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Home / Dog Blog / Doggie Daycare Problems (Part 3)

Doggie Daycare Problems (Part 3)

May 17, 2013 by Russell Hartstein CDBC, CPDT Leave a Comment

Doggie Daycare Los Angeles CA

Is Dog Daycare Safe For Dogs?

(Updated 2022)

In Fun Paw Care’s final series about dog daycare, kennels, and dog boarding in Los Angeles, we discuss the suitability of these environments for pets. Dog daycare and dog kennels are not suitable or appropriate for most dogs as shown by peer-reviewed research of dogs’ stress levels in these environments and many other aforementioned reasons.

Most daycare facilities are primarily concerned with profits and not the health or well-being of your dog. There is often a conflict of interest, and the volume business model will conflict with your dog’s health and well-being. Volume and health are inversely correlated. Many daycares are stressful places for even highly socialized dogs but can be a nightmare for nervous, shy, apprehensive, or jittery dogs or dogs with any behavior or obedience issues.

The barking and loud noises, noxious smells of cleaning chemicals, poop, pee, and lack of fresh air, temperatures, spacial concerns, overcrowding, and all of your dog’s somatosensory issues are all detrimental to your dog’s health.

Most dog daycare facilities are opened by people with good intentions and business minds but who have very little background or advanced education in animal behavior or dog training and simply slap supervised by a “trainer” or “behaviorist” on a shingle and open shop. The majority of dog daycare and pet service businesses are opened by autodidact dilettantes who are out of work, don’t want to work in a corporate environment any longer, or had a pet dog when they were a kid and try to make a quick dollar or conclude that because of their love for animals they could dog train, open a daycare or boarding facility.

In most states, there are no laws that regulate the staff of dog daycare facilities and licensing is nonexistent.

Overcrowded Doggie Daycare

Often I hear stories of daycare, kennel, and dog boarding businesses that brag that they never have the dogs off the play-floor or are always uncrated.  These businesses misunderstand and obfuscate their responsibility to provide a balance of play activities and quiet time rest and decompression for each pet in their care. Ideally, each dog has a quiet, clean, comfortable, and secure individual “sanctuary” room, kennel run, or large crate in which to rest for a nap. A time-out is as necessary or more than the playtime.

Dog Daycare Conclusion

Most daycare models are parochial and glib. They work on volume and do not offer catered, individualized or specialized care. Socialization is extremely important for dogs but what people don’t understand is the most essential part of socialization is “unfamiliar.”  If your dog is going to the same place and playing with most of the same dogs day in and day out, week after week, there is nothing novel or unfamiliar about this experience.

Furthermore, if the temperament test and intake of a dog are not ultra-selective and,  if a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or equivalent ethologist or behaviorist is not supervising the pets in small groups, it would not be safe or effective at all at achieving anything but unencumbered chaos. You are unconsciously doing your dog more harm than good by sending your beloved friend to learn inappropriate behaviors and consequently put their health and life at risk as an outcome.

Miami Doggie Daycare

Daycare environments are fertile ground and ripe for bullying, barking, jumping, inappropriate bite and mouth control, predatory drift (where a larger dog suddenly perceives a much smaller dog as prey) or impulsiveness, all of which set your dog up for failure and behavioral problems that are manifested down the road or when your dog is back home.

Back to Part 1

Filed Under: dog behavior, Dog Boarding, dog daycare, Dog Training Tagged With: dog aggression, dog body language, Dog Training Certifications, pet safety

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Home / Dog Blog / Doggie Daycare Problems (Part 3)

Dr. Jane Goodall

Russell is a gifted trainer. Thank you for your dedication and compassion for training and helping homeless dogs.

TED Talks Founders, Vanessa Wurman, & family

…Russell is sweet and very effective when handling my very different dogs and I have seen amazing dog training and behavior results since their introduction. If you are looking for someone who has the utmost respect for your animal, is prompt and courteous, and values education and safety above all else, Fun Paw Care is the last place you need to look.

Steve Guttenberg

Russell is not only one of my dearest friends, but the guru of dog training, behavior and all things dog!

Alan Faena & Ximena Caminos

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With gratitude

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You are so impressive; I cannot believe how much you know about dogs and how fast the dogs are learning. Thank you for training our dogs and helping us!

Dr. Mike Tenzer, VCA Animal Hospital

I’ve not seen a trainer with his level of experience and ability in my almost 20 years of practice in South Florida. For the people and pets that make up the VCA Animal Hospital family, there’s no one we trust more with dog training, care and behavior issues than Russell and Fun Paw Care…

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As a veterinarian I have known Russell for some years… His dedication, professionalism, depth of knowledge and passion for animals are evident…The techniques he utilizes and teaches are clear and effective… I am over the moon to have his help and will not hesitate to recommend Fun Paw Care to all my clients, family and friends.

Gabrielle Anwar & Shareef Malnik

Wow, Russell is proof that you don’t need to have a heavy hand for dogs to learn quickly. You’re amazing, we’re converted! Thank you so much, for your help.

Dr. Carol K. & Lulabelle

What an amazing change you have made in our lives and the lives of our little Pekinese, Lulabelle!! We had many trainers over the last 3 years before meeting you. We consider it a miracle that we met you…

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