Doggy daycare can be a great option for busy dog owners who want to provide their puppies with socialisation, exercise, and stimulation while they are away. However, not all doggy daycares are created equal, and you need to do some research and preparation before enrolling your puppy in one. In this blog, we will answer some common questions and offer some advice on how to find the best doggy daycare for your puppy.
How do I introduce my puppy to doggy daycare?
Before you decide to send your puppy to doggy daycare, you need to make sure that they are ready for it. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your puppy for doggy daycare:
- Make sure your puppy is up to date on their vaccinations and parasite prevention. Most doggy daycares will require proof of vaccination and a clean bill of health from your vet.
- Socialise your puppy with other dogs and people from an early age. Expose them to different situations, environments, and sounds to help them become confident and well-adjusted.
- Teach your puppy some basic obedience skills, such as sit, stay, come, and leave it. This will help them follow the rules and commands at the doggy daycare and avoid getting into trouble.
- Train your puppy to be comfortable in a crate or a kennel. Some doggy daycares may use crates or kennels for nap time or time-outs, so your puppy should be familiar with them and not see them as a punishment.
- Start with short visits to the doggy daycare. Most doggy daycares will offer a trial or an assessment session to see how your puppy interacts with other dogs and staff. You can also gradually increase the duration and frequency of your puppy’s visits to help them get used to the routine and environment.
Is it OK to put a puppy in daycare?
The answer to this question depends on your puppy’s age, personality, and needs. Generally speaking, most doggy daycares will accept puppies that are at least 12 weeks old and have completed their first round of vaccinations. However, some puppies may not be ready for doggy daycare until they are older or more mature.
Some factors to consider before putting your puppy in daycare are:
- Your puppy’s energy level and play style. Some puppies are more active and playful than others, and they may enjoy the opportunity to run and play with other dogs. However, some puppies may be more shy or timid, and they may find the doggy daycare too overwhelming or stressful. You should look for a doggy daycare that matches your puppy’s energy level and play style, and that offers enough supervision and breaks to prevent overstimulation or exhaustion.
- Your puppy’s socialisation and training. As mentioned earlier, your puppy should be well-socialised and trained before going to doggy daycare. This will help them get along with other dogs and staff, and avoid any behavioural problems or conflicts. You should also look for a doggy daycare that reinforces positive behaviours and uses gentle and consistent methods to correct unwanted ones.
- Your puppy’s health and well-being. Your puppy’s health and well-being should be your top priority when choosing a doggy daycare. You should look for a doggy daycare that has high standards of cleanliness, safety, and care. You should also ask about their policies and procedures for emergencies, illnesses, injuries, and medications. You should also cheque the reviews and ratings of the doggy daycare, and visit the facility in person to see how the dogs and staff interact.
How much does dog daycare cost in Auckland?
The cost of dog daycare in Auckland will vary depending on the location, facilities, services, and quality of the doggy daycare. Based on our web search results, we found that the average price range for dog daycare in Auckland is between $35 and $54 per day. However, some doggy daycares may offer discounts or packages for multiple days, regular customers, or referrals. You should compare different doggy daycares and their prices, and choose the one that offers the best value and quality for your puppy.
What age is best for dog daycare?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different puppies may be ready for dog daycare at different ages. However, as a general guideline, most dog experts recommend waiting until your puppy is at least 6 months old before sending them to dog daycare8. This is because younger puppies may not have fully developed their immune system, social skills, or impulse control, and they may be more vulnerable to infections, injuries, or bad habits.
However, this does not mean that you cannot send your puppy to dog daycare before 6 months of age, as long as you follow the steps and factors we discussed earlier. Some puppies may benefit from early exposure to doggy daycare, especially if they are well-socialised, trained, and healthy. You should consult your vet and your doggy daycare staff to determine the best age and time for your puppy to start doggy daycare.
What dogs do best in daycare?
Doggy daycare is not suitable for every dog, and some dogs may do better than others in this setting. Some factors that may affect how well your dog does in daycare are9:
- Breed. Some breeds are more sociable, adaptable, and energetic than others, and they may enjoy the company and activity of doggy daycare more. However, this does not mean that you should judge a dog by its breed alone, as every dog has its own personality and preferences. You should observe your dog’s behaviour and temperament, and see how they react to other dogs and situations.
- Size. Some doggy daycares may separate dogs by size, to prevent any accidents or injuries. However, some dogs may prefer to play with dogs of different sizes, or they may not get along with dogs of the same size. You should look for a doggy daycare that considers your dog’s size and play style, and that offers enough space and supervision for all dogs.
- Gender. Some dogs may have a preference or an aversion to dogs of the same or opposite gender, depending on their hormones, history, or personality. You should look for a doggy daycare that spays or neuters all dogs, or that separates them by gender, to avoid any unwanted pregnancies or fights.
- Age. Some dogs may have different needs and abilities depending on their age. Younger dogs may be more playful and curious, but they may also need more guidance and rest. Older dogs may be more calm and wise, but they may also have some health or mobility issues. You should look for a doggy daycare that caters to your dog’s age and stage of life, and that offers enough stimulation and care for all dogs.
How long does it take for a dog to get used to daycare?
The answer to this question will vary depending on your dog’s personality, experience, and adjustment. Some dogs may get used to daycare right away, while others may take longer or never feel comfortable in this environment. Here are some tips to help your dog get used to daycare:
- Start slow and gradual. Don’t expect your dog to love daycare from the first day. Start with short and infrequent visits, and gradually increase the duration and frequency as your dog gets more familiar and confident. You can also try to schedule your dog’s visits during less busy or quieter times, to avoid overwhelming them with too many dogs or noises.
- Be positive and consistent. Don’t make a big fuss or show any anxiety when dropping off or picking up your dog from daycare. Instead, be calm and cheerful, and praise your dog for their good behaviour. You can also give your dog a treat or a toy when you leave or return, to create a positive association with daycare. Try to stick to a regular routine and schedule, so your dog knows what to expect and when to expect it.
- Monitor your dog’s behaviour and mood. Pay attention to how your dog acts and feels before, during, and after daycare. Look for any signs of stress, anxiety, fear, aggression, or exhaustion, such as panting, drooling, shaking, hiding, growling, snapping, or sleeping too much. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doggy daycare staff and your vet, and see if there is anything you can do to help your dog cope better. You may need to reduce the frequency or duration of your dog’s visits, or find a different daycare that suits your dog better.
Conclusion
Doggy daycare can be a wonderful experience for your puppy, if you choose the right one and prepare them well. We hope this blog has answered some of your questions and given you some tips on how to find the best doggy daycare for your puppy. Remember, every dog is different, and you know your dog best. Trust your instincts, and do what is best for your dog’s happiness and well-being.
