Before we go any further, here is my professional advice about "Doggy Daycare"
There you go! Hope this helps :)
Memes aside, I think for a lot of people who may be trying to work through behavioural issues or are living with a dog and ask "Why is this happening?" it's worth breaking down the topic of daycares, playdates and dog parks and why they are everything you DON'T want to do with your dog.
Let's start with the most common one: dog parks
Here are some questions to consider before I get into the details.
Do I know these dogs or their owners?
Are these dogs up to date on their vaccinations?
Are any of these dogs sick?
Do any of these dogs have behaviour problems or bite histories?
Are any of these dogs trained?
How well trained are they?
What is the value to my dog while we're at the park?
Where is the value coming from?
What are the benefits?
What are the detriments?
How does my dog tell the difference between the park and the rest of the world?
I hope you can see where this is going.
They call them dog parks because "Disease infested dog fight club" doesn't have the same appeal.
These off leash areas have "good intentions" but the people who go to them and the people behind them (Usually cities) are pretty ignorant to dogs and their nature and rely on the people and dogs attending them to be honest and abide by whatever rules and by-laws they have in place which, unfortunately, hardly ever happens.
Now let's answer those questions.
Do I know these dogs or their owners?
Unless you're going with someone you know, no, you don't know anything about the dogs or people.
Are these dogs up to date on their vaccinations?
Unless you call their vet and get confirmation, no, you don't know. They could say they are, it's the law and the rules of the park say they have to be. But people lie.
Are any of these dogs sick?
Who knows!? Not me, not you! Do you see a trend here?
Do any of these dogs have behaviour problems or bite histories?
It gets repetitive doesn't it? But these questions NEED to be asked.
Are any of these dogs trained?
Maybe some. You saw one of them come when they're called, great. But...
How well trained are they?
I don't and you don't have any clue!
What is the value to my dog while we're at the park?
Really think. You're at a dog park with your dog. The value isn't in or through you...
Where is the value coming from?
If it's not you then who? Or what and where is it? It's the other dogs... This creates hyper social dogs or "dog-centric" dogs and the ride from social to reactive is VERY short.
What are the benefits?
There are literally ZERO benefits.
What are the detriments?
Unvaccinated dogs, dogs with behaviour issues and bite histories, dog fights, injuries, vet bills, creating hyper social, reactive and fearful dogs that make it harder to train the right things.
How does my dog tell the difference between the park and the rest of the world?
It doesn't. That's why if you go to dog parks and daycares and have created this hyper social dog then go on a walk and your dog freaks out at the end of the leash, trying to get to another dog is because they don't compartmentalize like we do. A dog is a dog and they want to play. Previously at the dog park, they were allowed to go play. Now, you're restraining them and they're pissed.
All of these questions can and should be asked about daycares in addition to questions about the facility, it's cleanliness, practices and standards, the staff, their experience and knowledge. Even then, it comes down to those last FIVE questions.
In short answer to all of them:
The detriments or cons, of going to a dog park or daycare are far greater than any of the benefits because, well, there are no benefits to it. All the value is in other dogs, away from you and when you leave, the dog doesn't separate the fence of the park or walls of the daycare from the dogs in your neighbourhood. Your value and importance to the dog has gone WAY down and you're gambling with other dogs and their owners on if you can trust them. I don't take that chance. My dogs don't need dog friends. They're social as could be and find all the value in or through me.
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