February 28, 2024
Have you been coming home to find your dog has ripped up the cushions and chewed on furniture? Maybe the neighbours have let you know that your usually placid pup has been howling to the high heavens while you’re gone. Poor thing misses you so much when you’re out. You’ve tried leaving the TV on and hiding treats but nothing seems to help his separation anxiety.
One strategy that’s helped plenty of pet owners is utilising Doggy Daycare services as a welcome distraction so your pet is entertained while you’re out for work. Socialising with other pups a few times a week may help Fido feel less alone. Let them romp and play to their heart’s content, then snuggle up happily tired when you get home. With the right daycare, Fido can look forward to going out for the day and be calmer when you leave. No more shredded cushions or puddles on the floor. This regular routine could finally cure their anxious ways. Give it a go – you’ve got nothing to lose and a happier hound to gain.
Note- If your dog displays aggressive or impulsive behaviours, seek a professional’s opinion prior to enrolment.
Find out more about our Doggy Daycare Service
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Does your dog get distressed when you leave them alone? Whine, bark, or even destroy things? They may have separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is when dogs become extremely anxious and distressed when separated from their owners or left alone.
For social dogs, being alone can be scary without their human pack. At pet daycares like Pet Resorts Australia, dogs get to interact and play with other dogs and staff during the day, so they’re never really alone. This distraction and mental stimulation can help prevent separation anxiety from kicking in, giving you peace of mind that your dog is happy and occupied while you’re away.
Some signs your dog may have separation anxiety include:
– Excessive barking, whining or crying when left alone
– Destructive behaviour like chewing furniture or scratching doors
– Loss of appetite
– Restlessness or pacing
– Accidents in the house
By understanding the causes and signs of separation anxiety in dogs, you can find solutions to help your faithful friend feel more at ease when you have to leave them by themselves. Taking your dog to daycare a few times a week can do wonders for their mental health and give them positive associations with alone time.
Doggy Daycare is most impactful for social dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. If your pet doesn’t do well with other dogs, it may not be ideal to sign them up to doggy daycare before addressing those behaviours with an expert.
With patience, training, and the right approach, separation anxiety can be managed so you can leave your dog comfortably and come home to a happy, stress-free pet. Daycare socialisation is a great way to start.
How Lack of Socialisation Can Lead to Separation Anxiety
If your dog has little experience being alone or interacting with other dogs, it’s more likely they’ll develop separation anxiety. Dogs are pack animals, so social interaction and bonding with others can be crucial for their well-being and development.
Without regular socialisation or playdates, your dog won’t learn independence or how to self-soothe when you’re not around. They become overly reliant on you for entertainment, exercise and mental stimulation. When you do leave the house, they are distressed without you there to provide these things.
Pet daycares offer the perfect solution. Spending time playing with other dogs teaches your pooch valuable social skills and provides mental exercise to keep them occupied. At daycare, there are always staff on hand to give your dog attention, belly rubs and play, so they learn to feel comfortable with others caring for them in your absence.
Daycare also tires your dog out, so when they get home they are less likely to fret about being left alone again. The mental and physical exertion means they’ll happily rest while you’re out, rather than anxiously awaiting your return.
For dogs with separation anxiety, even just a few hours at daycare a week can make a big difference. With regular attendance, you’ll notice your dog becomes more independent, less prone to distress when alone and generally calmer at home. Daycare helps create a healthy cycle of rest and play that leaves no room for anxious thoughts or behaviours.
If you feel like your pet could benefit from this service, give Pet Resorts Australia a call – your dog will thank you for the playtime and you’ll have peace of mind knowing their separation anxiety is under control. Everyone’s a winner!
Benefits of Doggy Daycare for Socialisation
Doggy daycare provides numerous benefits for anxious pups. Spending time around other dogs in a controlled environment helps to socialise your dog and ease their separation anxiety.
– Exposure to new dogs and people. At daycare, your dog will meet different dogs and staff, helping them get accustomed to interacting with unfamiliar people and pets. This exposure in a safe space can help reduce anxiety about new experiences.
– Learn appropriate behaviour. By observing other dogs, your pet can pick up on behaviour that is acceptable and expected. They’ll learn skills like taking turns, sharing toys, and other positive social skills. This will make them more at ease in future group settings.
– Mental stimulation. Playing with other dogs gives your pet mental exercise that can tire them out. An exercised, entertained dog is less likely to experience boredom or restlessness which may contribute to their anxiety.
– Routine. Attending daycare a few times a week establishes a routine for your dog to get used to. They will come to see it as a normal activity, and the familiar environment with consistent staff and dogs may help them feel more secure. Establishing a routine is important for easing anxiety.
