Health & Fitness
Doggy Daycare vs. Dog Walker: Which Is Better?
Most pet owners view doggy daycare programs as an easy, guilt-free way to make sure that their furry friend receives the exercise and social interaction he or she needs while the owner is away at work. While doggy daycare is a great option for some dogs, it is not the best choice for every dog.
Here are a few reasons why hiring a professional dog walker might be the more appropriate option for your pet:
- Fewer Health Risks
Not all doggy daycare owners require vaccination records, so your pet may be exposed to diseases like kennel cough. If a doggy daycare is not fully staffed then it is likely that your dog will be unsupervised during group playtime. If a fight develops and an employee is not nearby to step in, your dog could be seriously injured.
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- Less Stressful
Although exercise has been proven to relieve stress in humans as well as animals, exposing your pet to a new environment can be an incredibly stressful experience. Every animal has a different stress threshold, but in general, most pets are happier and more relaxed in familiar spaces, such as their home and neighborhood.
- One-on-One Time
Doggy daycares can be prone to overcrowding. After all, the more dogs they take care of, the more money they make. This means that your dog is less likely to get the one-on-one attention they deserve. Psychological research has also shown that overcrowding can lead to aggression issues. According to ASPCA, a dog daycare facility should have about 100 square feet per large dog, and 50 to 60 square feet per small/medium dogs.
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- Maintain Training Techniques
If your dog has behavioral issues, being left in an unstructured environment for eight or more hours a day can have detrimental effects on them. Not all daycare facilities screen dogs for sociability before accepting them into their program, so it is highly likely that your pet will be exposed to some less than desirable behaviors.
When you hire a professional dog walker, your pet will get the special attention they deserve as well as the exercise and social interaction they need. After a few visits, your pet will begin to bond with the dog walker, helping to significantly reduce separation anxiety so that you come home to a happy, healthy pet.
Learn more at West Hartford Pet Sitters
