Dogs In the Fast Lane
Doggie day care centers and dog walking businesses are popping up all over the place. On one hand I’m thrilled while on the other hand many of these businesses are lacking in basic dog knowledge, training and behavior. As you can imagine, dogs are getting into fights, people are being bitten and some dogs just hide in the corner or near a supervisor for safety and comfort, for an entire day.
We live in a time where both parents are working and this two income family structure leaves the dog behind and why these new doggie day care businesses are thriving.
I won’t go into too much depth on the importance of doing your homework if you plan to send your dog to day care or have a dog walker come to your home. There are a few wonderful people out there who are helping these business stay safe by teaching them about body language and training so there will be fewer bite accidents. The Dog Gurus have a fabulous program to educate doggie day care business owners and hopefully bring the number of dogs fights and bites down to a minimum. Ask your day care center if they have taken the course and if they haven’t, encourage them to.
So, if not the day care centers or dog walkers, what else can you do? Well, remember the good old days when we would bring our dogs to our friends and families houses and let the dogs play? This is still probably the best option you have for your dogs. Instead of paying beaucoup bucks for day care and worrying if your dog is having fun or is safe, how bout bringing her over to your brothers house or your best friends house. Both dogs are alone all day so why not have them be in one home together. They know each other, they know the home and they will be in a home environment free to play or rest whenever they feel like it. It’s much less stressful for them and you can go off to work knowing your dog isn’t alone and safe.
Have you done this kind of day care for your dogs? How’s it working?