaks and enrichment in the kennel. I like to find kennels that have walls between so the dogs cannot see each other and especially love the ones that have indoor outdoor access. If you need a referral feel free to send a message!
