Why Doggy Daycare Is More Than Running Around a Field
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
Many people assume that doggy daycare involves dogs just running around in a field all day, but this should not be the case! It’s essential to find the right balance between rest and play, and dogs also love structure and routine too. These factors are crucial for your furry friend’s happiness and wellbeing. We look at the importance of using a structured doggy daycare…
Dogs need a balance between rest and play
When you’re choosing a doggy daycare service, it’s important that your dog isn’t kept out in a field all day. Dogs need plenty of rest breaks, and they shouldn’t be exhausted for days on end after a visit to a doggy daycare. If this is happening to your dog, then this means they’ve had too much exercise and not enough downtime. And this is exactly what happened to one of our new furry friends called H…
H’s owners were struggling to find him a suitable daycare. He was getting overtired and overstimulated, as the dogs in his previous group were out in the field for most of the day. His behaviour at home was getting worse, especially after a day in daycare.
“H had been going to another daycare since he was 12 weeks old, but as his body grew into a massive 35kg teenager his brain still thought he was a small puppy! He doesn’t have a bad bone in his body but doesn’t know his own strength when he piles in to say hello and play with other dogs and people.
We were all starting to do well with 1-2-1 training, but every time he went back to daycare the old habits returned, and they were struggling with him… and would only take him on a particular day with certain dogs.”
How we helped to improve a dog’s behaviour…
H’s parents found a dog trainer, who advised his owners that he didn’t think the daycare had enough experience to handle a young dog with such needs. So, he recommended H to us.
H joined us around three months ago, and his behaviour has improved each week. He’s settled down into the big dog group and he’s very happy playing with dogs of a similar size and temperament. H has plenty of rest breaks in between play to ensure he doesn’t get overtired and overstimulated, and he’s settled in well with us.
At home, H’s owners have seen positive results too. After daycare, he snoozes happily, and he’s very relaxed and happy in himself. H’s recall is improving, and when out and about, he’s much better at meeting other dogs. H’s owners said that even their cats like him now, and they all snuggle up at home for snoozes! They can’t believe the difference in his behaviour and comment that H is now a pleasure – they’re falling in love with him all over again!
The positive change in H’s behaviour is all down to structure, routine and rest breaks, rather than him being overtired and overstimulated all the time.
Dogs need structure and routine
Many people are unaware of the importance of providing structure and routine for their dogs, as well as finding a balance between rest and play. These factors will significantly affect the overall happiness of your dog, including their behaviour at home.
“Willows was recommended to us by our personal doggy trainer who has worked with them.
We are first-time fur baby parents, and I have to admit, we needed help!
Fast forward 2 months and H is coming on really well. With the right introductions, regular time-outs and reinforcement of the same training we are doing at home, he now goes twice a week and has really calmed down. He’s made lots of friends and loves playing tug of war.
We love that he can’t wait to go in… and that he’s not all muddied as the field is like a beach, covered in sand. He snoozes all evening having happy dreams! And we are finally not tearing our hair out. We can’t thank our Trainer, Lisette and the team enough! They are brilliant at what they do.”
When you’re looking for doggy daycare, always research local services carefully and check the provider is licensed with the council. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, including what a typical day would look like for your dog.
Doggy Daycare at the Willows has a five-star licence with Blaby Council. Our day has a structured routine in terms of timings for walks, lunches, snoozes, etc. Your dog will enjoy a safe and secure area to play and rest, both indoors and outdoors. They’ll be with dogs of a similar size and temperament, and they’ll enjoy plenty of rest time in between playing.
For more information about how we work, read our blog How To Choose a Doggy Day Care.
If you have any questions about our doggy daycare service or you’d like to bring your dog along for a visit, get in touch to speak to our team.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, Why Doggy Daycare Is More Than Running Around a Field.