Canine daycare: Is it the ideal choice for your family pet?

Grace was constantly painfully shy. Being around others left her feeling nervous and uneasy. In social situations, if Grace couldn't leave the space, she would normally sit off to the side, waiting on the moment when she could go house.

Grace's more youthful sister, Sydney, is the polar opposite: quick to make buddies, flitting about from group to group, presenting herself with enjoyment. Sometimes, Sydney's gregarious nature can be a bit much to deal with-- newcomers aren't always sure how to deal with her. If they don't share in her enthusiasm, Sydney vents her frustrations on Grace, by getting on her head and biting her face.

Wait, what?

Grace, a 40-kilogram Mastiff mix, and Sydney, an 11-kilogram Welsh Springer Spaniel, are on opposite ends of the pet sociability spectrum. Sydney is the dog equivalent of a human extrovert-- she likes to play, engage and remain in the business of other dogs. Grace is much more shy; she is not afraid of other pets, however she chooses the company of individuals, and keeps her canine interactions to a minimum.

It's essential to note that these differences are neither bad nor great; it's simply the method it is. By honouring our dogs' necessary nature, and respecting their choices, it's possible to meet their needs and avoid prospective problems-- even for pet dogs as various as Grace and Sydney.

This is particularly important in considering what kind of everyday care they require while you're away at work. Last week, we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of dog walkers. Today, here's another option-- pet daycares.

Ally Fodero collects her charges at Soulmutts, a Toronto canine service that uses day care. Dogs are social creatures, and meeting with others can provide them a break from the typical routine. (Kevin Van Paassen for The Globe and Mail).

The benefits of dog daycare

A well-run daycare, with staff trained in pet body movement and behaviour, can be a perfect service for lots of pets and their people. An excellent pet dog daycare offers:.

-- Safe and monitored play: Dog parks are not always congenial places for off-leash interaction. Day care canines have actually been assessed for energy level and temperament, and are carefully kept track of while they play, to make sure every dog has a good time and remains safe.

-- Mental stimulation and social contact: Dogs are social animals. Satisfying up with doggy buddies, even one day a week, provides your pets with a break from the typical routine, and permits them as much (or as little) social interaction as they want.

-- Flexibility for owners: Dog day care is usually provided in half-day or full-day increments, that makes it a perfect solution for people with odd work schedules or occasional dog care requirements. Daycares are typically more versatile in their plans than canine walkers, who have a schedule to keep.

-- Pinch-hitting for your pet dog's workout requires: While a day spent at day care can use your animal out, it's not a replacement for your duty as an owner-- namely, twice-daily strolls with some play and training combined in. Nevertheless, for busy households with packed evening schedules (think hockey video games and ballet recitals), sending your pet dog to day care when you're not going to be house during the night is a dazzling compromise to ensure all relative are cared for.

-- Management for problem behaviours: Some dogs experience separation stress and anxiety-- a panic-induced state where the pet dog feels abandoned and ends up being destructive and physically ill during an owner's lack. Being surrounded by pet dogs and people can help to alleviate this response while the owner works with a fitness instructor (and perhaps a vet) to resolve the underlying behaviour issue.

The drawback of pet dog day care

Not every pet is appropriate to a day care setting. Pets with health or movement obstacles, older canines and young puppies might discover the environment unpleasant and overwhelming. Daycares are likewise improper for undersocialized canines, and do not supply the best setting to help over-reactive animals. Even if your dog is an excellent prospect for a day care setting, there are still possible pitfalls:.

-- Overstimulation: While having fun with other pet dogs all day, every day, may sound like your concept of dog heaven, every canine needs a break in some cases. Unfortunately, the most playful dogs will often go until they drop, without any awareness of the need to take a step back. Well-trained staff will keep your pet from getting overstimulated, by supplying some down time (either alone in another space), or through managing the entire group's energy level with a kindergarten-inspired nap time.

-- Exacerbating problem behaviours: While daycare can help handle some behaviour issues, it's possible it will make others even worse. Canines can choose up bad habits, like jumping up on individuals or furnishings, marking and even overly-rough play. An excellent daycare will work with you to understand your guidelines for your family pet, and help to impose the training you've been doing.

-- Injuries and worse: When it pertains to bruises and bumps, dog daycares are no different than play areas for kids. Pet play consists of open mouths and making use of paws-- occasional nicks and scrapes are going to happen. However, more serious accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and sometimes battles can break out. Certified personnel can assist keep these events to a minimum, but owners should know that just like any activity including other dogs, there's an opportunity your animal might get hurt.