For many dog owners, sending their dog to daycare for the first time can be a difficult experience. Many dog owners (who have grown children) say leaving their dog at a dog daycare is just as difficult as leaving their child at a children’s daycare. There’s a trust that has to be built with the caregiver, but once established, sending your dog to daycare can be just as enjoyable for YOU as it is for your dog!

The first time I sent my dog Jasper to daycare, it was only for a half-day. He was under 5 months old, wasn’t yet neutered and I sent him both for socialization and to help curb his separation anxiety issue. He played at the daycare for about 4 hours (while I tried to relax at Starbucks but was unsuccessful!) I shouldn’t have worried, though, because Jasper had a fantastic time and was extremely happy when I picked him up.

At home after daycare, however, I honestly thought he was sick. He slept the entire way home from the daycare in the car: deep breathing sleeping, not just napping. When we got home, he went right for his water bowl and drank like a fish. Then jumped on the couch and slept…..and slept. I woke him up for his dinner but he didn’t eat. He just went back to sleep. I had to wake him up every couple of hours to go outside and pee, which he did. But then went right back to sleep.

I honestly thought he was sick and wanted to call the vet. I would have, too, except my small town didn’t have after-hours veterinary care. I waited until the next morning and called the daycare instead. They told me his behavior was completely normal and that most dogs arrive home in a bit of a stupor after their first day. It’s such a stimulating and exciting experience for them but also physically draining.

The daycare also said it would get better the more he attended daycare and they were right! He started going to daycare once or twice a week and after a few weeks he had more stamina. He’d still come home and take a long nap! But his body was now used to the extra exercise and stimulation of daycare and he was no longer comatose.

Here are a few things to think about when your dog attends daycare:

THIRST:  Many dogs don’t like to drink water at daycare, although there is always fresh water available. Your dog may come home and drink a massive amount of water. Don’t worry!

NO APPETITE: Sometimes when puppies are very tired, they choose not to eat. Missing a meal because they’d rather sleep is not abnormal for dogs. Even adult dogs can occasionally miss a meal without the owners having to worry about their dog being sick. Most dogs that “skip” dinner after their first day at daycare will be ravenous by the time breakfast is served!

SCRATCHES:  Occasionally thin-skinned or very sparsely-haired dogs (i.e. Italian Greyhounds, Chinese Crested, short-hair Chihuahuas, etc.) may have received a minor nick or scratch from other dog’s nails. This is also completely normal for dogs when they play and usually not serious at all. After daycare, check your dog over thoroughly, just to be sure. The belly and underarms are usually more prone to scratches since the skin is sensitive there.

SORE PADS: Just like winter when your dog’s feet will sometimes become sore from the ice and snow, their feet may be a little sore after daycare. Daycares have floor surfaces that your dog will soon adjust to (poured rubber, rubber mats, tiles, concrete, etc.). Similarly, if the daycare has outdoor space your dog will adjust to that surface (grass, dirt, pea gravel, stones, etc.) Your dog’s pads will soon grow stronger and will no longer have sore feet!

TIRED: As mentioned above, your dog will be tired when first attending daycare. Most puppy owners welcome this! Enjoy your quiet evening while your pup snoozes at your feet……or if you have a small dog, your dog will enjoy a quiet evening with you on the couch asleep under a blanket you will both share!

TORONTO SMALL DOGS
www.torontosmalldogs.com
Private Training, Socialization, Boarding and Doggy Daycare
Experienced in training shy, fearful small dogs.
647-343-5553 or 416-624-6361
info@torontosmalldogs.com