Maybe life has been a bit busy lately, and you recognize that Fido isn’t quite getting the exercise he needs. Realizing you can’t squeeze more blood from the turnip you jump on the internet highway, and search for Doggy Daycare Denver, hoping to find a workday solution to yours and Fido’s dilemma.
Doggy Daycare can often create more problems then they solve if they are not run properly. Denver Dog Dynamix has personally observed several other Denver Dog Trainer play groups, and have developed this check-list for helping you find appropriate, fun, exercise and socialization outlets for your dog.
Please note that many adult dogs are not great candidates for Day Care type settings. We highly recommend our clients find other ways to exercise their dogs during the day. However, we know that sometimes people are in a pinch and need a temporary solution to wear out their pooch and keep them busy during the day. We offer Day Training for graduates of our programs, where dogs can come for the day to train, play, and exercise. It is a great alternative to traditional Day Care settings, and we can accommodate dogs that don’t prefer to interact with other strange dogs. Please contact us for more information!
1. The groups should be separated by size; Dog size that is. It’s important that small dogs are with other small dogs, and big dogs are with other big dogs. If a scuffle does occur (which, let’s be honest, is quite common in these play group situations), little dogs don’t take the brunt of it.
2. The dogs should be continuously supervised, and there should be no more than 4 to 6 dogs per person. I’ve seen many trainers leave the room while a group of dogs are interacting. It’s important that they stay present and aware so they may intervene when they notice inappropriate play or behavior. I have also witnessed groups with way too many dogs for one person to manage should something go wrong. Be sure there are enough hands-on-deck to get involved if needed.
3. The trainer should incorporate *some kind of Dog Training. They should be sure the dogs can be called away from other dogs if needed, will sit to be leashed and returned to their owner, don’t rush out the door, etc.
4. If your dog is showing signs of over-excitement around other dogs, or you start to see aggressive behavior, your dog might be trying to tell you Doggy Daycare is not for them. There are other creative ways to exercise your dog that we talk about here.
We hope this helps you in your search for care for your best friend!