The Important Benefits of Dog Daycare - June 11

We all love our dogs. They are there for us at times when no one else seems to be. Our pups wait for us when we arrive home, happy to see us as if they haven’t seen us for a month. They fill our lives with pleasure and joy and yes, sometimes heartache. 

Lots, and Lots of Energy!
You come home from a long work day  to find that the sofa has been chewed or that your favorite shoes now has teeth marks all over them. Or when your pup decides that jumping over, digging under or just plowing through the fence seems to be the best idea yet. (I know this one from personal experience.) There is nothing like walking, running or even driving through the neighborhood trying to catch the beloved pup, praying for a capture before he gets hit by a car. It makes your heart stop and even though you just ran the Boston Marathon through your community, you still give him that big hug and kiss when you are reunited. Yes, we love our dogs that much!

What About Dog Day Care?
What can be done to exert the energy of your pup when you do not have the time to do it yourself? Dog daycare is a great answer. For the dog owners who are not at home as much as they like, dog daycare can be a way of getting your pup the love, attention and exercise they need to be calm when you are at home together later in the day. After one day at dog daycare, some dogs are calm for just a few hours while others are calm for a couple days. It depends on your dog, her temperament and what her daily routine consists of at home.
Dog daycare also helps with the social aspects of your pup. Most dog daycares have the pups together in an area where they can play together, romp together, swim together, lounge together or just take in the atmosphere of what is going on around them. Each and every pup has his own idea of what he likes to do at doggy daycare and he gets to make that determination all by himself.

Is It Right for Your Dog
Is your dog particularly afraid of strangers? At dog daycare, there will be workers who will be watching, playing and giving your pup love and attention throughout the day. This is one of the best ways to get him accustomed to being around others. 

Is your pup a little overweight — obese? Do you give your pup little food scraps from the table a bit too often? Dog daycare can also be a much needed exercise program. For dogs that usually lounge on the sofa all day, dog daycare can renew their energy, which assists with getting those few extra pounds off of them, making for healthier dogs. 

Dog daycare is especially great for puppies. They learn early in life to be social, exert energy and stay in shape all in one! And the owner doesn’t feel guilty about leaving them alone all day.
Is your Pup Afraid of Sounds?

Some dogs are afraid of thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud sounds. Dog daycare is a great place for those pups on a stormy day. I have a golden retriever that is an absolute great dog, most of the time, but is deathly afraid of thunderstorms. On a stormy day, she turns into a totally different dog and may tear the bathroom apart trying to find the perfect hiding place during a storm. Dog daycare diverts her attention to other things and takes her mind off of the storm.

Hosting Events at Your House?
Do you have a roofer coming to repair the roof? How about a graduation party with 200 people at your home? Maybe a gathering with friends to watch the Super Bowl? Is it New Years Eve? Are you trying to sell your home and realtors are coming and going at all times of the day? There are many events that take place at home that affect our pups. While some dogs jump on guests, others dart out the door every time it is open. Whatever the case may be, dog daycare is a great way to get your pup out of the house.

Whatever your need may be to use dog daycare, if your co-workers aren’t dog people, don’t mention that you are taking your dog to dog daycare. Your co-workers will think are you absolutely off your rocker. However, when they see you sitting at your desk watching your dog on the webcams at daycare, they will be a bit intrigued and come to see what it is all about! 

Brenda Heppenstall is the owner of Camp Bow Wow, Olathe. She is a long-time pet lover. She accomplished her dream of doing what she loved when she opened just three years ago! Visit her at www.campbowwow.com/olathe or call her at 913-322-2267.