Doggie day care??

[domesticzookeep]

Has anyone used doggie day care services?

If so, was it worthwhile, good experience / bad experience? Any problems with other people's dogs, etc?

I currently have two very high energy dogs, and I'm wondering if this might help get some of the doggie yayah's out. Maybe 1-2 x during the week, when we don't have a lot of time to play outside before it gets dark :sad: ....

Any idea if some of these places offer training, as well (I'm guessing more $, but could be worth it )

Does anyone have experience with ones in the Hamilton area?

C.

[Prin]

I worked for a "luxury" day care in Montreal, and I wouldn't bring my dogs there. The dogs were left alone too often and accidents did happen while they were unattended. It's hard to know how much your dog is alone with other dogs without being there.

But other day cares are more responsible...

[mastifflover]

I use a great doggy daycare. I have not heard anyone complain and Buddy loves it. I work long hours so I think this place is great and they will walk him home for a nominal amount. Luckily these people love the dogs and treat them well.

[crazyk1020]

I used to work at a Doggie Daycare/boarding facility. The dogs that came on a regular basis loved it! We never left the dogs alone in the yards while they were socializing. The only time during the day when the dogs were alone was over lunch when they all had "nap time" in their own seperate kennels. The "regulars" actually looked forward to coming. Their owners would say that they would just tell them that they were coming to doggie daycare and they would get all excited. I think that it is great for dogs who are left home alone during the day for extended periods, plus this way they got to socialize with other dogs and they totally make "best friends." Just make sure that the place you take them requires all the vacs, plus fecals every year for adult dogs and 6 months for puppies, just so you dog doesn't get worms while there. And make sure that the place will match the size, age, and temperment in your dog's play group. We would never put the old dogs with the puppies or the really hyper dogs with the calm dogs. That's just a fight waiting to happen. I thought it was a very good experience for any dog, I would totally bring any dog of mine (if I had one right now) to this dog daycare.

[Mineeputs]

I work at a dog boarding kennel and can tell you first hand the dogs love it! They are walked 3 times a day (leash & bush walks) plus there are 3 big yards for the unwalkable ones. I take my own pup with me to work and and she is one tired little girl when we get home (me too!). It's a great place for them to socialize. I've even seen some of the so called timid dogs come out of there shell and start to play with the others. Not all dogs will get along with each other - neither do humans, so I've seen the odd scrap, but all in all it's a great experience for them. I would, however, check out the facility you are thinking of using. Any reputable kennel would be more than happy to show you around. If they make ANY excuses as to why you can't, then stay away! I know of one kennel in particular that advertises games, t.v., paw painting, etc. It's a bunch of bunk. They shouldn't even be in business, so don't get suckered into this. Dogs need exercise and socializtion - not arts & crafts! GRRRRR!

[Daisy_Mae]

I just started taking Daisy to a daycare in Kitchener called Wag n' Train. I went by reference from a trainer and someone who's dog has been there so I could feel comfortable. They have an e-cam to watch the dogs but it isn't working right now I would never have taken her there if I hadn't gotten good references. She has been 3 times now and they say she does good. She has never come home with any cuts or scratches and she seems to like it. When I bring her in and they take her away she never looks back! It's about an hour from my house so on the way home she is in the car fighting not to fall asleep, I caught her a couple times nodding off while sitting up! I think it's great.

[domesticzookeep]

thanks for the input

I would be using this only for those days when I know I'm going to working alot (at home or the office) or have things to do at night.....just to make sure the dogs get enough exercise....

We have a few boarders in Hamilton that I've used (and liked) - but I've been having troubles locating a dog daycare service that's reasonably close to me -.....I'll have to check with the SPCA next time I'm up at the dog park.....

C.

[StaceyB]

I have a daycare and the dogs absolutely love it. I would never dream of leaving the dogs unsupervised. I would rather not take that risk.

[buffytwin]

I take my dog to daycare through his obedience school once in a while just for him to have fun. His trainer does doggy daycare, and its great! She's amazing with the dogs, I trust him with her 100% and he has a blast with all his friends! He comes home very happy and tired, lol..