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Daycare
is much more than an indulgence for many dogs. "People
overlook one aspect of this – the use of good daycare
will reduce the number of dogs that end up at the Humane Society.
For an active, sociable dog, being locked up alone all day
can have disastrous effects on personality. The dog ends up
neurotic, and the owner begins to hate the dog," Suzanne
Losh, Urban Fauna owner, points out. "For some dogs,
the cost of daycare should be figured into the cost of dog
ownership."
Daycare
is great for older dogs too. "People like it that we
watch for any health issues. And the activity and social contact
keeps them feeling young," says Suzanne.
Dogs
are pack animals, after all. Being with other dogs in a place
where they are safe and have room to play contributes greatly
to the mental health of these lucky pets. And the daycare
staff keeps a close eye on any conflicts, and separates dogs
that are having problems with one another.
"They’re just like kids that way," says Suzanne.
"A dog just decides he doesn’t like another dog.
Sometimes he’ll get over
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it in a day or two, but sometimes we just have to keep them
in separate areas." At Urban Fauna, it’s no problem,
since there are three play areas available. One is usually
reserved for older, less active dogs (and some smaller dogs
that can’t keep up with the more active bigger dogs).
And
of course dogs, like people, make special friends at daycare.
"Tasha followed Rufus around all day, and Rufus was so
good with him, playing gently and tolerating Tasha’s
attentions."
Once
in a while, a dog just doesn’t fit in. Although there’s
a careful screening process, sometimes the activity level
and excitement is just too much, and a dog has to be expelled.
This contributes to the safety and fun for the rest.
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