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Doggie DAyCAre
If there is one word to describe life these days that word
would be "hectic" Our jobs are hectic. Our days are hectic
and our lives in general are hectic. We seem to be sched-
uling every waking moment of our lives and the lives of
our children. Now we have to decide what to do with the
dog. Many of us work long hours, have after school and
work activities and have very energetic dogs. What do we
do with them?
There are many people today facing this problem. Some
after it's already become a problem and others consider
it before it becomes a problem. There is a solution. That
solution is doggie daycare.
Doggie daycare is an excellent solution for an energetic
dog. They also provide a safe place for dogs with separa-
tion anxiety. They are a place for dogs to socialize, to re-
lease energy, and for your dog to just be able to be a dog.
Doggie daycares are similar to children's daycares in
many ways. The dogs build friendships. Dogs do get to
know one another and do make friends. This is one reason
why the daycare groups do so well together. They all know
each other. It's very similar to dogs that gather at a dog
park regularly. They get very excited to see certain dogs
and really do have special "friends".
The daycare structure also puts routine in the dog's life.
Most dogs have a natural routine. They get up at the same
time, are ready for their walk at the same time, eat at the
same time and sleep at the same time. Your dog knows
when it's time for you to get home and will bother you when
it's time to eat. A regular daycare visit will help tire your dog
while keeping them routine. .
Doggie daycare can also expose your dog to many differ-
ent situations. For fearful dogs it's a great way to get them
used to the world around them. They will meet many other
dogs, many new people, and hear a variety of voices and
noises that might have previously frightened them. Con-
stant exposure to life in general helps them to adjust.
There are risks involved when sending your dog to day-
care. Dogs will work out social issues usually without in-
cident, but there are occasional fights. A responsible day-
care will carefully screen the dogs for aggression but they
are still dogs. Any dog with teeth is capable of biting. Bite
wounds are an unfortunate reality of the daycare environ-
ment. When dogs play together, it can get rough so there
is risk of injury simply from rough play. With many dogs
in close proximity, there is also risk of the spread of dis-
ease. Your daycare should verify vaccination records and
visually examine dogs to be free of parasites and obvious
signs of disease. Even with all the precautions, dogs can
spread viruses from one to another.
The daycare environment is not for every dog, but for
those that are suitable, the benefits of social activity and
exercise will outweigh the risks involved. For most dogs it's
a fun and satisfying experience.
Provided by Valerie Link
Four Paws Doggie Day Care, 215.428.4701
DAyCAre