– While daycare is not a fix for separation anxiety on its own, as part of a broader treatment plan, it can have significant benefits. The socialisation and mental stimulation helps address underlying anxiety and restlessness in dogs, providing them an outlet to burn energy, learn skills and gain confidence around others. With time and consistency, daycare may play an important role in helping an anxious dog become more independent and less distressed when alone.
Fun Activities at Doggy Daycare for Your Pet
Doggy Daycare provides stimulating activities to keep your dog occupied so they don’t dwell on being separated from you. Playgroups allow dogs to socialise and interact with other canines to burn off energy and ease anxiety.
Your dog will love playing games like fetch, tug-of-war and obstacle courses with the daycare attendants and other dogs. Different toys to what they are used to at home provide mental stimulation to distract your dog. Daycare staff monitor playgroups to make sure all dogs are enjoying themselves and getting along.
One-on-one play sessions give dogs personal attention and affection from daycare staff. Grooming services like brushing, bathing and nail trimming provide physical comfort. At Pet Resorts Australia, we offer a range of additional services dependent on location to make your doggy day care stay even more beneficial, from on-site grooming, training sessions, sleepovers, to our pet taxi service.
When it’s time for a break, dogs can relax in comfortable crates, beds and playpens.
At the end of an engaging day of play, your dog will be happily tired. The mental and physical stimulation from a variety of activities will ease anxiety about being away from you, making separations easier to cope with. Regular attendance at doggy daycare provides ongoing socialisation and distraction to help resolve separation anxiety in a caring, controlled environment.
Understanding Your Dog’s Temperament And Deciding If Dog Daycare Is Right
Before enrolling your dog in daycare, it’s important to evaluate if it’s the right choice for their temperament and needs. Some dogs thrive in the social atmosphere, while others may find it stressful or overstimulating. Consider your dog’s typical behaviour and how they react to new places and interactions.
-Is your dog usually friendly towards new people and dogs? Or are they shy, anxious or territorial around strangers? Daycare may be difficult for dogs that are not socialised.
-How does your dog react to being left alone? Dogs with severe separation anxiety may benefit from the mental stimulation of daycare. However, daycare is not a substitute for training and may further enable anxiety.
-Is your dog possessive over toys, treats or their owners? Resource guarding could trigger aggression at daycare. It’s best to address this behaviour before enrolling your dog.
-How aroused does your dog get around other dogs? Excessive excitement may lead to frustration if not properly managed in a daycare setting. Look for daycares with small, well-managed groups.
-Does your dog have good basic obedience skills? Dogs should understand and respond to commands like “sit”, “stay” and “leave it” for the safety of others. Untrained dogs may not be suitable for daycare.
By evaluating your dog’s typical behaviour and temperament, you can determine if daycare will be enriching and help relieve their separation anxiety, or if it may cause additional stress. When in doubt, look for daycares that offer temperament tests and trial days. Every dog is different, so finding the right environment for your dog’s needs will help set them up for success.
Should You Try Other Methods To Reduce Separation Anxiety Before Enrolling Dogs in Doggy Daycare?
It’s generally advisable to try other methods to reduce separation anxiety before enrolling dogs in doggy daycare. Doggy daycare can be a great option for some dogs, but it’s not always the most effective solution for addressing separation anxiety, especially if the anxiety is severe or if there are underlying behavioural issues that need to be addressed.
Before considering doggy daycare, here are some steps you can take to help reduce separation anxiety in dogs:
-Gradual desensitisation: Gradually accustom your dog to being alone by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increasing the duration over time. This helps to build their confidence and tolerance for being alone.
-Create a safe space: Provide a comfortable and secure area for your dog to stay in when you’re away, such as a crate or a designated room with their favourite toys and bedding.
-Exercise and mental stimulation: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Regular walks, play sessions, and interactive toys can help keep them mentally and physically engaged.
-Counterconditioning: Use positive reinforcement techniques to change your dog’s emotional response to being alone. Associate being alone with positive experiences, such as receiving treats or toys, to help them form positive associations with being alone.
-Seek veterinary advice: Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog’s anxiety. They may also be able to recommend medication or supplements to help manage your dog’s anxiety.
So there you have it. Doggy daycare could be the solution to help calm your furry friend’s separation anxiety. Getting them used to being around other pups and people in a fun, stimulating environment means they’ll learn to see your departures as no big deal. Plus, they’ll be having way too much fun playing and tiring themselves out to fret over your absence. Just be sure to introduce daycare gradually. With a little time and patience, regular doggy playdates could help your anxious pooch relax when home alone. And who knows – they might even make some new furry friends along the way!
Find your nearest Doggy Daycare service at Pet Resorts Australia.
