A new business trend popping up across the country are Doggie Daycares. These indoors (sometimes with outdoor space too) facilities allow your pup to get exercise and socialization time while allowing Mom or Dad to go about their day uninterrupted. Just like children, some dogs enjoy daycare more than others. Knowing what to expect from your dog and your daycare will make your experience positive for you and your furry best friend.

People bring their dogs to daycare for a number of reasons. Parents with high energy dogs may use daycare as a way to exersize their dogs on a regular basis, especially for those dogs who need more than just a daily walk or trip to the dog park. Dogs with exceptionally high energy (i.e. Border Collies, Australian Shepards, and some Labs) benefit from the space and freedom to run and play for an extended length of time. Parents of these dogs also enjoy picking up a tired pup.

Parents of dogs who are more social enjoy the extended length of time their dog gets to interact with other dogs. Instead of only an hour at the dog park, at daycare dogs can play with their favorite pals for 8+ hours. Also, when dogs are on a regular daycare schedule they will form friendships and bonds with dogs who also come in on the same day every week.

There are also times when having your dog out of your home while you are away can be beneficial. Dogs come out and play in order to allow other guests into their house such as the cleaning lady, construction workers or that pesky cable man! While your service people get uninterrupted work time your dog gets a Doggie Day Out.

For some canine companions, daycare is Heaven on Earth. For others is can be a scary place full of strange smells and sounds.

Before bringing your dog to daycare you should know what your goals of daycare are. If your dog isn't into socializing or needing extra energy burned off consider how they will spend their time. If your dog sleeps for extended hours of the day, and you only need a place for them to be supervised and have potty breaks this may work. Be careful though that your dog isn't the type that has a hard time being comfortable in an unusual place or with new people. If your dog cannot be comfortable they will not sleep and most likely spend the time waiting for you to pick them up.

If your dog has a hard time with strangers they may have a hard time warming up. Staff often use positive attention to let the dogs know they are in a fun and safe environment. It may take a few visits before they can open up and be themselves. You know your dog better than anyone, so you know best if it is something they may eventually enjoy.

Dogs with seperation anxiety may take a long time to warm up. If they have a sibling, bringing both dogs may help them relax. It may take until they bond with one of the humans at daycare before they will feel comfortable away from Mom or Dad for an extended length.

Dogs with certain medical disabilities can find daycare challenging. If your dog has mobility issues, they can find it hard to navigate around a large room with young pups running wild throughout. If your dog requires regular medication, special food or treat needs (allergies) it is best to talk with your specific daycare before your first day to make sure they are a good fit for you, your dog and both your needs.

If you have an concerns about your pup and their new play facility don't be afraid to ask questions. Dogs can be fickle and keeping tabs on their adjustment to daycare requires good communication between you the parent and the staff at your daycare. Also, like humans dogs are allowed to be cranky and have off days from time to time. Keep the staff informed if there are any changes in your dogs behavior or things you would like them to look out for.