Canine Animal Enrichment … what we do all day!
As an owner of a dog daycare I am often asked what we do all day. Do the dogs play? What do they play with? Do they make friends or just sit there? When do you feed them? And the list can go on and on. So much of what we ‘do’ all day is really characteristic of the group of dogs that are physically here visiting at any given time, but there are some similarities day to day.
Here is a fun way of looking at our day in an easy to visualize snippet. Remember, each dog is different and whenever someone comes or goes home they group dynamic shifts.
Just like you and a group of friends. You have friends you like to shop with or talk with, some may go hiking with you while others offer engaging conversations at dinner. So keep in mind this is a relatively lose breakdown.
Dog Daycare or Dog Day Camp is an increasingly popular option for pet owners who are looking for ways to provide their furry friends with socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. While some people may view dog daycare as an unnecessary expense or luxury, the reality is that there are many benefits to sending your dog to daycare on a regular basis. Here are 10 reasons why your pup needs dog daycare:
- Socialization
Dogs are social animals and they need interaction with other dogs and people in order to thrive. When you send your dog to daycare, they will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs in a safe and supervised environment. This can be especially important for puppies who are still learning how to interact with other dogs and may not have had much socialization outside of their home environment. By going to daycare, your dog can develop important social skills and become more confident and well-adjusted.
- Exercise
Most dogs require a significant amount of exercise in order to maintain good health and prevent obesity. When you send your dog to daycare, they will have access to plenty of playtime and physical activity, which can help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy weight. This can be especially important for dogs who may not get enough exercise on a daily basis due to their owner’s busy schedule.
- Mental stimulation
Dogs also require mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy. At dog daycare, your furry friend will have access to a range of toys and activities that can help keep them mentally engaged and stimulated. This can include things like puzzle toys, agility courses, and other activities that are designed to challenge and entertain dogs. By going to daycare, your dog can benefit from regular mental stimulation and avoid becoming bored or restless.
- Reduced stress and anxiety
Dogs who spend a lot of time alone can experience stress and anxiety, which can manifest in a range of behavioral problems. By going to daycare, your dog will have the opportunity to interact with other dogs and people, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, many daycare facilities have calming and relaxing environments that can help dogs feel more comfortable and at ease.
- Consistency
Sending your dog to daycare can provide them with a consistent routine and sense of structure. This can be especially important for dogs who may have separation anxiety or who struggle with changes to their routine. By going to daycare on a regular basis, your dog will know what to expect and can develop a sense of comfort and familiarity with the facility and staff.
- Training and socialization opportunities
Many dog daycare facilities offer training and socialization classes in addition to their regular daycare services. This can be a great option for pet owners who want to improve their dog’s behavior and obedience skills. By attending these classes, your dog can learn important skills like how to walk on a leash, come when called, and interact with other dogs in a positive way.
- Human interaction
Dogs are social creatures and they also need interaction with people in order to thrive. When you send your dog to daycare, they will have the opportunity to interact with staff members and receive attention and affection throughout the day. This can be especially important for dogs who may not get enough human interaction at home due to their owner’s busy schedule.
- Convenience
Dog daycare can be a convenient option for pet owners who work long hours or have other commitments that keep them away from home for extended periods of time. Rather than leaving your dog alone at home all day, you can drop them off at daycare where they will have access to socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation.
- Peace of mind
Sending your dog to daycare can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your furry friend is in a safe and supervised environment. This can be especially important for pet owners who worry about
Dog daycare can provide a wide range of benefits for both dogs and their owners. From socialization and exercise to mental stimulation and training opportunities, there are plenty of reasons why your pup needs daycare. Plus, with the convenience and peace of mind that comes with knowing your furry friend is in good hands, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
10. Animal Enrichment
Here, at the Little Dog Retreat we spent a fair amount of each day engaged in canine enrichment.
What is canine enrichment? It was first developed for zoo animals to help bring more of a natural setting and activity load into the domestic zoo routines. This, combined with seasonal additions such as pumpkins during the fall or berries during the summer helps animals feel more “wild” or “free” in the confined and domesticated settings.
Our philosophy that your pup needs to stimulate all of their natural senses and be able to feel like a dog. So we use search and discover games to help your pup utilize their olfactory senses and sniff out treats.
We offer games and exercises that create development for both mental and physical stimulation. This way your pup gets to really run, play, sniff, taste, hear, paw, see and finally rest all day, every day.
That is why our guests are so happy and relaxed. Here, at the LDR we aren’t just petting your pup, we are offering them daily canine enrichment.
So, what are you waiting for? If you want to give your dog the gift of daycare, it’s time to take action! Contact your local dog daycare facility today to schedule a visit and see for yourself all the amazing things that daycare can do for your furry friend. Your dog will thank you for it, and you’ll be glad you made the investment in their health, happiness, and well-being.
Watch our video about how you can increase animal enrichment in your home!
For more about our day visit our Details & Guidelines page.
