Everything You Need to Know about Doggy Day Care

July 19, 2022

Author: Mark Ehrman

New puppy parents are often overwhelmed with all the new things they need to do to take care of their pup.

From finding the right vet to choosing the best food, there’s a lot to learn when you become a puppy parent.

Dog daycare can be a great way for your pup to get the exercise and socialisation they need. But it’s important to choose the right daycare, or your pup may get more than just playtime! In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about dog daycare!

What Is Doggy Daycare

What Is Doggy Daycare

Dogs are social creatures that need plenty of attention and exercise. That’s why doggy daycare can be a great option for busy dog owners.

Doggy daycare is a type of business that provides temporary care and supervision for dogs. Many doggy daycares offer a variety of activities and services, such as group play, individual play, obedience training, grooming, and more.

Doggy daycares typically have experienced staff members in canine care and behaviour. It means your dog will be in good hands while you’re away. Plus, doggy daycare can be a great way for your dog to make new friends and get the necessary exercise. So if you’re looking for a safe and fun place to leave your dog while you’re away, consider doggy daycare.

What Are the Benefits for Both You and Your Puppy

What Are the Benefits for Both You and Your Puppy

For many pet owners, doggy daycare is a lifesaver. It provides a safe, constantly supervised environment for your puppy to play and socialise at work or running errands. And, just like human daycare, doggy daycare can have lots of benefits for both you and your pup.

  • Puppies who attend doggy daycare regularly are less likely to develop behavioural problems, such as separation anxiety or aggression.
  • They also tend to be more confident and well-rounded, thanks to all the socialisation they experience
  • And, of course, puppies who exhaust themselves playing all day are much more likely to sleep soundly through the night!

For their owners, the benefits of doggy daycare are just as numerous.

  • Daycare can help tired puppies learn to respect their owners’ need for personal space and downtime.
  • It can also provide peace of mind knowing that your pup is happy and safe while you’re away.

So, whether you’re looking for a way to tire out your energetic puppy or you need some help with training, doggy daycare may be the perfect solution.

How to Find a Good Doggy Daycare Provider

How to Find a Good Doggy Daycare Provider

When you need to leave your furry friend behind for a few hours or even a day, you want to ensure they’re in good hands.

Here are a few tips on how to find a reputable doggy daycare provider.

  1. First, ask your friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations.
  2. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential providers, visit them to get a feel for the environment and staff.
  3. Finally, ask plenty of questions about policies and procedures to ensure your pup will be safe and happy in their care.

With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect doggy daycare provider for your needs. Drop-off will be a breeze knowing your best friend is in good hands!

What to Expect on the First Day of Doggy Daycare

Your puppy’s first day of doggy daycare is an exciting milestone!

To make sure that your pup has a positive experience, there are a few things that you should bring with you.

  1. First, bring along any food or treats your puppy is used to eating. It will help to minimise any gastrointestinal upset that may occur during the day.
  2. Second, pack a toy or two from home. It will provide your puppy with some comfort and security during the day.
  3. Finally, remember to bring along your puppy’s vaccination records. Most doggy daycares require proof of vaccinations before they will allow puppies to play.

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your puppy has a fun and safe first day of doggy daycare.

What to Bring With You and Your Puppy?

When you bring your new puppy to doggy daycare, you want everything to go smoothly, so you’ll want to be prepared for what to bring.
First, of course, is your puppy’s food. You can also pack any special treats your pup enjoys.

It’s a good idea to bring a favourite toy or two- this will help your puppy feel comfortable and safe in a new environment.

And don’t forget the all-important poop bags! Be sure to pack enough for the entire day, just in case. With these items in tow, you’re ready to have a great first day at doggy daycare with your new best friend.

Common Problems Dog Owners Experience When Leaving Their Puppies at Daycare (And How to Avoid Them)

Common Problems Dog Owners Experience When Leaving Their Puppies at Daycare

  • One of the most common problems dog owners face when leaving their puppies at daycare is separation anxiety. It can manifest in your puppy becoming withdrawn and depressed when you leave or in more destructive behaviour like chewing on furniture or barking excessively. You can do a few things to help your puppy deal with separation anxiety, such as:
    • making sure they have plenty of toys and bones to keep them occupied,
    • getting them used to being away from you for short periods before leaving them for longer.
  • Another common problem is that some puppies may not be able to socialise well with other dogs, leading to them being left out or bullied. To avoid this, choose a daycare that carefully screens dogs for compatibility and has a staff experienced in handling puppies.
    • Also, ask about the daycare’s policies on dealing with aggression or bullying before leaving your puppy there.
  • Lastly, some puppies may develop respiratory infections after exposure to other dogs at daycare. It is usually due to the close quarters and lack of ventilation, so it’s important to ensure the daycare you’re leaving your puppy at is clean and well-ventilated.

Following these tips should help you avoid any major problems.

How Will Doggy Daycare Help Socialise Your Puppy and Prepare Them for Future Interactions With Other Dogs

A key component of raising a happy, healthy puppy is socialisation – exposing them to different people, environments and situations so they can learn how to interact with the world around them.

Doggy daycare is an excellent way to socialise your puppy and help them get used to being around other dogs.

Through supervised play sessions and group activities, puppies will learn how to communicate and play safely with other dogs. This early exposure will help them develop the social skills they need to thrive in future interactions with other dogs.

