Doggy daycare questions

[blondflava]

I know there are some YTalkers who put their babies to daycare a few times a week. I've been doing research for a while and would love to do that 2 times a week as both hubby and I work. I found 2 places that are close to each other, and about 15-20 drive from my house. They have nice websites, seem legit and clean and all but I filled out questionnaires and will go check the place personally. They both require dogs spayed/neutered if 6 months and up. Plus the shots updated, I guess that's basics everywhere. Now, I'm sure there are some scary stories about daycares, just like groomers. What should I look for as bad signs? They say dogs are screened for aggressive behavior like guarding toys and food or such. Dogs are separated according to size and get playtime, walk time, petting/brushing/massage time and nap time. They get fed as well, of course. Pepper's peepad trained but would love a walk if it's nice out.... He's also free fed. Would those be a problem? Anyone with any experience, please help

[jennifermcb]

I take my girls to a local kennel a couple of days a month for 'day care'. I know the owner, and it's a very small kennel. She keeps the front door locked at all times and lets my Yorkies stay up front with her unless someone needs to come in. They also get playtime with other small dogs.

Your best bet is to visit the center, talk to the owner/caretaker and get references, then speak to those folks. You should be able to get a pretty good feel for how well they will be care for.

Good luck! My girls get really excited when we turn on the road to the day care I know they enjoy it there.

[ARCHIE]

Buddy went to daycare a couple of times. It was a great place for dogs to be free and have friends. The reason I stopped was I was told by the owner of the daycare NYS requires a dog to get the bortadella (kennel cough) shot every six months for daycare. My vet said the shot is good for 1yr. I did not want to give Buddy a shot he really did not need. He no longer goes.

[marcerella02]

Layla goes to day care.. but it is in someone's home... i hightly recommend going there and asking for a tour... i was going to bring her to a larger day care but when i got there i saw that most dogs were in kennel.. wtih access to outdoors but i just knew it wouldn't be right for layla.. i'm SO glad i got the tour.. so now she goes to a home with two other labs.. about twice a month.. she is in heaven!

[northview5]

We took our dogs to daycare once a week this summer. I'm glad we did. The place we took them was part of a vet clinic and the people that work there LOVE animals... They hadn't reached a point of indifference because they were around them all the time. The place was immaculately clean and very spacious. Someone was out with the dogs at all times or could observe them through several observation windows. They had means of seperating the small dogs from the big and slowly introduced the more timid dogs to the pack. The "baby sitter" threw balls and played with the dogs, kept all messes cleaned up. They gave the dogs an hour of "quiet time" in the middle of the day so as not to wear them out too much. It was a really, really good experience. Pepper didn't warm up to the idea as well as Josie. He's a very mild dog and I think all the big loud dogs kind of scared him. But it seemed to help him become really friendly when new dogs come to our house. Josie, on the other hand, threw herself into it so much she is a bit TOO friendly and often scares other dogs by her overbearing personality. Kind of funny. She got along great in the big dog pen. That scared me at first, but the people that run the place were SO careful and SO responsible that I came to really trust them.

Check it out real good. I'm sure you'll get a good feeling or a bad one.

Smiles!

[simonandhallie]

I'm a HUGE fan of daycare! Simon's been going since he was a baby and when I got Hallie I started taking her too so she could be more socialized (she was kept in a very small plastic kennel all day and night). I have been very lucky to have found really great places that I love. Here in NY I checked out a few places and finally decided on petspa b/c they had a 4 hour trial period that the dogs must pass before going. I interviewed them myself and asked a ton of questions to really get a feel for the place. I also get them groomed there and they really go above and beyond for me and the monkeys.

When you go visit you will very quickly get a feel if the place is right or not. Good Luck, your baby will love the playtime

[blondflava]

Thanks everyone for their help! Most daycares require the dog to be altered so he won't be able to go for at least 1 more month, until he fully recovers after his neuter that I haven't scheduled yet. . That gives me a lot of time to check eveything carefully out

[Erin]

Loki goes to daycare at least once a week. His trainer does it - the same trainer that teaches his classes. She has a big facility that's in a wearhouse and the floor is covered in rubber mats. It's not fancy or anything, it doesn't need to be - they are dogs! We have lots of doggie daycares around here but my trainer is the most qualified in the area. That means she can evaluate the dogs properly and she doesn't use punishment (important to me) although she doesn't hesitate to put some of the monsters in a time-out if they need one! Loki goes for the social aspect of it and the exercise. He follows the other dogs around and plays with the smaller ones. There is a separate area for small dogs but they are not confined - they can choose to play with the big dogs if they want. The big dogs are sweet and gentle dogs so I don't worry. The same dogs tend to be there all the time so he has made some friends.

I seriously don't expect Loki to be brushed at daycare (he gets dunked in the tub afterwards anyway!) He doesn't need to be fed either - he eats before and after just like he would on any other day. They all take naps when they feel like it. Since they run around inside, there is no need for walks except to potty.

Anyway, I hope that helps. Just keep in mind that the daycare is for the DOGS not the people, and dogs just want to run around and play! Loki comes home from daycare so tired that he sleeps for 2 days.