Dog parents who work outside the home often worry about leaving their fur baby home alone all day. These worries are justified: Dogs typically shouldn’t be left alone for eight or more hours, experts say. Leaving a dog alone for this long without a mid-day break can result in boredom and destructive behaviour. And some dogs can’t comfortably go that long without a potty break.
Hiring a dog walker or sending your dog to day care are two common options to give your dog some much-needed attention while you’re away, but they’re not ideal for every dog. Here’s what you need to know before hiring a walker or day care centre to take care of your pup.
Understanding the options
While dog walkers and doggie day cares are popular ways to get your dog some attention during the workday, be aware that there are many different options within these categories—especially as new apps and dog-friendly businesses have surged in popularity.
For example, day care for dogs used to mostly consist of sending your dog to a doggie day care or boarding centre with a large group of dogs. But now, some people offer in-home dog day care with smaller groups of dogs, or in some cases, just your dog(s). Plus, day cares each run their centres differently, some with more expertise than others.
Also, not all dog walking is the same. Some dog walkers may just take your dog(s) out on a stroll, which can be ideal if your pet is aggressive towards other dogs. Other professional dog walkers take groups in order to enhance socialization.
Keep in mind that it’s not all or nothing, either—you can use a combination. For some dogs, doggie day care is too stimulating to go to daily, but some benefit from going once or twice a week to romp around.
Dog day care pros
Plenty of exercise
The best candidates for dog day care are young, active dogs that are friendly with other dogs and strangers. There is nothing that tires a dog out more than romping with buddies—and good mental stimulation from being moved around to different play areas and practising commands.
Social engagement
Just like humans, dogs are social creatures, and day care can be helpful for dogs that are especially sociable. Letting dogs interact with each other in a controlled environment helps build confidence and expel a great amount of energy. Having knowledgeable staff on hand to monitor the play helps teach pups the “proper” way to play with friends.
While some dogs may not want to play with others very much, it could still benefit them: Some dogs enjoy just being around the pack and watching from the sidelines.
Helpful for separation anxiety
While daily day care can be too much for the average dog, it can be helpful for dogs who have severe separation anxiety and can’t be left alone. It can be a hard thing to correct if you’re in a place with neighbours and get noise complaints, or you live in a rental and they’re destroying things. At day care they’re not left alone, and that can be a useful tool.
Dog day care cons
Potential for aggression
Day care is not for all dogs, so don’t be offended if your dog does a trial day and you’re told it’s not right for them. Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs may benefit more from one-on-one walks, since it’s important in an open play day care environment that the dogs all do well with other dogs.
Some dogs do well with other dogs in small-group play, but large open-group play can provide too much stimulation and lead to excitement aggression. It doesn’t mean they are bad dogs, just that they need to be in a small-group day care. If that’s the case, it’s important to find a day care that breaks the dogs into smaller groups. A high-quality day care will have employees who know how to look for aggression and stop it before things get out of control.
Too much stimulation
Experts believe only a small percentage of dogs thrive doing day care on a daily basis. That’s because many become overstimulated when it’s all day, every day, and it can stress them out. Most dogs are not cut out for that, and they might end up getting into fights or sitting in the corner and staring at the wall.
Some dogs, like those who truly love being around other dogs and can tolerate a lot of annoyance (like dogs playing while they’re trying to sleep), can do well in day care. But many dogs are happier relaxing at home and having someone come by midday to take them on a walk for a potty break and intentional stimulation and socialization.
If you do send your dog to an all-day day care, it’s important to find out if they have mandated rest periods built into the schedule to avoid overstimulation. This may seem counterintuitive as owners send their dogs to play with other dogs; however, even kindergartners do not do well if given eight hours of recess. While day cares offer opportunities for exercise and play, rest periods are just as important. Be aware that some dog day cares offer a half-day option if a full day seems like too much for your dog.
Less flexible
When you use a dog day care, you have to drop off and pick up at their location and on their schedule, and this could be challenging depending on your job. Some day cares are stricter than others; for example, in some day cares, dog drop-off and pick-up isn’t allowed from noon to 2 pm since it’s nap/rest time for the dogs. If you use a dog walker, it requires less effort and time on your part—and it can actually be less expensive than day care.
Dog walker pros
Ideal for dogs with special needs
Some dogs do much better with a professional walker than going to day care, especially dogs that are fearful and/or have any problem behaviour such as aggression to strangers or other dogs, play aggression, resource guarding or a history of biting. A dog with these issues might not pass an evaluation at day care, but an experienced dog walker will be able to handle their needs.
More personal attention
Some dog day cares manage as many 30 dogs at a time, and many have too high a ratio of dogs to employees. Some dogs do better with the personal attention that comes with a solo or small-group dog walk.
A responsible dog walker follows an owner’s instructions on how to set that particular dog up for success.
Fresh environment
At a dog day care, while the dog is being stimulated by other dogs and people, they’re often stuck in the same building all day. Some dog day cares have large facilities with multiple playrooms and outdoor areas, but others don’t.
Walks can be better since dogs enjoy the act of travel—the sniffing and gathering data. Not every dog enjoys dog day care or playing at dog parks, but every dog likes walking.
Dog walker cons
Not as much exercise
Having a dog walker doesn’t provide as much opportunity for exercise as going to day care, but there are plenty of ways to supplement if you choose to have a dog walker. Some dog walkers are open to actually running with your dog for extra money. Others will take dogs hiking or to play at a beach.
Mental stimulation and enrichment are also a fantastic way to tire out a dog, so you can talk to your dog walker about setting up an enrichment activity during the visit, such as some form of play. Additionally, keep in mind that you can add another walk if one isn’t enough for your dog.
Less socialization
At a dog day care, your pup will be exposed to a variety of different dogs and people. If they go on a walk with the same person, and perhaps the same pack, every day, it’s not as much variety and socialization. But for some dogs, especially dog-aggressive ones, this is actually a good thing.
Vet your dog walker or doggy day care
Since dog walkers and day cares have vastly different policies, practices, and experiences, it’s key to ask questions based on the points above before you hire one. Find out their philosophies, policies, and how they handle any issues. Remember, while they evaluate your dog to see if it fits, you are interviewing them too.
Ask for references and trust your dog’s reactions, especially if it’s a day care facility. For example, excessive panting or yawning are signs of stress and overstimulation. But if they’re yanking you through the door, they are happy to be there.
It takes some dogs a few visits to warm up to day care, so you may want to it try a few times before making up your mind on the best fit for your fur baby.
