As a growing trend, dog daycare is becoming increasingly popular. You may have heard someone talk about it or have noticed it on social media, but what is it actually about and is it worth the hype? Doggy daycare offers a safe space for your dog while you work.
Sounds good? Well it is! Instead of sitting at home all day, pining for your return, your doggo will receive plenty of love and attention from highly experienced staff.
At our West Auckland doggy daycare, your little fur ball will be welcomed with open paws. Not only will they have a safe place to stay but they will also enjoy daily pack runs, ample space, and sensory enrichment activities that will have any pup jumping for joy.
In this guide, we will help you decide whether dog daycare is right for you and your pooch. We will reveal exactly what it is, what to expect, and how to choose the right centre.
What is dog daycare?
Essentially, dog daycare is a space where you can leave your pooch safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after.
If you work during the day, a dog daycare offers your pet a comfortable place to call home. It is usually open during work hours and provides a range of services from food to grooming and everything in between.
The Benefits of dog daycare
The most obvious benefit of dog daycare is that it enables you to go to work without having to worry about your pooch.
You get the job done and your doggo has hours of fun. It’s a win-win! Alongside your ability to work, daycare offer tons of benefits for your pup. From socialising to sensory enrichment, we have rounded up the best benefits of dog daycare.
New friends
Whether your dog is super social or a bit nervous around other dogs, dog daycare is one of the easiest ways for them to make new friends. You see, socialisation is extremely important for doggos.
Not only does it boost their confidence but it can also reduce separation anxiety and fear. At K9 Heaven, we undertake an initial assessment in the form of trial day, to ensure that your dog fits in with the pack.
We also give your dog plenty of time to get to know the other doggos through daily pack runs and plenty of human and fur ball interactions.
Improved fitness
One of the best things about dog daycare is that your pooch will receive plenty of exercise. We provide our doggos with over 10 acres of farmland, including open space to run, a pond and dense forestry.
Not only is all that running good for the body, but it’s also great for their mental health and helps them to feel calmer throughout the day. They also get the chance to get up close and personal to nature, playing with their furry friends along the way.
Daytime is also particularly good for dogs who live in flats and apartments and need more time outside. After burning off all that energy, they will return home feeling happy and ready to sleep.
It keeps them busy
As a dog parent, you’ll probably already know that your pup likes to keep busy. If your dog has a lot of energy, you can be rest assured that they will burn it off.
Not only will they be put through their paces, but they will also enjoy plenty of sensory activities and social interactions. Throw in meal times, cuddles with humans, sleep, and time to chew on a toy, and that’s one busy dog.
Doggos also need company. In fact, they long for our attention and look forward to our return at the end of the day. These centres ensure that your dog has everything they need for a fun and comfortable stay. With loving staff and friendly canines, your pooch will never have to feel alone.
Peace of mind
All of the above benefits will inevitably give you peace of mind. And what does that do? Peace of mind ensures that you can go to work and not have to worry about your doggo. While you are bound to miss them, the more confident you feel in the daycare, the easier it will be to drop them off.
Is my dog ready for daycare?
That’s a great question! While doggy daycare is super convenient for dog owners, it’s not always the right choice for your pup. While we don’t have a minimum age requirement, we do require all dogs to be vaccinated.
Of course, just because your dog fits into this criteria, it doesn’t mean that they’re ready. As a general rule of thumb, if your doggo is sociable, vaccinated, and happy being around other dogs, then daycare is usually a good fit.
Having said that, dogs do not have to be perfect. Every doggo is different and comes with their own set of traits and personalities. If your dog struggles with irritating behaviour like barking or chewing up your furniture, then daycare can help to eliminate this.
We work with your dog to improve confidence and behaviour. With a bit of fresh air, some furry friends, and plenty of space to roam, you’ll notice a difference in no time. But if you’re still not sure whether your dog is ready, book a trial at your chosen centre to see it first hand.
How to choose a dog daycare
With so many doggy daycares in Auckland, it can be difficult to know where to begin. In order to find the right one, book a visit and take a tour of the facility. Check to see how clean the property is, the size of the outdoor space, the friendliness of the staff, and the temperament of the dogs.
Check to see if the daycare is fenced and tidy, and take a look at the sleep area. You’ll also want to ask questions that are important to you and your dog.
Other useful questions include the type of activities on offer, the quality of the food, staff experience, and emergency protocols. When making your decision, it’s also important to factor in things like location and affordability.
Ultimately, dog daycare may be a growing trend but it is also a fantastic service. Perhaps you need to go to work or maybe you just want your pup to improve their social skills. At our West Auckland kennels, your pooch will be fully integrated into our pack.
They will enjoy over 10 acres of farmland, daily enrichment activities, pack runs, nutritious food, and an entire team of loving staff who will do everything they can to make your dog feel at home.
So, wherever it is you have to go, know that doggy daycare is the next best place for them.
