Koda has been a frequent visitor to doggy daycare several times over the last couple of years, and although there has been some timeouts and naughtiness, he is a BIG fan - and so am I!
Typically, Koda will stay at the All American Pet Resort (several locations for anybody that is in Michigan) for a couple days when I am out of town, and my parents just need a little break. It is usually only for 2-4 days. His day looks something like this:
Greeted at this beautiful HUGE facility in the morning
Settles into a large “room” - given a nice cot and blanket and can bring Kong toys and treats
Breakfast time (you can bring your own food or they will provide theirs)
PLAY TIME! First play time is usually 2 hours in the late morning
Play times are also split up by dog size - they have a small/medium group and a large group (great decision to ensure big dogs aren’t trampling the little guys)
Rest time - sometimes there is individual take outs here
MORE PLAY TIME! The second play time is another 2 hours later in the afternoon
Dinner
Completely tuckered out and bed time :)
I can’t speak for all locations, but most this one (and several I have seen) has an outdoor and 2 indoor play facilities that are super big and have slides and things the dogs can jump on and platy around with (all with a monitor in the room with them just incase there is any ‘ruff’ play — see what I did there?!)
There are probably a lot of concerns people have about doggy daycare — what if there is a sick dog? What if my dog gets hurt? Isn't it expensive? Mine and Koda’s suggestions to those questions would be: a good facility will require proof of vaccinations and sometimes require you to get specific vaccinations (like the flu shot) before they can come in; yes sometimes dogs play hard BUT there are always trained staff with your dogs during play time and if necessary a time out section; do some shopping around — you can really get some bang for your buck if you find the right place (thinking about everything they get in a day - fed, private take outs, 4 hour play time, toys, some places offer grooming, etc. - $50 a day is a steal).
Benefits of taking your dog to doggy daycare every now and then:
Socializing! Let them meet new friends in a controlled, safe environment
Reduces separation anxiety when you are gone; if you have to even be out for a full 8-10 hour work day and are feeling the guilt, just a day trip here can keep your dog happy and stressfree
Exercise - speaks for itself
YOU could meet some buddies! Fur-parents love to get together and talk about their loved ones
Establishes a routine and builds your dogs confidence; any time they can get used to a certain happy groove makes them feel more at ease — and having to work with multiple new people will build up their doggy confidence
Koda and I highly suggest taking a look at a doggy daycare near you, and let your dog have a great time! Whether it’s just for the day, or a couple days, it is definitely a time they will love and learn. Best part for you too - several have surveillance webcams where you can keep an eye on your four-legged friend from a distance :)
