Is doggie daycare safe for little yorkies? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

GeorgiesMomma · 09-04-2012, 08:31 AM

I agree up to 70lbs that just nuts! We had our sweet Boxer Coco who Georgie was raised with and she was literally the only dog over 10lbs that Georgie was ever around.

Harrysmum · 09-04-2012, 08:41 AM

Difficult isn't it - we want our Littlies to socialise - but with the 'right types'

I wonder, does your Vet offer any kind of socialisation programmes? For instance, 'over here', Harry's vet does a 'soft play' playgroup for when they're tiny.

So of course all the pups get to know one another from a very early age, kind of grow up together - and then it moves on to the next stage. It's quite lovely

Just a thought - it might be worth an ask? Sally + Harry x

TresCutePiggies · 09-05-2012, 07:23 AM

Well, I'll be odd one out. I'm a big fan of doggie daycares. I will start off by saying that Rory and Lane are bigger yorkies, which I know makes a huge difference. When I worked full-time while my husband was finishing up school, they went to doggie daycare Monday - Friday. They are put with a group called the "minis," and I think the max size dog is around 20 lbs. A handler is with them at all times, so he/she is there should any issues ever arise (one never has). Rory has someone to throw the ball for her all day long, and Lane can play or sleep at will. I'd encourage you to look around and take a tour (while the smaller dogs are at play) to get a feel for the situation. I have certainly seen daycares where I would never take my girls and finding a good one is important.

I'm over-the-top protective of my girls, but I think socialization and getting them out of the house daily (and not just to the backyard or the same old potty spot) is very, very important.

Rory especially loves it there. We actually moved away for about 2.5 years, but upon our return, they went back to their daycare. This was Rory's reaction when we turned off the main street to the side street where the daycare is. I think it speaks for itself:

Rory is so happy to be back at daycare! - YouTube

southernbelle04 · 09-05-2012, 12:16 PM

Our KS is 5 pounds and goes to doggy daycare often. I specifically requested for her to only be allowed in with other smaller dogs. They were very caring and helpful at the place we go. They have several different sections and KS always goes in the one with other smaller puppies, yorkies, and a few other small breed dogs. I have been completely happy so far. But like the other posters I would be afraid to put a 3 pound dog in with a 25 pound dog.

YorkieMommieof3 · 09-05-2012, 04:34 PM

No no no. I had to use the service 1 time when my parents were out of town and I had to travel. I had dad take them for their {interview} 4 hours later it was pick up time. They got their certificate that they had passes. Thy fri I dropped them off and I picked them up Sunday they were both sick and the baby was nervous. I spent most $400 for vet care and meds. Never again !!!!!!!

Candylynise · 09-05-2012, 06:16 PM

I haven't been able to find any vets in my area that offer social groups, but that is a good idea. I did find some dog training businesses that have social groups but there is still the same issue of her having to be in a small breed group with dogs much bigger than her. I plan to visit the daycare that I am considering and if they have lots of other little yorkies for her to play with and if it seems safe enough I think I will let her try it. I just want her to be well socialized and not have to stay home alone and bored all day. I only plan to send her 2 days per week so hopefully it will work out well!

Sami_girl · 09-05-2012, 08:15 PM

I have put Sami in Camp Bow Wow and she is only with dogs 8 lbs and under there. Plus there are cameras online so I can check on her.

Teresa Ford · 09-06-2012, 01:32 PM

This is not meant to be snarky. I think doggie day care is fine, if you really really do your homework. There are 11 within a short drive of my house. And only two would be right for my small dogs. One divides dogs into 3 size groups, each group has it's own person in charge and is completely separate from the other sizes. It is a structured program of play, walk and training class. It is very expensive $50 per dog per day. All dogs must be spayed/neutered and fully up to date on all shots, worm checks,heart worm and flea preventive. You bring your own food, crate, leash and bowls. The other is for toy dogs only. It is run by a groomer, her two daughters and daughter in law They only have 5 dogs at a time and are expensive too $75 a day, and no over nights unless you make private arrangements. The other nine were unacceptable when I visited. I have 4 Yorkies so we use an in home sitter, if we are going to be gone over night.

georgepie · 09-06-2012, 02:28 PM

George is a 3 lb. like your baby. I brought him to "puppy kindergarden" for dogs 18 weeks and under back in June because he barks his head off at every single dog he sees including pit bulls..SIGH.

