Why choose dog daycare over the off leash dog park?

Mimi Jacobson C.P.D.T

Mar 233 min read

My philosophy as the sole dog wrangler here at my 'members only' doggy daycare is based on the Ethology of Animal Behaviour, and the years of running a home based dog day care and training centre. It allowed me the scientific and objective focus on dogs in a social setting where their innate instincts and the environmental influences could be studied to gain invaluable insight into their behaviour. It's where my tagline 'This is where CARING, SEEKING and PLAY makes FEAR, GRIEF and RAGE go away' came from.

I use the understanding of the core emotions as a base to ensure that our regular pack members mental and physical needs are met. Here at Doggy Doolil daycare we encourage Seeking, Playing and Caring, which are 3 Core positive emotions that dogs need to be allowed to experience daily to help them alleviate the daily stresses of life.

This helps reduce the fear, grief and rage, which are also core animal emotions, but the negative ones, which feed anxiety, fear and aggression. Like the anxiety or stress some dogs might be feeling after being left home alone, or when meeting strangers.

But as a dog owner, you need to ask yourself. Are you fearful of dogs or people, when going out in public? Because if you are, the dog most certainly feels it. With our busy lives, it crucial to introduce them to a supportive environment early on, helping them adjust to separation.

Attending daycare, even weekly, along with training and guidance, can significantly ease this transition.

Now I don't think just any daycare will do. A large noisy dog daycare can have very negative effects on your dog. You could end up losing all your hard work training good behaviours, to see them run out the door. So selecting a smaller dog daycare where pack understanding is the core of how the dogs interact in a natural setting is the best.

Here I prioritize socialization without separating by size or energy, allowing dogs to nap together instead of being confined. By allowing the pack to police their own, it will encourage a hierarchy of dogs who teach, care and set rules and boundaries with the new dogs in ways we as humans really need to copy and implement in our lives at home. This is where my valuable advice and training tips will be helpful for you, even when you might not want it or expect it.

Addressing any concerns promptly is vital for your dog's socialization and stability. Establishing boundaries early on ensures a happy, well-adjusted dog that understands the rules at home and at daycare. This part is essential in communicating with the dog. Learning various ways to communicate can minimize misunderstandings.

Most dogs thrive on play, which is crucial for strengthening your bond. A strong relationship fosters trust and encourages your dog to listen and obey. While it's important to be a calm leader, being fun and engaging is equally vital. I emphasize this balance in our training. The friendships dogs form are invaluable, and you'll play a crucial role in nurturing those connections.

If you're seeking a daycare that enforces rules and boundaries while teaching social skills and respect in a loving atmosphere, you’ve found the right place. I will ensure your dog feels cherished in a safe environment, with someone dedicated to their well-being.

With nearly 20 years of experience in wrangling dogs in my daycare, and over 50 years of having a pack of dogs in my life, with certifications in both animal behaviour and obedience training, I believe in fostering my pack environment without reliance on kennels or crates. Trust comes first.