With an increasing number of dog walkers and doggy daycare facilities available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your dog.
Both can provide valuable socialisation and offer reassurance that your dog has company, exercise and a welcome break in their day while you are away from home. However, every dog is different, and the best choice will depend on their personality, energy levels and individual needs.
Here are my tips to help you make the right decision for both you and your dog.
What Doggy Daycare Can Offer
🐾 The Good Stuff
Doggy daycare is usually an all-day experience, providing your dog with company, stimulation and opportunities to interact with other dogs. This can be an excellent option for high-energy, highly social breeds that thrive in a busy environment.
Daycare facilities typically offer supervised playtime with dogs of many different breeds, shapes and sizes, which can also be beneficial for socialising younger dogs. Most facilities have dedicated members of staff caring for groups of dogs, with separate areas offering a variety of activities throughout the day.
🤔 Things to Consider
Doggy daycare can be a high-energy and sometimes noisy environment. For certain dogs, this may be overly stimulating, and you might find they come home over-aroused rather than calm and content.
Quieter, shyer or more sensitive dogs may also find the environment overwhelming. Having lots of unfamiliar dogs running and playing nearby can be stressful for some dogs, particularly those that prefer calmer interactions or more personal space.
What a Dog Walker Can Offer
🌳 The Good Stuff
Dog walkers generally take dogs out in smaller, more controlled groups, often matching dogs of a similar size, temperament and energy level. This can provide a calmer and more relaxed social environment.
Dogs naturally love exploring different scents and surroundings, and a professional walk gives them a genuine outdoor experience. Many dog walkers visit a range of locations and vary their routes, helping dogs enjoy new environments and get the most from every walk.
Most professional dog walkers also provide a collection and drop-off service. Your dog can enjoy their walk before returning home to their own comfortable bed and familiar surroundings.
⏰ Things to Consider
Dog walks usually take place during an allocated period of the day rather than providing all-day care. This may not be suitable for dogs that cannot comfortably remain at home alone for any length of time.
Dogs with separation anxiety and young puppies requiring several toilet breaks throughout the day may struggle with being left at home before and after their walk. In these circumstances, daycare or additional home visits may be a more appropriate option.
Why Sniffing Matters
👃 Fun Fact
Have you ever wondered why your dog stops to sniff the same spot for what feels like an eternity?
A dog’s sense of smell is far more powerful than ours—it really is their own superpower. Sniffing can provide a dog’s brain with an incredible amount of information, including which animals have passed by, their age and gender, how long ago they were there and even information about their health.
For dogs, sniffing is a little like reading the news. So, before pulling your dog away from an interesting scent, imagine how frustrating it would feel to be dragged away from your news feed halfway through an article—or, even worse, just as you were about to complete the final answer in a crossword!
Finding the Right Option for Your Dog
There is no single option that will suit every dog. Some thrive in the busy, social environment of daycare, while others are far happier enjoying a structured walk with a carefully matched group of canine friends.
Consider your dog’s age, temperament, energy levels and ability to spend time alone when deciding which service will best support their happiness and wellbeing.
Here at Woofs & Purrs, we love our walkies just as much as the dogs do! We believe that experiencing different walks and environments can be vital to a dog’s happiness and wellbeing, helping to teach countryside manners and giving them the foundations they need to live their best lives alongside their human families. 🐾