He was around 5.5 months at the time. He was the only small toy dog in the entire class of 10 other large to medium size dogs. The smallest dog there was 20 lb. and the largest was 70 lb. can you imagine a 3 lb. yorkie baby running with 10 big puppies between 20-70lb? It was a sight to see and he did get in there probably scared half to death.

The two training people told me to just walk away from him when he was trying to hide behind me from the other dogs. There were 5 large dogs literally ON my baby at once. George was on his hind legs with his little arms in the air trying to protect himself. He did well and they can manage with very large dogs but I thought the whole class it was over the top for a 3lb. baby. I just accept that he barks at other dogs he is perfect in every other way anyways and likes people except children.

Anyway.. I only brought him for that one class and didn't return because his bones are so tiny and I thought it was too much and not necessary for George to be running around with huge dogs like 10x his size and my yorkie is too beautiful and precious imo to be running with mutts.

Its your call really they are quite capable with large dogs. That was my experience I just didn't feel comfortable with the large dogs.

yorkietalkjilly · 09-06-2012, 03:03 PM

I don't believe most Doggie Day Care young attendants are that watchful or careful with very tiny dogs unless they have had some previous experience living around one & now that smartphones are in every pocket - I really worry at how much interest is paid to the dogs once the owner walks out the door. I know someone who works at a similar facility who says that the younger workers are not that careful or watchful of the dogs when backs are turned and owners leave.

concretegurl · 09-06-2012, 03:25 PM

Our doggy day care has 4 section small medium large and individual which can be for tinies special needs or one familes dogs of varying sizes which need to be doggy sat together.

Candylynise · 09-06-2012, 04:26 PM

Yeah I've done my homework and the place that I'm considering has doggie cams, an iphone app so you can watch your dog on your phone, 4 separate dog groups for different sizes, indoor and outdoor play areas...the works basically. I'm gonna do a tour and an evaluation and if the group for "teenies" as they call it has mostly dogs that are her size, has good supervision and if she likes it and seems to do well, I'll let her go

courtney1121 · 09-06-2012, 04:58 PM

I used to take Geno to daycare when I had school at night last Spring. He loved it! They separated the dogs by size but sometimes the owner would bring in this big sheepdog and she would just lay down and let all the little dogs jump and run all over her lol She wasn't a very active dog so she pretty much just laid there so I didn't really worry too much. Geno met his girlfriend at daycare - little 10lb yorkie Bella

Also check meetups in your area for small breed get togethers. Our daycare sometimes hosts them and we've always had a blast

Best thing about daycare though, when I bring G home, he is out for the rest of the night! lol

BLowry · 09-06-2012, 05:09 PM

I would be a little nervous with a 3 lber around ANY dog that was much bigger than her...I have 3 yorkies...7 6 and my little man who is 4 lbs...the girls aren't rough players...they do play with him but more running around and tugging with toys...my neighbor brought his boy over here the other day...I would say he is around 9 10 lbs...he started playing with Bentley...jumped up and came down on him...he hurt him...thought badly...THANK GOD! he was ok...I think he knocked the wind out of him...next time he comes over...Bentley will be picked up

bijoux1 · 09-07-2012, 06:44 PM

My dogs are poodles, but they are also really small. I agree with everyone else that I would also not be at all comfortable with any dog over ten pounds. During the hurricane, some friends of mine came to stay here with their very large dogs..and even thought they are sweet dogs, I would NEVER allow my 3 & 4 lb dogs to run around and play with dogs that were literally 65 and 80 pounds!! I was also accused of not letting my dogs be dogs..and of being too uptight and on and on ..and repeatedly told that I should just relax and let them be. That was fine with me bc I don't care what they say..bc the bottom line is I know that no matter how sweet a dog is, the most well meaning dog could accidentally step on, or just in play do something in literally a second that could be fatal to my babies. So, regardless of what anyone said to me, my dogs were literally with me 24/7 while we had company. They still got to play and run around in my bedroom with the door closed. I would far rather be too overprotective than risk having anything happen.

BTW, their dog really is a sweet dog with a good temperament, but one night they had put her in her kennel for the night, and since she was put up, my two were allowed to get down and walk to go to their bed for the night, and she out of nowhere, growled and lunged so hard that she moved her kennel across the floor! I don't know what happened, but something they did obviously annoyed her, and that had been my point to them that it only takes a second...and it only takes one thing that could be truly fatal.

