Why Dog Daycare Is Good for Your Dog: Socialization, Exercise, and More
Devoted dog owners want what’s best for their pups, from nutritious meals to regular walks and ample love.
But what about the time your dog spends alone? Is doggy daycare good for dogs who are often left unsupervised?
The answer is a resounding yes! Dog daycare provides a wealth of benefits, offering everything from socialization and exercise to emotional support and mental stimulation. Rather than leaving your pet behind or hiring an expensive pet sitter, doggy daycare can offer an array of positive experiences with humans and other dogs.
Let’s dive into the many advantages of doggy daycare facilities for your furry friend. Whether you’re taking them twice a week or every day, we believe daycare can be a lovely, enjoyable part of your dog’s life.
Here’s What Daycare Can Do for Your Most Dogs
Socialization: Building Confidence and Preventing Dog Behavior Issues
Dogs are naturally social animals, and just like humans, they need to interact with other dogs to develop strong social skills.
As such, dog daycare environments are designed to foster healthy interactions among dogs, helping them learn important behaviors like proper play etiquette, communication, and boundaries. Socialization also plays a key role in preventing behavior issues, such as fear-based aggression, excessive barking, or separation anxiety.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that intentional socialization start around 3 to 14 weeks of age for young puppies, but even if your dog is older than that, they can still benefit from exposure to other dogs.
Regular socialization at daycare gives your pet the opportunity to interact with a variety of other dogs—different breeds, ages, and sizes—which can build their confidence. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that might have been shy or anxious in the past.
Of course, not every dog thrives in daycare. If your pooch tends to hate dog parks or cannot safely be around other dogs, you may want to discuss other options with your veterinarian.
Physical Exercise: Keeping Dogs Active & Happy
Doggy daycare offers physical exercise through structured activities and free play. The average number of steps most dogs take per day increases significantly when they attend daycare regularly. This physical activity contributes to better overall health and happiness.
Even if you are home with your dog often, do you have the time to take them on frequent walks? Psychology Today found that somewhere between 30 to 60% of dog owners do not walk their dogs regularly, which can make daycare a great addition to their exercise routine.
Dogs attending daycare burn more calories throughout the day compared to those who stay home. A well-exercised, tired dog is more likely to have a better mood, improved behavior, and an easier time relaxing when they get home.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being: Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Daycare isn’t just a place for dogs to burn off excess energy—it’s also a supportive environment that enhances your dog’s emotional and mental health.
Most dogs spend hours alone when their owners are at work, school, or running errands. While some might be okay with this, the average dog’s personality isn’t prone to introversion. They want to be around people and other pups.
According to Green Element’s 2022 study, dog separation anxiety has jumped by over 700% in the last two years. Up to 47.38% of dogs are anxious about being left home alone.
As a result, they can become unhappy, feel tense, and engage in more destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, or even accidents in the house.
If your dog experiences stress and separation anxiety when you leave, doggy daycare could be a great fit. In a daycare environment, your pet will learn that you will always come back, and the daycare setting offers stimulation and experiences with other dogs to help them feel less lonely.
Over time, bonding with other dogs and regularly attending daycare can ease their anxiety, leading to fewer incidents when dog owners are away.
Breed-Specific Benefits of Doggy Daycare
Not all dogs have the same energy levels or needs when it comes to exercise, and daycare can be especially beneficial for certain high-energy breeds.
For example, high-energy dogs such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Terriers thrive in dog daycare facilities because they need constant physical and mental stimulation.
Without regular exercise, many dogs can become bored or restless, potentially leading to undesirable behaviors like chewing or digging.
As the American Kennel Club says, “A bored dog will make their own fun, most likely in ways that don’t work for you. When left to their own devices, bored dogs will chew furniture and shoes, shred pillows, or even unroll your toilet paper, doing whatever they can find to pass the time.”
Tailored doggy daycare programs can meet the specific needs of different breeds. Some dog daycares offer breed-specific playgroups, ensuring that your dog’s personality and temperament are in alignment with their playmates.
For example, an active Labrador Retriever may benefit from group play at the dog park with other energetic dogs, while a calmer breed like a Basset Hound might prefer a quieter, less active group. These breed-specific activities can help prevent overstimulation, frustration, or destructive dog behavior, so your pet gets the most out of their doggy daycare experience.
Daycare for Senior Dogs or Dogs with Special Health Needs
We often explain to pet owners that doggy daycare isn’t just for adolescent dogs or high-energy pups. Senior dogs and many dogs with special health conditions can also benefit from the gentle socialization and exercise provided in daycare environments.
However, it’s essential to find a doggy daycare that is equipped to accommodate pets with specific needs.
For senior dogs, daycare provides a safe environment for them to maintain mobility through low-impact exercise. Activities such as short jaunts with a dog walker, gentle play with other dogs, and supervised interactions with humans can help older pups stay mentally alert and physically healthy.
Considering at least 28% of the nation’s dogs are at least eight years old, many owners are looking for ways to care for their aging pets (AAHA).
For adult dogs with health conditions like arthritis or heart issues, it’s crucial to choose a dog daycare with staff experienced in handling special needs. The right doggy daycare will ensure that activities are adjusted to accommodate their comfort levels while still providing them with enriching experiences.
The benefit of daycare for senior dogs goes beyond physical exercise—it also provides them with mental stimulation and companionship. Just because a dog is older doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy social interaction with other dogs and the chance to engage in new experiences, like exploring the dog park or bonding with a new dog walker.
Attending daycare regularly can help keep your senior’s spirits high and provide a sense of joy and purpose in their golden years.
The Role of the Dog Daycare Environment
The physical environment and structure of doggy daycares are integral to the success of each animal’s experience. A good dog daycare facility should have a spacious area for dogs to play, separate zones for different activity levels, and a high staff-to-dog ratio to ensure that every dog receives adequate attention and supervision.
Structured play sessions are also an essential part of doggy daycare, ensuring that dogs get enough exercise while learning to interact appropriately with others. Additionally, free playtime allows pups to explore their doggy daycare environment, engage in natural behaviors, and make dog friends.
Proper staff supervision ensures that playtime remains safe and potential conflicts are quickly resolved. Positive reinforcement techniques, like rewarding good behavior with treats or praise, can help foster a positive experience and keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Additionally, a clean, safe, and welcoming dog daycare setting is vital for a successful experience. Look for dog daycares that prioritize a healthy environment, offering a well-maintained space with a trained staff committed to providing a positive atmosphere for dogs of all personalities.
Explore the Benefits of Dog Daycares Firsthand
The benefits of doggy daycare are clear: it offers your dog the chance to socialize with other dogs, exercise, and enjoy emotional enrichment.
Whether your dog is a high-energy pup in need of daily playtime, a senior dog needing gentle exercise, or a well-behaved dog with special needs, dog daycare can provide a positive experience that promotes their overall health and happiness.
At Your Dog’s Best Days, we understand that every dog is unique. That’s why we offer dog daycare programs to meet the specific needs of your furry friend.
Our experienced dog care staff ensures that each attendee receives the right balance of socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. From group walks to activities at our outdoor play space, we do everything in our power to help dogs thrive in our daycare setting.
If you’re looking for a caring, safe, and fun environment for your old or young dog to spend their days, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our doggy daycare services and how we serve busy pet owners throughout the Tulsa area.
