Can I trust doggie day care?

Just like a child care center, a doggie day care center allows you to drop your dog off while you work! The concept of doggie day care was started essentially for dog owners who didn’t have anyone to take care of their pets while they were away. Such home owners almost always came home to a depressed or stressed dog. Dogs act up in resentment when their owners leave them locked alone at home. They often misbehave by destroying things around the house (not all, but especially puppies). All this can be prevented by dropping your dog off at a day care center where it can meet and socialize with other dogs. Just like with your children, choosing a day care center for your dog should also be done carefully. Make sure that the place you are leaving your dog is dog friendly. Your dog may have a good time at the day care; however, when you bring your dog back, make sure you spend some quality time with it. Otherwise, your dog will soon begin to feel neglected.

Below are a list of questions to ask when considering a day care for your K9. It's important that it is a safe, reputable place for your pup!

1. How are the dogs grouped? By size, activity level, or age?
2. What type of training does the staff have? (CPR, first aid, behavioral)
3. What is the staff to dog ratio?
4. What happens if my dog is misbehaving?
5. Is there a schedule of what the dogs do each day?
6. What are your vaccination/health requirement?
7. Will my dog have indoor/outdoor access?
8. How long have you been in business?

Your dog may not do well in large group situations. Some feel more secure in their own home, prefer a small group of dogs, or do better in a one on one relationship with a dog walker/sitter. Others do better in a more controlled environment such as a kennel. There are day care programs for every need.

• In home pet sitters who offer flexible schedules, dog walks and short play time.
• On-call dog walkers who provide on demand services that include exercise, play and feeding.
• Kennels where the environment is very controlled and the dog is confined for most of the stay.
• Indoor day care a somewhat controlled environment with outdoor group leash walks.
• Indoor/outdoor day care that offers the most freedom.

If you have any doggie day care feedback or advice, please share! I've also enclosed a list of doggie day care facilities in the Spokane area.

Jeanne's Doggie Daycare - 509.534.1675 or 509.924.2817
http://www.jeannesdoggiedaycare.com/

Play n' Stay- 509.325.0581
http://playnstay.com/

Alpha Dogs, LLC - 509.509.624.1166
http://www.alphadogsllc.com/

Last, but not least, a Divine special for you! Place a 16oz. order and get the second 1/2 off!