09-04-2012, 08:31 AM	#16
GeorgiesMomma I love TBCG! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MD Posts: 7,227	I agree up to 70lbs that just nuts! We had our sweet Boxer Coco who Georgie was raised with and she was literally the only dog over 10lbs that Georgie was ever around. __________________ Morgan Mommy toGeorgie boy & Isaiah RIP sweet Coco 10/12/99-8/1/12 Read About Georgie's Experience with Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) Here!

09-05-2012, 12:16 PM	#19
southernbelle04 Katie Scarlett's Mommy Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 7,554 Blog Entries: 1	Our KS is 5 pounds and goes to doggy daycare often. I specifically requested for her to only be allowed in with other smaller dogs. They were very caring and helpful at the place we go. They have several different sections and KS always goes in the one with other smaller puppies, yorkies, and a few other small breed dogs. I have been completely happy so far. But like the other posters I would be afraid to put a 3 pound dog in with a 25 pound dog. __________________ Aymee & Katie Scarlett

09-05-2012, 04:34 PM	#20
YorkieMommieof3 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2012 Location: Kernersville NC Posts: 164	No no no. I had to use the service 1 time when my parents were out of town and I had to travel. I had dad take them for their {interview} 4 hours later it was pick up time. They got their certificate that they had passes. Thy fri I dropped them off and I picked them up Sunday they were both sick and the baby was nervous. I spent most $400 for vet care and meds. Never again !!!!!!! __________________ We r the yorkie brood Little Miss Mollie /Lizzie Abigai/ Abbie Rose we own our mom Dee RIP Billy

09-05-2012, 06:16 PM	#21
Candylynise Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland Posts: 28	Doggie Daycare I haven't been able to find any vets in my area that offer social groups, but that is a good idea. I did find some dog training businesses that have social groups but there is still the same issue of her having to be in a small breed group with dogs much bigger than her. I plan to visit the daycare that I am considering and if they have lots of other little yorkies for her to play with and if it seems safe enough I think I will let her try it. I just want her to be well socialized and not have to stay home alone and bored all day. I only plan to send her 2 days per week so hopefully it will work out well!

09-05-2012, 08:15 PM	#22
Sami_girl YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 345	I have put Sami in Camp Bow Wow and she is only with dogs 8 lbs and under there. Plus there are cameras online so I can check on her. __________________ Sami, Pixi and Amanda

09-04-2012, 08:41 AM	#17
Harrysmum Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Chessington, Surrey, UK Posts: 5,062	Difficult isn't it - we want our Littlies to socialise - but with the 'right types' I wonder, does your Vet offer any kind of socialisation programmes? For instance, 'over here', Harry's vet does a 'soft play' playgroup for when they're tiny. So of course all the pups get to know one another from a very early age, kind of grow up together - and then it moves on to the next stage. It's quite lovely Just a thought - it might be worth an ask? Sally + Harry x

09-06-2012, 01:32 PM	#23
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	This is not meant to be snarky. I think doggie day care is fine, if you really really do your homework. There are 11 within a short drive of my house. And only two would be right for my small dogs. One divides dogs into 3 size groups, each group has it's own person in charge and is completely separate from the other sizes. It is a structured program of play, walk and training class. It is very expensive $50 per dog per day. All dogs must be spayed/neutered and fully up to date on all shots, worm checks,heart worm and flea preventive. You bring your own food, crate, leash and bowls. The other is for toy dogs only. It is run by a groomer, her two daughters and daughter in law They only have 5 dogs at a time and are expensive too $75 a day, and no over nights unless you make private arrangements. The other nine were unacceptable when I visited. I have 4 Yorkies so we use an in home sitter, if we are going to be gone over night. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

