Yes, really!
How many of you take your dog to “doggie day care”? I bet there are quite a few. In fact, there are a number of friends at Foster & Smith who take their dogs to some form of “Day Care”! A month or two ago, I began hearing tales of doggie day care and people bringing their pets. I asked around, and got some information on the person they were taking their pets to, and what the cost was. I started noodling this around in my head…Winter is really tough for Mocca, as I have mentioned before. I do my best to walk her on weekends, but I really am not a fan of the cold, so it takes a lot to get me out there! I also do lots of games & playtime inside…but I just feel bad because I know she needs so much more. I had a hard time deciding about whether to bring her to daycare or not.
Part of me says why would I pay somebody else to walk my dog?! I got the dog, she’s my responsibility…Get over the cold already and go take her for a walk at night! Don’t be so wimpy! But, the other part of me says it would be good for her to interact with other dogs; this woman takes them for 2-mile walks! The cost for me was minimal – during Agility season I pay that much for training so why not supplement the winter with the same cost? And so I finally just decided to give it a try and see how it went.
We first went to meet the woman who runs the doggie day care. We visited on a Saturday afternoon: sniffed outside, met a couple other dogs, sniffed inside, got MANY treats, and seemed to have a generally good time. So, I read and signed some papers, and agreed to return Monday morning with Mocca’s updated Rabies vaccination papers. Monday morning I dropped Mocca off for a half day. I have to say I was a little worried when I left her and felt a bit sad. However, I knew she would have a good time and I didn’t need to worry! (I still did, of course). At noon when I picked her up, I could tell she was just HAPPY. Her tail was high, she was smiling, and seemed very relaxed. I can tell when she is anxious, or under-exercised, and this was not that dog! H – A – P – P – Y ! I was told she had a fabulous time, and made extra good friends with some of the dogs. That evening Mocca was much more relaxed for sure, and although still happy enough to play with me at any chance available, she was much less anxious, and was more willing to settle in on her bed or the couch.
I quickly scheduled Mocca for several more appointments at doggie day care! At least this will get us through the tail-end of winter until Agility training starts again (SOON I HOPE!). We have to wait for the field to clear of snow & dry out, but we are getting closer. So to anybody who thinks it might be something they should try: I say give it a chance! If you can afford a bit here or there, your dog will benefit greatly from it. I actually find myself debating between purchasing something I may not really NEED, thinking I could spend that extra bit on day care for Mocca! Be sure to research the person running the doggie day care first, and make sure they are recommended and run a safe facility.
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My pups LOVE their doggy daycare! I used to have an issue leaving my German Short Haired Pointer home alone all day…I would always come home to a massive disaster! Until I found the best doggy daycare in Denver. They follow the ‘pack leader’ training mentality that I do and they would also run him on the treadmill. Great fun and interaction for my pups. I would highly recommend doggy daycares for anyone who has an active dog.