How to choose the right doggy day care

Although more and more offices are allowing pets, bringing their dogs to work just isn't an option for most people. So many people turn to doggy day cares as an alternative to leaving their pup at home alone.

A doggy day care can be a positive pack experience for your pet, but it is important that your dog is properly socialized before going to the facility. Reputable day care centers will turn away dogs with behavioral problems. Remember, dogs communicate using energy, so it takes only one unstable dog to send the whole place into chaos.  Understandably, doggy day care centers have to take a "pro-pack" approach when accepting dogs. Unfortunately, insecure, fearful, aggressive, or dominant dogs do not make good candidates.

If your dog has problems getting along with other dogs, a doggy day care center is definitely not the place for you to start rehabilitation. Instead, consider scheduling a regular play date with a calm-submissive dog you know. Be sure not to punch out when introducing the dogs to one another. Remember your calm-assertive energy and pack leadership.

When choosing a doggy day care, thoroughly research a few facilities. Consider spending some time visiting them and watching the staff in action. Remember, your dog can't tell you if he is being mistreated. You have to do the legwork to ensure that your dog will have a happy home away from home.