What are the Benefits of Doggie Day Care?

It is a human commonality to send children to day care for several reasons: work-related absences, social assimilation, behavioral development, learning advancements, etc. There is a long list of goals parents have when they send their little guys off to day care, most of which involve a desire to expose their kids to positive social situations and educational environments while receiving safe, healthy care while at work. The idea that babies and toddlers are sent to facilities to play, learn and socialize while parents tend to their daily commitments is a widely accepted practice… nevertheless, has society accepted the notion that there are similar services available for our favorite furry friends?

Do Dogs Need Day Care?

Over the past few years, the concept of dog day care has jumped on the scene as a favorable alternative to leaving Fido at home alone. Do dogs require the same kind of attention, care and supervision as our children do when we’re not around? Today, many are arguing, “yes” more frequently than ever. Okay, so maybe Fido doesn’t require as much maintenance as a toddler, but who’s to say they don’t deserve a safe, happy and healthy place to spend the day when their human family is away from home? Researchers, pet experts and even veterinary professionals have indeed provided evidence that dogs who attend these “doggie day care” facilities may in fact be healthier, happier, and see longer lifespans overall than those left at home unattended.

What are the Behavioral Benefits?

For the same reasons humans send their young to day care in order to better assimilate with peers, learn social skills, and interact with others, many dogs require the same needs. Just as a child will learn to be more independent, socially comfortable and less reclusive when forced to integrate with other children, dogs learn to better interact with other dogs, they adapt to a wider variety of social settings and learn behavioral skills they may otherwise have been lacking. Just as children who learn to play well with other children are generally more active and involved, dogs who attend day care facilities rather than stay home alone are experiencing more daily activity and healthy interaction with others.

It seems reasonable to accept this concept of dog day care once one realizes the healthy advantages. Dogs who receive professional care and attention all day rather than lay around in a house or even cage must definitely be happier and in better physical shape. Not to mention the benefits of additional animal and human interaction in order to better adapt Fido to various social settings…there is no such thing as a dog that’s too friendly, right? Whether you find day care for your pooch unnecessary, or the perfect way to look after your four-legged friend in your absence, there seems to be a wide market for these canine cabanas.