There were 26,000 more pet adoptions in the first 9 months of the Coronavirus pandemic than the year before, according to the Washington Post, January 6, 2021. Puppies purchased from breeders were also dramatically increased. Rover.com polled 1000 owners and 68% of Generation Z owners and 42% of millennials plan to hire dog walkers or reserve spots in doggy day care for their transition back to the workplace.
What is your plan for your new dog?
People working from home found they had more time to care for a dog. Families with children in distance learning programs, relished the opportunity for a new furry friend. These pets settled in comfortably with their owners. In fact, they lived side by side nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As the time rolls near for these pet owners to transition into the workplace and resume their other sports and hobbies, 30% of owners have sought advice from veterinarians on making this transition easier for their pets. Veterinarians agree that dogs require proper healthcare, good nutrition, physical activity, and mental stimulation.
Doggy Daycare Provides 6 Important Opportunities for Your Dog
Dogs are very social animals and sometimes our lives are too busy for us to give them the constant attention and stimulation they need. Most dogs thrive on social time with other dogs and dog-loving people. Dog Daycare is an opportunity for your dog to develop social, physical, and mental skills over time by attending dog daycare several days each week.
The benefits of dog daycare include:
- Building Social Skills to be better citizens with people and other dogs
- Developing Independence to discourage separation anxiety
- Exercising to relieve boredom to prevent destructive behaviors
- Making New Friends to relieve loneliness instead of being left at home
- Being mentally stimulated with enrichment activities and puzzles
- Having Fun with an exciting day of play inside and out
What Can Happen If My Dog Does Not Adjust Well To Being Alone?
When dogs lack appropriate exercise and social stimulation, and are left alone with built-up energy, or are mentally bored, undesirable behaviors can develop. Excessive barking, house soiling, destructive chewing, self-harm and separation anxiety can occur.
What is Separation Anxiety?
When you acquire a new puppy or dog into your household, it is important to train them to have proper house breaking skills and to learn manners about chewing and barking. Most pets learn these skills easily and quickly.
However, sometimes that same dog changes its behavior as you prepare to leave the home or when they have been left alone. They may display symptoms of distress such as anxiety or excessive drooling triggered by the separation from its caretaker. Most often, a dog with separation anxiety, will begin barking and displaying distress behaviors within a short time after being left alone—often within minutes. These dogs may also urinate or defecate, bark or howl, chew, dig and destroy bedding or furniture, or injure themselves trying to escape from their environment.
Is Dog Daycare Right For Every Dog?
Dog daycare is a great option for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. Most dogs socialize well, enjoy playing with other dogs, and also love the interactions with the staff. They come home tired and relaxed and are happy to return another day.
There are some dogs, however, that may not enjoy dog daycare. In these cases, owners can make alternate arrangements for their dogs. Dog walkers that come to your home and interact with your dog one-on-one may be a great option.
Schedule Plenty of Exercise
It is important to set your new dog on the right course to maximize his success to becoming the trusted family member you were expecting. Socialize him well. Teach him appropriate home manners. Schedule in plenty of exercise. Leave him for short periods. Plan and budget for the times you will be gone. Many pet parents schedule dog walkers and dog daycare even when they are working from home! Perhaps enrolling your dog in dog daycare is right for you, your dog, and your family!