I would like your opinions on Doggie Daycare
 

Hi, I was talking about my new baby to a client this week. I knew she had a westie. I asked her if she used a groomer that she really liked. She said that the same lady will also keep your dog for $5 a day to play with other dogs, and that her westie, Maddie, was the largest dog there. She loved for Maddie to go there, and felt she was getting "socialized" in the process. My client really gave her high marks. She even e-mails pics to you during the day, so you can see what is going on.

I work full time and feel somewhat guilty about leaving her home alone every day. I would think about this one-two days a week.
I would like to go over, check out the place and "interview" the woman before I take my baby. What questions would you want to know before you left your baby? Or would this be something you would do?

Here are the questions I can think of:
1. Have all the pets had their vacs?
2. Do they have some down time or a quiet place to go for a nap? (I thought I would leave my own kennel)
3. How do you handle potty issues
4. How do you handle a too aggressive dog or one just playing too rough?
5. What would you do in the case of a medical emergency?

What other issues should I discuss? Thanks

Are the other dogs there spayed and/or neutered? I would be worried about an accidental pregnancy.

Are the dogs crated or kenneled at all during the day?

What would she do if she had to leave for something while the dogs were there?

What about food and treats? Are you allowed to bring your own or does she give everyone the same thing for convenience?

Are they inside all day or does she take them for walks or have a fenced yard?

Those are just a few things that pop into my mind.

I took my doberman to one here and hated it. They thought all dogs should work out their issues. My dobbie came home with a small but open bite on her side and that was it. But this sounds much better. I think it would be a great idea. You have some great questions!!!!

I'd add.....

How many dogs are there at a time?

How many people monitor them?

Great Questions! Thanks

You might also ask about meal time. Does she feed them all together or seperately? Some dogs could have food aggression or food protection issues that could cause problems or even cause an injury.

Oh...and make sure all of the dogs have their kennel cough shots. I don't give these because mine aren't boarded and don't go to day care but I would if they were being exposed to lots of different dogs.

ask if you can come for a 1-2 hour trial. This way you will know how your baby will react and whether it is right for you both.

Also with feeding- not all dogs follow the rules- so are dogs fed in the same area? How will she keep one dog from eating from other dog's bowl (Which can cause aggression issues).

We are big fans of doggie daycare. The girls go everyday during the work week.

Here is a description of what their typical day includes:

Dog Daycare | Atlanta Dog Spa

This sounds like a smaller operation. I can't think of any questions that haven't already been mentioned. There is a webcam where we can peak in during the day, which is fun! They have also gotten some great pictures of my girls at play during the day. I do feel better knowing they are having fun while I'm at work. :)

That looks like such an awesome daycare. I bet your girls totally enjoy it :)

5 Dollars a day!!! Wow... If it happens to be a good place to bring your little one I would definitely do it!! It is much better than having to leave them all day alone.

We have looked into it here for ours but it is 25.00 a day and that gets expensive after awhile. my MIL now comes and visits with her at least once a week since she is out of work.

Totally! The place I took Thor to was $40!!!!

Some places will have small breed groups, you might ask about that. I had to board Thor there on short notice for 3 days and it was fabulous. He has dog socialization issues, and he came back with major improvement after just those three days.

I think a good solution would to find a small operation daycare or a large one with plenty staff, which can give your dog some one on one attention. most daycare should have a solid vaccination regulation. and the best you can do is walk around (if they allow) and get to know the staff and condition of the place.

our girls go to a daycare about three days a week (the rest of the week usually someone's around). the daycare is a very small business which is also a bakery/boutique, they have about 6 dogs from customers and 4 of their own, all small ones. there is no crate, only gates. Dolly barely spends anytime in gated areas as she loves to sleep on the counter where they make doggie treats, and run aound to greet everyone that comes in the shop!

I would love it if it was a good one for $5. Ours are so expensive. I can come home at noon and let Sophie out, and I know she is sleeping on her favorite pillows at home. However, all that sleeping is making her porky too.:D A little excercise during the day would be great.

I use a combination of Dog Daycare and a Dog walker depending on the day and my schedule. Honestly, when Sophie as younger I did not send her to daycare -- I was concerned about the socializing when she had not had all her shots and was not full grown (her daycare does not have a small dog group but does limit the "big dogs" to othe areas).

I prefer the days I work for home and can be with her. The dog walker works out well, she is a neighbor lady who charges me $10.00 for a 30 minute walk and feeding.

I used a nice one a few times, my yorkie was barely over 2 pounds so I requested her one on one playtime be done inside. They didn't allow the dogs together unless they were in the same family. Either way the dogs got one on one play time, snack time, etc....

My husband travels alot with work and any time that he is gone Harley goes to "puppy school". The daycare that he attends is owned by his vet clinic, and they are on adjacent properties. His daycare has different rooms for different size dogs. His room has two yorkies, a toy poodle, and a weiner dog! All the dogs have there own cot for use throughout the day, they are not fed, however they do get treats twice a day. I take Yorkie Yummies, and have never had a problem with requesting specific treats. I am in a smaller area and I only have to pay $8 daily. I would just visit the place and go with your gut on leaving your baby there.

Jeri and Harley:aimeeyork