| A well-run Doggie Daycare program can be a | | | | require that pets be spayed or neutered (to |
| wonderful way for your furry friend to spend the | | | | prevent any hormone-based bad behavior), be |
| day! In addition to being socialized with other dogs, | | | | current on vaccinations (the exact vaccination |
| your companion will come home tired at the end | | | | requirements may vary depending on the facility |
| of the day and be ready to spend a relaxing | | | | and the area of the country - but should at least |
| evening with you. As the old saying goes: "a tired | | | | require rabies, distemper combo, and bordetella) |
| dog is a well-behaved dog." But, it is important to | | | | and be on regular flea and tick control regimens. |
| find the right program for your canine - | | | | Many high quality facilities will also have age and |
| preferably one that follows recommended | | | | health limitations. |
| guidelines, but also one where your best buddy | | | | A reputable Doggie Daycare program should also |
| feels at home. So, how do you find a good | | | | require all participating dogs to undergo a |
| program in your area? Start by asking some | | | | temperament evaluation, where trained staff will |
| important questions! | | | | evaluate your pet's behavior and interaction with |
| First, you should be able to tour the facility and | | | | other daycare participants to ensure that he or |
| see the program in operation. Any facility that | | | | she is exhibiting appropriate dog play skills and |
| does not permit guided tours is probably hiding | | | | manners. They will assess whether your pet is |
| something - whether it's unsanitary conditions or | | | | perhaps too dominant or immature to be a good |
| poor treatment of pets, a refusal to see the | | | | candidate, or should also tell you if your pet really |
| premises should raise a lot of concerns. Ideally, | | | | doesn't enjoy the various aspects of group play. |
| you should be able to tour without an | | | | Some dogs may just prefer their people to being |
| appointment - meaning that someone should be | | | | with other canines! They should have a policy that |
| willing to show you around without notice (much | | | | all participants are always on probation - so that if |
| like you would investigate a children's daycare) | | | | anyone acts up (whether with other pets or with |
| during regular business hours. Check to see that | | | | staff) too often or with any severity, they may |
| there are large and well-maintained areas for your | | | | be removed from the program to keep things |
| pets to play in, and ask about how long your pet | | | | safe and enjoyable for everyone else. They may |
| will be playing with others, what the rest periods | | | | also offer options such as working with a facility |
| are like throughout the day, if and for how long | | | | trainer to help Fido with any behavior or |
| they may get to play outside versus indoors. | | | | adjustment issues. |
| Ask about staff-to-dog ratio, too - you want to | | | | Many first-rate facilities will offer different |
| make sure that there is adequate and well-trained | | | | programs depending on the size of the dog (the |
| staff to handle the number of dogs! One | | | | little guys may have their own individual |
| recommended guideline is no more than twelve | | | | programs), temperament (heavy play "ball dogs" |
| dogs per counselor, but this may vary depending | | | | versus those who prefer more cuddling and just |
| on the program. Daycares that have a standing | | | | hanging out) and/or age. They should have areas |
| reservation system, where the same dogs tend | | | | available for "time outs", for furry kids who |
| to come on the same day(s) each week and | | | | misbehave and may need a temporary break |
| everyone knows the dogs well, may require | | | | from the action. |
| fewer staff than programs that can have | | | | Finally, judge the facility by the people you meet! |
| different dogs at any given time. Dogs who play | | | | Staff and facilities that truly care about pets |
| together regularly will generally form a more | | | | should greet each and every pet in a friendly way |
| predictable and cohesive pack than dogs who | | | | - and for many facilities with well-trained and |
| may be with different canine friends every day. | | | | dog-loving staffs, don't be surprised if they greet |
| Second, ask about the program's requirements. A | | | | your canine companion before they greet you! |
| well-run Doggie Daycare facility will probably | | | | |