It’s the first question out of most people’s mouths when they walk into a doggie daycare.
Do all of those daycare dogs get along?
And the answer is – They HAVE TO in order to be here!
A large group of dogs all in one space is usually an overwhelming sight to most people. Humans are used to dealing with one or two dogs or a small handful, at one time. Watching dozens of canines, all getting along in one area, is a rare sight for most people.
Playful Pups
Dogs are pack animals by design. They thrive, even crave, social settings where they are surrounded by other animals. So a situation like doggie daycare can be the ultimate thrill for many dogs. But it all depends on the dog. Canines, just like humans, all have personalities. In one playgroup, just like any office setting or a school classroom, you will find shy dogs, cocky dogs, the all-around “good guys”, the critics, the over-achievers and the rebels. Controlling this group falls on the shoulders of the Alpha in the pack. In an office or classroom, that Alpha is usually the manager or teacher. In a dog daycare playgroup, the leader must ALWAYS be the two-legged mammals in the pack.
The Alpha & The Omega
The success to running dozens of dogs in one playgroup depends on the leadership strength of the humans. In order to provide a fun and safe experience for each member of that playgroup, the humans must be in control of the pack at all times. The alpha provides protection to the shy members of the group, correction to the cocky and rebellious ones, supports the “good guys”, and encourages the perfectionists and overachievers to make good choices. The Alpha humans must be able to lead the pack appropriately, using gentle correction when needed and lots of praise when deserved.
Owner Takes the Plunge
A successful playgroup also needs the right kind of dogs. That choice starts with the dog owner, who must decide whether their pooch is a good candidate for being part of a large playgroup. Their dog’s behavior can be much different at home than the behavior their dog displays with the four-legged creatures of their own kind. Most humans find it hard to understand their dog may act completely different in a pack setting. Some people are bewildered when their loving, gentle and kind pooch becomes a holy terror in the playgroup. On the other hand, dogs that display unacceptable behavior toward other canines while with their owners may find a large playgroup, away from their owners, just the setting they need to have an absolute ball.
Owners must also understand when dogs come together, like when humans gather, there will be injuries and illness. Just like sending human kids to daycare or school, there is a risk injury or illness can occur in a group setting. At Canine Campus, we do our absolute best to provide the most safe and fun experience possible. But there is always a chance one of the dogs will bring in a cold or the flu and spread germs without showing symptoms. In a social setting, there is also the chance personalities may clash, leading to injuries. Our skilled staff is highly trained on canine temperament, body language and signals as well as managing group dog play. If owners are not comfortable with taking the chance their dog may be exposed to illness or injury, dog daycare may not be a good option.
Test Time
Dominant and submissive temperaments are inherited but they have no bearing on just how a dog will act in a doggie daycare playgroup. The dog daycare staff must conduct a screening of each dog to be sure they act appropriate in a large playgroup. This testing will weed out any dogs that are on the “too shy” end of the spectrum or the “too aggressive” end. We call this testing process an Admissions Test at Canine Campus. The Canine Campus staff is careful to introduce each new dog to the pack in a slow and controlled manner. This intricate process allows for the new dog to greet each dog accordingly. The new dog’s reaction to greeting the pack members will decide if he or she is appropriate for pack play.
The Right Combination For Fun
When the strong alpha human leaders and the “right” dogs are brought together, there is much fun to be had! Canine Campus is a pioneer in the dog daycare industry in Colorado, providing a the most fun, safe and engaging experience for daycare and boarding dogs since 1999.
If you would like to get your pooch up and running in dog daycare at Canine Campus, email (fido@caninecampus.us) or call us today 719-448-9600. We ARE the place where good dogs have a great time!
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