Dog daycare has become an increasingly popular option for dog owners who want to provide their dogs with, what they may think, is good socialisation, exercise and supervision while they’re away at work.
In theory, it should work right? What a great way to knacker your dog out all day!!
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
I would estimate that at least half of the reactive / barrier frustration dog clients I have are regularly attending a daycare. Owners always appear shocked as their dogs are great around dogs at daycare but cannot switch off from them when on walks etc. Why is this?
Daycare can have both positive and negative effects on a dog’s behaviour, depending on factors such as the routine of the establishment, the dog’s personality, and the consistency of training at home.
Potential Positive Effects of Daycare on a Dog’s Behaviour
- Socialisation
Dogs are social animals and observed interaction in a structured environment can help with exposure to different breeds and play styles and can help build confidence and neutrality around dogs. In essence, it could help to reduce anxiety - Reduced Separation Anxiety
Dogs that struggle with being left alone for long periods may benefit from daycare by having companionship throughout the day. This can decrease stress-related behaviours like excessive barking, destructive chewing, and house soiling. However, giving a dog company ALL of the time is not the answer to solving separation anxiety. - Increased Physical and Mental Stimulation
A well-run daycare offers playtime and interaction but should focus on breed specific mental enrichment activities, and structured rest periods. - Better Adaptability and Coping Skills
Dogs that frequently attend daycare may become more adaptable to new environments and situations. Exposure to different handlers, dogs, and play areas can make them more resilient to changes in routine. - Reinforcement of Good Manners
Some daycare facilities provide basic training reinforcement, helping dogs practice commands such as sit, stay, and recall in a distracting environment. This can improve overall obedience and impulse control.
Potential Negative Effects of Daycare on Behaviour
- Overstimulation and Hyperactivity
While exercise is important, too much unstructured and overzealous play can lead to overstimulation and an inability to switch off. Some dogs may become overly excitable, develop difficulty settling down at home, learn to associate interactions with excessive roughness and develop reactivity and barrier frustration around dogs in their day to day lives. If a dog appears ‘shattered’ from daycare we need to ask whether this is from positive activities or burn out. - Increased Reactivity or Fearfulness
If a dog has a negative experience at daycare, such as being bullied by other dogs or feeling overwhelmed, it could lead to fearfulness or reactivity toward other dogs in the future. A poorly supervised daycare may not intervene in conflicts appropriately, reinforcing unwanted behaviours. - Bad Habits from Other Dogs
Just like children in school, dogs can pick up undesirable behaviours from their peers. If dogs at the facility engage in excessive barking, rough play, or pushy behaviour, your dog may start imitating them. - Lack of Individual Attention
Some daycares have a high dog-to-staff ratio, which can make it difficult to provide personalised attention. Dogs that require more structure or one-on-one training may not thrive in a large group setting. - Dependency on Constant Activity
Dogs that attend daycare too frequently may struggle with being alone at home. If they become accustomed to non-stop activity, they may develop difficulty settling down when left alone, leading to increased anxiety.
How to Choose the Right Daycare for Your Dog
To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks, it’s important to choose a daycare that prioritizes safety, structure, and positive reinforcement. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Supervision: Look for a facility with well-trained staff who understand dog behaviour and can intervene appropriately during play.
- Structured Playgroups: Good daycares separate dogs by size, temperament, and play style to ensure safe interactions.
- Rest Breaks: Non-stop play can lead to overstimulation; a quality daycare will incorporate rest periods throughout the day.
- Trial Sessions: A reputable daycare will assess your dog’s temperament before full enrolment to ensure a good fit.
Is Daycare Right for Your Dog?
Not all dogs are suited for daycare. Some thrive in social environments, while others may find it stressful or overwhelming. If your dog is fearful, reactive, prefers human interaction or just prefers the quieter life look at alternative options like pet sitting, structured training classes, or solo walks.
