If your dog has just joined a daycare, you’re probably wondering whether or not they’re enjoying it. Well, you may be relieved to know that most doggos absolutely love daycare. That’s because a good doggy daycare is designed to help your dog thrive.
At K9 Heaven, our dogs enjoy 10-acres of outdoor space along with plenty of exercise and enrichment activities. We know the importance of socialisation and being out in nature which is why your pal will have time for both.
In order to tell how well your dog is doing, we have rounded up everything you need to look out for.
Photos!
The best and easiest way to tell if your dog is enjoying daycare is to witness it for yourself. A good doggy daycare will take photos throughout the day so that you can see what they’ve been up to.
Seeing these images will put your mind at ease and a smile on your face. If you haven’t received any photos yet, be sure to ask the team to take some pics of your pup in action.
Excitement on arrival
A great way to tell whether or not your dog likes daycare is how they behave on arrival. If they enjoy it, they will likely be excited and happy to see the staff. If they whine or hang back then they are probably still struggling with separation anxiety – a common behaviour that’s easy to overcome.
Remember, when they first start daycare, most dogs will be hesitant at first. We recommend that you wait a few weeks until the initial settling-in phase is over, so that you can gain a more accurate understanding of how your dog is feeling.
Body language
When it comes to understanding our dogs, body language is an important factor. For example, tail wagging is a clear indicator that your dog is happy.
A calm pup will also have floppy ears, soft eye contact and a relaxed demeanour. If you notice this type of body language before or after daycare, then you can be rest assured that your pup is having a wail of a time.
Changes in behaviour
Starting daycare is a big step for you and your pup. While doggy daycare is a fun place to be, it can take a little while for them to adjust. After a few weeks, they will become confident with their new surroundings and eager to join in the fun.
You may also be surprised to know that many pet parents notice an improvement in their pal’s behaviour when they join daycare. That’s because doggy daycare can actually help to improve socialisation skills, reduce anxiety and build confidence.
At K9 Heaven, we know that daily exercise and being out in nature is great for your doggo. They’ll enjoy daily enrichment activities and pack runs with dogs of the same size and temperament.
We also use play and physical stimulation to combat disruptive behaviour such as chewing up the furniture. All in all, it is likely that you will see some positive behaviour changes when your dog starts daycare.
Talk to the daycare staff
The best way to find out if your dog is enjoying daycare is to check-in with the staff. At K9 Heaven, our staff are trained in dog behaviour.
We know if your dog is having a good time and will be more than happy to discuss their behaviour with you. If you feel that your dog is still struggling after a few weeks, we will work with you to improve their experience.
Conclusion
It’s reassuring to know that your dog enjoys daycare. From wagging tails to improved behaviour, doggy daycare can have a tremendous impact on your pup’s wellbeing. Now that you know what to look out for, you’ll be able to tell whether or not your dog is having a good time.
While it’s always hard to leave our furry friends behind, the majority of dogs at K9 Heaven have a great time with pawsome tail wagging adventures all day long.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s experience, be sure to get in touch with the doggy daycare team.
