[doggiedo]

Has anyone tried doggie daycare? There is a place down the street from where I live and I went in after work yesterday to check it out. It looked awesome. And, it’s only $25/day to boot! I was able to get a tour of the facility and it looks like a dog’s heaven. They had this huge open/indoor area for them to play around all day. They got an hour of sleep during the day, where they are crated. They provide clean linens daily, so the dogs can snuggle up for their nap. In addition, they have an indoor potty place so the dogs don’t even have to go outside. Although I would prefer the outside potty trips, to be honest. In addition, they are monitored the ENTIRE time they are playing with the other dogs.

My dog is getting a little protective of me, so it will be good for him to visit with other dogs and new humans! Plus, with the crumby weather lately, I haven’t been as good at walking him. I actually don’t walk him as much as I should at all. It will be great to get him to release some of his energy and he might actually sleep better, and just feel better, overall.

I just have to get him vaccinated for Kennel Cough, and I can send him for his first day at doggie daycare. I’m so excited for him.

I’m even excited b/c it looks like my dream job – I’d love to just quit my job and be a dogsitter full-time. Ah, pipe dreams, I guess.

In June 2006 my friend and I went to check out a doggie daycare facility down the street from his house because he was going on vacation and he needed good care for his dog. We took a tour and it was rather impressive. There was a Russian Wolfhound walking around the lobby. I took a picture of it with my phone:



He did leave the dog there while he was on vacation and he's been using that same place since then.

my suggestion...try it for a few times...yes it is good for some dogs...get the vaccine...your dog can still get kennel cough (it's like the flu shot...if the shot is for flu strain A & strain B is what is going around you will still get the flu..so just be forewarned).

how many people work/shift/dogs
do they know canine first aid?
is there a vet they use for emergencies? what is their policy on such?
what is their policy on "time outs, fights, (they do happen)?

emergency equipment? is it available? fire extinguishers, etc..yeah fires etc happen...what are their procedures for getting everyone out...
dogs grouped by size &/or temperament?

escapes?

these are the types of questions you need to ask about...yeah the place looks sparkly shiny & fun...but if it isn't safe for your dog then all of that doesn't matter...if they have 2 people for 40 dogs...then if there is a fight then your dog isn't safe...because when it breaks loose the pack circles & 2 aren't going to be able to handle it.

worked for a while at a doggie day care place & left because it was not safely run...& it was one of the best ones in the area.

[RapidFlyer]

doggiedo, I use a doggie day care facility every time I visit my family in Chicago. I found it by accident looking for a place to groom my dogs.

I checked it out thoroughly. I used to work for a dog trainer. What Stumpy said is accurate. if it's not safely run it's not worth it.

This place is wonderful. They have safety, They have fire extinguishers, they have plans in place for evacuation, they have an emergency vet on call and a regular vet in place, they require all shots be up to date and proof provided at each visit.

I love the place and so do my dogs. They get to play, relax, rest, and run and all at a reasonable price of about $30 a day. I love the place and because I am a repeat customer I occasionally get discounts and coupons.

I am all for doggie day care when run appropriately and safely.

I hope your facility is just what you think you have found. A little slice of heaven for your pet.

[Fresia]

I won't repeat what Stumpy wrote but those are really good questions to ask. Additionally,
-Do they have their own space to go for some down time throughout the day such as to be crated or separate rooms to get away from the crowd for awhile because all day is a long time to be in a group.

It can be good to start out with half days and work into full ones, so it is not so overwhelming at first.

Daycare is good for socialization. My current dog came from a shelter and had social anxiety issues. Day care helped her in particular with that. She really enjoyed being around the other dogs, good exercise and interactions in a safe monitored environment, in addition to being good for her to be exposed to more people.

If this one does not answer all your questions satisfactorily, it is also a indicator of how they wlll be, find one who will. Good luck.

[doggiedo]

Wow, those are some great suggestions that you guys gave me. I am going to email the trainer and see what she says. I was just so excited, I didn't even give some of how it goes!those things a thought!

I'll let you know

[doggiedo]

My dog is ready for his "first day" tomorrow! I'm so excited for him!

[roads]

Did you get all of the questions answered to your satisfaction, then?

[doggiedo]

Yes, All the questions you guys gave me to ask, they had a great answer for. The person that works there is very qualified and answered all the safety questions to my satisfaction.

I'm nervous for him!...what if he hates it? I won't really know, right?

[Fresia]

The one dog I had I knew he didn't like because when we went back, he put the brakes on when we got there; kind of like some dogs do when going to the vet and he did not adjust to it. It was not for him. The other dogs have tried to rush right in as if they could not get there fast enough, ears up, tails wagging, and no signs of stress, very relaxed.

He'll probably be really tired once home, but very glad to see you when you pick him up. Ask how things went. However, from his perspective, you may not know not know until you take him back.

[doggiedo]

Good call Fresia - I didn't think of that. He didn't want me to leave when I dropped him off this morning. I know it's insane, but I want to call and see how he's doing. BUT, I won't be that parent! lol.

I hope he's enjoying it. I'm doing it for him I'll let you know how it goes!

[doggiedo]

I think they should get a webcam!