In addition, doggy daycare can also be a great way to tire out your puppy before they go home, making for a calm and relaxed pup (and owner)!

Tips for Preparing Your Puppy for Their Day at Daycare

Daycare can be a wonderful opportunity for your puppy to socialise and have fun. However, it is important to ensure your puppy is prepared for its day at daycare. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose a reputable daycare centre that has experience with puppies.
  2. Make sure your puppy has had all of its vaccinations.
  3. Bring along a favourite toy or blanket from home. It will help your puppy feel comfortable in a new environment.
  4. Be sure to pack plenty of food and medications your puppy may need.
  5. Arrive at daycare early, so your puppy has time to adjust to its new surroundings.

These simple tips will help ensure your puppy has a fun and safe day at daycare!

About Matraville Veterinary Practice

Matraville has been synonymous with veterinary and pet care for the animals of Matraville and surrounding suburbs since 1994. At Matraville Veterinary Practice, we are proud to have the opportunity to keep these services available to the local community.

We have a newly renovated hospital with a dedicated team of highly experienced vets and nurses who love working together. “The local vets who know your pets.” At Matraville, Veterinary Practice aims to provide excellent veterinary care for any animal patient we see while treating them with sensitivity and compassion.

We are all animal owners who appreciate our pets’ truly special place in our lives.

Benefits of Choosing Matraville Veterinary Practice for Boarding

  1. All animals are kept under close supervision. Therefore, your furry friend will remain safe in a secure environment where they won’t be injured or wander off and get lost.
  2. Our staff love animals. We offer our boarding cats and dogs a caring and stress-free environment.
  3. Our well-trained staff can offer medical attention if needed. We can cater for special needs. If your pet is on medication or follows a strict diet, we will ensure their regime is maintained. All our boarding animals are monitored closely with the charting of food and water intake and toileting recorded twice daily. Any concerns are immediately reported to the veterinarian on duty.

Matraville Veterinary Practice Pet Boarding Facilities

We offer general boarding and kennelling services involving feeding (food and water), exercising, socialisation and supervision.

Our dog kennels: We provide generous-sized runs that can house dogs individually or be shared between dogs from the same family. We have an outdoor exercise area, and our staff ensure that our dog boarders spend as much time as possible out of their kennels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Should Dogs Go to Daycare?

No one likes leaving their furry friend behind when they go to work or head out of town, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. That’s where dog daycare comes in! But how often should you take your pup to daycare?

It depends on several factors, such as your dog’s age, energy level, and socialisation needs. For example, a senior dog who is mostly Sedentary might only need to go to daycare a couple of times a week to get some much-needed exercise and stimulation. On the other hand, a highly active young dog who loves being around other people and dogs might do best with daily visits to daycare.

The good news is that most reputable dog daycares offer flexible scheduling options, so you can arrange for your pup to go as often (or as little) as you feel is necessary. And of course, you can always start with just a few trial visits to see how your dog does and adjust the frequency from there.

How Much Does Doggy Day Care Cost in Australia?

Dog owners in Australia have a lot of options when it comes to doggy daycare. Many reputable businesses offer services, from basic daycare to more comprehensive boarding and training programs.

The cost of doggy daycare can vary widely depending on the type of service you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $60 per day. If you’re interested in finding a quality doggy daycare provider, asking your friends and family for recommendations is the best place to start.

Once you’ve found a few potential providers, visit their facilities and meet their staff before making a decision. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect doggy daycare provider for your needs.

Which Is Better Between a Pet Sitter and a Doggy Daycare?

Pet parents often face the difficult decision of what to do with their furry friends when they have to go out of town or work long hours. So, which is the better choice? The two most common options are pet sitting and doggy daycare.

It depends on the individual dog. Some dogs do better in a home environment with a pet sitter, while others prefer the social atmosphere of doggy daycare. Pet sitters can provide one-on-one attention and are typically less expensive than doggy daycares. However, doggy daycares offer a more stimulating environment for active dogs and provide an opportunity for socialization.

Ultimately, the best option is the one that meets the needs of both the pet and the pet parent.

Do Doggy Daycares Offer Dog Training?

Like most dog owners, you want your furry friend to be well-behaved. After all, a well-trained dog is a joy to have around, and it can make life much easier. But finding the time to train your dog can be a challenge. That’s where doggy daycare comes in.

Many doggy daycares offer training services, so you can drop off your pup for a few hours while they learn some essential skills. You can go about your day without worrying about training your dog. And when you pick them up at the end of the day, you’ll have a well-trained pup ready to take on the world.

What Services Do Doggy Daycares Offer

Doggy daycare is a pet sitting service that offers a safe, clean, and fun environment for dogs to stay in during the day while their owners are at work or running errands.

Most doggy daycares offer various services, including dog walking, dog wash, nail clipping, and dedicated nap time. Some doggy daycares offer training services to help your pet make new friends and learn good manners. Whether you need a place to drop your pet off for a few hours or an overnight stay at a pet sitter’s home or doggy daycare, they can provide the perfect solution, and you’re sure to have a happy dog.

Got a question?

We’re here to help you with any urgent enquiries or assistance you might need. Need a little extra help, or not sure if you should bring your pet in for a check-up? Give our team a call and we’ll happily answer your questions.