Does Dog Daycare Help With Dog Socialization?

Does dog daycare help with socialization? If you’ve ever owned a dog, then you’ll know that most dogs are incredibly social creatures. They love meeting other dogs and people, smelling them, and generally playing with them. Not only is this fun for Fido, it’s actually teaching them how to act around other dogs and people, which will define how they socialize. If you want your dog to socialize, then your dog will love our dog daycare in Newton, MA.

For whatever reason, some breeds or even just some specific dogs may not seem very social and can be aggressive or aloof around other dogs and around people. While this may not be a concern to the owner, it can lead to mistakes and accidents further down the line if your dog gets pushed beyond what they consider comfortable. As a dog daycare Waltham MA, we know that socializing is a skill that can be learned and developed, just like any other, although there are some things we can do to encourage that growth.

Here is a look at how sending your dog gto a doggy daycare can help socialize them.

Dog Socialization: Typical Daycare Environment

If you’re reading this, then chances are you may not have been in a dog daycare before or even know what they’re about. A dog daycare, put simply, is a facility that is equipped to hold and look after dogs during the day while the owner is at work. These would have come about due to people getting sick of their dog ruining the house or backyard each day due to boredom and stress.

While technically anyone could offer to look after your dog during the day, a daycare is usually equipped with much more than your average dog enthusiast.

1. The Playpen

It’s likely that your dog, along with many other people’s dogs, will spend most of their day in what’s commonly known as the playpen.

This is where most of their socializing will happen, as they will have to fall into the natural hierarchy already established by the dogs more familiar with the daycare.

They will undoubtedly play to their heart’s content, and on playing too rough will be swiftly taught why they shouldn’t. Whereas if they’re acting aloof, some of the more seasoned dogs may help them to come out of their shell a bit.

While some facilities will only have 1 or 2 playpens, our dog daycare Waltham MA has four.

• 1 large indoor playpen with cushioned flooring,
• 2 outdoor pens with underground mesh to hinder escapes,
• and another indoor pen which we call the couch potato pen which simulates the lounge at home.

All of these areas are supervised by one or more of our staff, and dogs are rotated between the areas throughout the day.

2. Cleaning and Training

If your dog is fine with other dogs, but perhaps a little timid around people, then consider utilizing any cleaning or training services that your local dog daycare offers. Both cleaning and training are relatively hands-on and require your dog to be handled and face-to-face with a stranger for some amount of time.

While this may be a little stressful for them at first, the many treats and pats will have their tails wagging in no time.

What Else Can You Do To Help With Dog Socialization?

Simply sending your anti-social dog to daycare may not be enough to truly make them feel comfortable around other dogs and humans. There are several other things you can do to try and further socialize your dog.

Meet the Neighbors

A common stressor to dogs is seeing or hearing neighborhood dogs but not knowing who or even what they are.

A well-written notice on a community board or local FB group inviting neighbors together for a doggy (and people) meet and greet can be a great way to make all the dogs in the area feel a bit more comfortable. Obviously, such an event would be best outdoors in a dog park or similar environment, otherwise, if someone has a large backyard that may suffice.

Be sure to remind all owners wishing to come to bring their dog on an adequate leash and harness if necessary, and to consider a muzzle if they’re snappy.

Be Social

Dogs follow the example of their owners, so if you’re out greeting people in a friendly manner they will know that strangers can be safer than they seem.

When taking your dog for walks in Waltham, MA, like at (The Waltham City Dog Ranch) if people want to pet your dog encourage them to do so after introducing themselves (let your dog sniff their hand first, as is customary).

Also instead of completely avoiding other people’s dogs when they’re out on walks too, consider bringing yours to greet the other, although quickly check that it’s okay with the other owner first.

Dog Socialization at a Dog Daycare in Newton MA

While still in Phase 1 of our dog daycare Waltham MA, we can provide a range of services from daycare, to lodging, to training, and even our doggy spa which will pamper your pooch like never before. Check out our website to see some of our pricing, or contact us for more information about any of our services.