Welcoming a new puppy into your life is an exciting adventure filled with cuddles, playtime, and endless wagging tails. But, as you get back to your usual daily routine, saying goodbye can be difficult. If you don’t want to leave your pup at home while you’re at work, doggy daycare is a great way to ease your mind and ensure your new arrival is in safe hands.
If you’ve found yourself asking “Can I send my puppy to daycare?”, the short answer is absolutely yes! Doggy daycare is great for dogs of all ages, including pups. Putting your pal into daycare at a younger age can significantly improve confidence and socialisation. To help you with your decision, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about sending your puppy to doggy daycare.
What age can puppies go to daycare?
At K9 Heaven, we welcome puppies from ages 12 weeks and up. This is to ensure they have had all their vaccinations and are feeling ready to explore. When your puppy joins us, we’ll ease them into the experience by introducing them to other puppies and small-sized doggos. With a variety of puppy-sized toys, chews, and tailored activities, your furry friend will have everything they need.
Benefits of sending your puppy to daycare
During the first 16 weeks, your puppy enters a critical developmental stage where they learn essential communication skills with dogs and humans. This period is the perfect time to introduce them to safe and structured socialisation. Between 4-12 weeks, you can gently start socialising your pup from home with other small doggos. Once they reach 12 weeks of age, this is a great time to introduce them to doggy daycare where they will have the opportunity to develop their socialisation skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Enrolling your puppy during this stage not only helps them build confidence but also fosters healthy interactions, reduces separation anxiety, and minimises the risk of disruptive behaviors like chewing up your furniture.
Reduces separation anxiety
It is not uncommon to have adult dogs come to us with separation or disruptive behaviors. These can include things such as anxious chewing, barking, digging, and jumping. Starting your puppy early at daycare can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing these issues. Separation anxiety is one of the leading causes of disruptive behaviors, and by getting your puppy accustomed to spending time away from you in a safe, supportive environment, they are less likely to experience it as they grow. Daycare provides a valuable opportunity for your puppy to build independence and confidence, making it easier for them to adjust to time apart from you in the future.
Burns off energy
Puppies are bundles of boundless energy! A day at doggy daycare is the perfect way to channel that energy into playtime and mental stimulation. With 10 acres of expansive farmland, your pup will have ample space to run and explore. From stimulating play sessions to exciting outdoor adventures, we ensure your pup gets the physical and mental exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.
Improved socialisation
Early socialisation is critical for puppies. Not only does safe socialisation improve confidence but it also reduces fear and aggression, leaving your pal feeling happier and calmer. At K9 Heaven, we keep puppies together and will only introduce them to dogs of similar sizes and temperaments to ensure a calm and secure environment.
Provides reassurance
Leaving any dog behind when you go to work can be ruff, especially when they’re just a pup. Rather than spending your day worrying about them, put them in the hands of reliable professionals who have the skills to keep your doggo safe.
When you place your puppy in our care, we’ll create a safe, home-from-home environment where your pal can thrive. With age-appropriate activities and 10 acres of farmland, they’ll have everything they need to stretch those little legs and experience some pawsome adventures. Best of all? You’ll get the peace of mind you need to get on with your day.
How do I know if my puppy is ready to start daycare?
While the answer to this question depends on various factors, a general rule of thumb for puppies is to make sure they are fully vaccinated. This ensures the protection of other dogs at the centre and is usually a requirement at most doggy daycares. For most puppies, this is usually around the 3 month mark once they have had time to build their immunity.
Another thing to look out for with puppies is energy levels. If your puppy has plenty of energy and recovers quickly after play, they are probably ready for daycare. If they are still sleeping lots during the day, you may want to wait a few more weeks. At K9 Heaven, we accommodate varying levels of puppy energy by providing plenty of rest breaks and opportunities to play, sleep and eat.
What to look for when choosing a daycare for my puppy?
Finding the perfect daycare for your puppy is an important decision. Here are the key things to consider when looking for a daycare for your pal.
Safety and Cleanliness
A great daycare prioritises the health and safety of all dogs in their care. Look out for and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their cleaning schedule, feeding stations, and sleeping spaces. Make sure the centre has secure fencing and gates to prevent escapes, along with seperate areas for dogs of different sizes and temperments.
Experienced Staff
A good indicator is how the staff interact with you and your dog during your initial interactions. Find out about the team’s experience, and make sure they are trained in dog first aid. With decades of experience combined, our team are trained in handling emergencies calmly and effectively. When it comes to your dog’s health and safety, never be afraid to ask questions. The more information you have, the easier it will be to make a decision.
Socialisation Opportunities
As a key part of your dog’s development, it’s important you choose a daycare that values socialisation. For a safe and enjoyable playtime, look for a daycare that will pair your puppy with dogs of a similar size, age, and temperament. Make sure the facility offers group activities tailored to puppies, controlled introductions to new dogs and supervised socialisation at all times.
Puppy-Focused Enrichment
Your puppy may have bundles of energy but their needs will differ from adult sized dogs. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your doggy daycare has the appropriate facilities and protocols for puppies. For example, they should offer puppies additional downtime and size-appropriate activities. Regular enrichment activities such as sensory play are great for your pup’s mental and physical development but it also needs to be followed by opportunities for rest.
Flexibility and Transparency
Knowing that your puppy is in safe hands is of upmost importance. A doggy daycare should be open about their policies and willing to answer your questions. Make sure they have clear vaccination requirements to keep all pets safe and find out how they communicate with you about your dog’s experience. For example, at K9 Heaven, we provide regular report cards so that you can see what your pal has been up to.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before you make a decision, find out what other dog parents have to say about your preferred daycare. Check online reviews, social media, or ask for recommendations from friends and family.
What is the best time to send my puppy to daycare?
In our experience, the best time to send your puppy to daycare is during the critical socialisation period, between 12 and 16 weeks. This is when puppies are most receptive to new experiences and have had all their vaccinations.
Is Doggy Daycare Right for Your Puppy?
Sending your puppy to daycare can be a fantastic way to support their development, and overall happiness. While every puppy is different, finding the right daycare will ensure they thrive in their new environment.
Ready to give it a try? If you’re interested in our doggy daycare, find out more about K9 Heaven or get in touch today.
