Dog Parks vs. Doggie Daycare

Why do some dogs enjoy the dog park but not daycare?

Just like with people, all dogs are unique in regards to their social preferences and how they interact with others. At PPDD, we are selective with our visitors and invest in staff training to ensure a safe and stress-free environment. Daycares are not always a good match for every dog, even if your dog seems to socialize well in other places. Here’s why you may not see the same behavior at dog parks that has been observed by our daycare staff:  

1. Family Presence: Having family nearby helps dogs feel more secure. Your dog’s comfort plays a big part in how they interact with others. This is why we slowly introduce new dogs and give them time to adjust at their own pace. However, some dogs do not acclimate well to being in a group without the security of their family. 

2. Human-to-Dog Ratio: At dog parks,  everyone is monitoring their own dog(s). PPDD matches the industry standard of one staff member for every 10-15 dogs. Our team trained to evaluate dog behavior, read canine body language, and ensure interactions are safe and appropriate. However, some dogs require more one-on-one management, which is attainable at a park where every dog has a human present. 

3. Space: Although our facility is spacious to allow dogs to run and play inside and out, dog parks typically are in rural, open areas. This allows for more room to maneuver and disengage from the other dogs. Some dogs prefer a wide open space, versus an enclosed facility. 

4. Comfort level: When a dog consistently comes to daycare, they form relationships with the other dogs and staff leading to an increase in confidence. Being comfortable is important, but sometimes dogs can become possessive and show signs of resource guarding or develop a more forward/inappropriate play-style due to being overly confident. When dogs visit dog parks, there’s a different mix of dogs each time, so they may be more reserved. 

5. Time: Some dogs may do well socializing for an hour or two, but may not be able to handle ongoing activity for long periods of time. Many dogs require more rest and decompression between play sessions. Although we do give rest breaks, some dogs have separation anxiety when they are remove from the group. 
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Although dog parks are a common outlet for playful dogs, there are some risks all pet owners should be aware of, such as communicable diseases and lack of temperament evaluations and trained handlers.  If you choose to use a dog park, we recommend researching the health and safety requirements and making sure you are well versed on reading canine body language. 

If group play doesn’t bring out the best in your dog, PPDD has other options that may be more suitable. We welcome you to inquire about our enrichment sessions and training courses.
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If you have any questions, please contact us any time at : 269-629-8040 or pamperedpawsdd@gmail.com