09-06-2012, 02:28 PM	#24
georgepie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 111	George is a 3 lb. like your baby. I brought him to "puppy kindergarden" for dogs 18 weeks and under back in June because he barks his head off at every single dog he sees including pit bulls..SIGH. He was around 5.5 months at the time. He was the only small toy dog in the entire class of 10 other large to medium size dogs. The smallest dog there was 20 lb. and the largest was 70 lb. can you imagine a 3 lb. yorkie baby running with 10 big puppies between 20-70lb? It was a sight to see and he did get in there probably scared half to death. The two training people told me to just walk away from him when he was trying to hide behind me from the other dogs. There were 5 large dogs literally ON my baby at once. George was on his hind legs with his little arms in the air trying to protect himself. He did well and they can manage with very large dogs but I thought the whole class it was over the top for a 3lb. baby. I just accept that he barks at other dogs he is perfect in every other way anyways and likes people except children. Anyway.. I only brought him for that one class and didn't return because his bones are so tiny and I thought it was too much and not necessary for George to be running around with huge dogs like 10x his size and my yorkie is too beautiful and precious imo to be running with mutts. Its your call really they are quite capable with large dogs. That was my experience I just didn't feel comfortable with the large dogs. Last edited by georgepie; 09-06-2012 at 02:32 PM.

09-06-2012, 03:03 PM	#25
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	I don't believe most Doggie Day Care young attendants are that watchful or careful with very tiny dogs unless they have had some previous experience living around one & now that smartphones are in every pocket - I really worry at how much interest is paid to the dogs once the owner walks out the door. I know someone who works at a similar facility who says that the younger workers are not that careful or watchful of the dogs when backs are turned and owners leave. __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

09-06-2012, 03:25 PM	#26
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	Our doggy day care has 4 section small medium large and individual which can be for tinies special needs or one familes dogs of varying sizes which need to be doggy sat together. __________________ Shan & 8 kids now!

09-06-2012, 04:26 PM	#27
Candylynise Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland Posts: 28	Yeah I've done my homework and the place that I'm considering has doggie cams, an iphone app so you can watch your dog on your phone, 4 separate dog groups for different sizes, indoor and outdoor play areas...the works basically. I'm gonna do a tour and an evaluation and if the group for "teenies" as they call it has mostly dogs that are her size, has good supervision and if she likes it and seems to do well, I'll let her go

09-06-2012, 04:58 PM	#28
courtney1121 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,116	I used to take Geno to daycare when I had school at night last Spring. He loved it! They separated the dogs by size but sometimes the owner would bring in this big sheepdog and she would just lay down and let all the little dogs jump and run all over her lol She wasn't a very active dog so she pretty much just laid there so I didn't really worry too much. Geno met his girlfriend at daycare - little 10lb yorkie Bella Also check meetups in your area for small breed get togethers. Our daycare sometimes hosts them and we've always had a blast Best thing about daycare though, when I bring G home, he is out for the rest of the night! lol __________________ Courtney Geno Bambino Mia Bella

09-06-2012, 05:09 PM	#29
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	I would be a little nervous with a 3 lber around ANY dog that was much bigger than her...I have 3 yorkies...7 6 and my little man who is 4 lbs...the girls aren't rough players...they do play with him but more running around and tugging with toys...my neighbor brought his boy over here the other day...I would say he is around 9 10 lbs...he started playing with Bentley...jumped up and came down on him...he hurt him...thought badly...THANK GOD! he was ok...I think he knocked the wind out of him...next time he comes over...Bentley will be picked up __________________ Brenda

09-07-2012, 06:44 PM	#30
bijoux1 YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 325	My dogs are poodles, but they are also really small. I agree with everyone else that I would also not be at all comfortable with any dog over ten pounds. During the hurricane, some friends of mine came to stay here with their very large dogs..and even thought they are sweet dogs, I would NEVER allow my 3 & 4 lb dogs to run around and play with dogs that were literally 65 and 80 pounds!! I was also accused of not letting my dogs be dogs..and of being too uptight and on and on ..and repeatedly told that I should just relax and let them be. That was fine with me bc I don't care what they say..bc the bottom line is I know that no matter how sweet a dog is, the most well meaning dog could accidentally step on, or just in play do something in literally a second that could be fatal to my babies. So, regardless of what anyone said to me, my dogs were literally with me 24/7 while we had company. They still got to play and run around in my bedroom with the door closed. I would far rather be too overprotective than risk having anything happen. BTW, their dog really is a sweet dog with a good temperament, but one night they had put her in her kennel for the night, and since she was put up, my two were allowed to get down and walk to go to their bed for the night, and she out of nowhere, growled and lunged so hard that she moved her kennel across the floor! I don't know what happened, but something they did obviously annoyed her, and that had been my point to them that it only takes a second...and it only takes one thing that could be truly fatal.