Doggie Daycare???? Sorry, this is loooong
 

Okay, about a year ago I sold my business so that I could go back to school. In order to graduate in May (2007) I need to take 23 credits this semester. I knew this when I started back last January, and I'm fine with this. But, just got my schedule. On Monday's I will leave my home at 7 am and not get home until about 9 that night!!! :eek: First, what a way to start the week! lol

Anyway, I'm searching for options for my girl...and there is ONE doggie daycare in our area. Of course, it's twenty minutes in the WRONG direction, but anything for my girl.

Here's the problem. Ginger has been in a doggie playgroup since she was about 7 mos. old (she'll be 2 Aug 30). She's always done really well. Until about May of this year, when two new dogs joined who really scared the "crap" out of her (not literally, lol). They weren't mean, but they were controlling, and ignored her cues when she told them to back off. She became super defensive and afraid after that.

Well, for months now (since June) we've been having a group of small dogs and their owners over once a week. Ginger has gone from hiding, to watching from the porch steps, to sitting on my lap, to tentatively playing (these are all dogs she used to run and play with, none are aggressive with her).

If I take her to "daycare" is she likely to backtrac???? Or might it be another opportunity for her to get over her fears?

I don't want to mess her up more!

The alternative, is to drop her off at my parents (they're in their 70's) on the Monday's they are home, and have the dog sitter come in when they aren't available.

What do you think???

I'd enlist the parents. Is the doggie daycare for small dogs only? If that were the case, I'd think about it. But then I'd be worried about how much supervision the dogs get and how many dogs they let run around together. Using the parents seems like a win-win situation.

Thanks, you seem to have done such a great job with Eddie and Jack, your opinion means alot.

Having read over my own post, I'm leaning that way too...funny sometimes you just need to hear (or I guess, read) yourself think!

Aww, thanks! I tend to be a little paranoid, so you might wait and see what advice others have. I've only used one doggie daycare with Eddie, and they separated the dogs and gave them regular individual walks. Not as much fun for them, but at least I knew he was safe. When it comes to socialization, I like to be there to see how he's reacting.

Hi,


Gracie goes to doggie daycare one day a week. Her facility seperates dogs by size and temprament. She is in the "tiny tots" group all the dogs are under 15lbs and must have passed basic obiedience. There is Gracie, another yorkie, a s**t zu, and a maltipoo in her group. They do great with each other...they have sepreate outside time and thier own kennels for sleeping and eating in. Ocassionaly the owners 10 year old Lab goes in with them and they all lay all over her it is so cute. I did this for socialization not for necessity...I of course would go with family first and if not go and vist the facility and decide for yourself.

Thanks to both of you for your input. Hearing about your doggie daycare experience has confirmed for me that our one option for daycare is seriously lacking. Don't get me wrong, I've heard good things, and know several people who take there dogs without incident. But, they have the dogs seperated into only two groups, by temperment (not size). The group they'd be putting Ginger with has , anywhere from 10-25 dogs, everyday. All shapes and sizes. When I visited (I've been there 3 times) I've never witnessed any kind of problem. Yet, I always left feeling a little uncomfortable.

Thanks again, I'm getting ready to go visit mom and dad and make plans!

My advice is do not put her in doggy daycare. She could very well end up becoming mean and/or ill with the stress of daycare. You are much better off to drop her off at your parents or hire a private dog walker.
Any puppies I sell I make it clear doggy daycare is not an option. I don't approve of them at all.

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely steering clear.

BTW, I have a dog walker who comes when needed, but usually the longest period of time that no one else is home is 6-7 hours. On those days, our walker comes in and spends an hour. She spends time playing with her in our house or fenced back yard as well as going for a walk. I just think those Mondays that are coming up are too long for that to be sufficient. Truly, I don't mind the hours or the work, but my hearts breaking over the amount of time away...

I'd say drop off at parents'. I am a little biased though, because the doggy day care near our house has had dogs running loose on the streets before, and there have been puncture wounds on some of the big dogs according to my vet whose practice is down the street. So, I would not risk it unless I knew the temperment of other dogs attending. Just an idea but why don't you go along with Ginger to doggy day care before classes start and see how Ginger interacts with other dogs in her group?
Good luck with whatever you decide.

my parents are in their 70's also, thats ok, they can do it.. it might even be good form them.. animals keep the elder alive, i truly believe that.. and they would give the love and attention needed... my mom goes to my house twice a day to check on lexi , shes 70 too... she loves it, yeah right..

I agree with you and everyone else. Ginger will be happier with your parents and will feel secure. It's going to be hard for you leaving her anywhere when you're used to being with her, but you'll worry less leaving her with your parents. Way to go on going back to school!!! I'm proud of you!

Just curious, why don't you approve of doggy daycare?

I can't give any advice as I've never been in your situation and there aren't any doggy daycares in my area (might be something for me to check into starting up!). The longest my babies are at home are the days my dh is on his 24 shift at the fire station - they are there from 7am until 2:30 when the boys get home and their first order of business is to let them out to do their "business". My vote would be to utilize the help of your parents (if they are willing to do that) and the help of your private dog walker. Between them, they'll take great care of your baby and you won't have to worry about anything but your schedule:) Best of luck to you!

Suzi

For me, the doggie daycare would be a last resort. Especially one that has that many dogs. How can they possibly watch that many dogs at one time.

Just wanted to add my support for the 'parent' option...my Mom is always glad to see her grand-dogs! We checked into doggie daycare for Jo while we were living in Florida and he was an only fid but it was absolutely awful. This was at a vet's office...they keep them caged, no contact or playtime with other dogs and they're let out for 2 - 10 to 15 minute breaks per day to go potty in a fenced area where the grass was over a foot tall. Heck...Jo was only about 6" tall! They wanted $9.50 a day to lock up our baby boy in a dirty cage with a concrete floor :eek: We told them there was no way on God's green earth that we would leave our baby there with them...not even for a minute...and we walked out. I couldn't believe it...I thought doggie daycare was all about love, attention and playtime/socialization with others their age and size?!? And yes...this was advertised as doggie day care...not boarding. :thumbdown So, we gave up on the day care plan and got Riley for Jo's playpal...that was a better idea anyway! :)