These days, in an ever more demanding society, owners' daily lives are constantly challenged. It is at this frantic pace that we try to balance our professional and personal lives with the attention our beloved furry friends want and deserve. How many times have you gone to bed with a guilty conscience for not having given them the attention they needed?
Dogs are highly sociable beings, just like us, and they need physical and mental exercise to stay healthy. Depriving them of a more active life deserves some reflection — and doggy daycare can be an excellent solution.
An unchanging routine: the build-up of idle days at home can turn into frustration, which tends to end in depression, apathy, fatigue, destruction of objects and other negative behaviours.
A more active day: instead of leaving your furry friend home alone, daycare offers a much more active day, socialising with other dogs and practising fundamental aspects of obedience. At the end of the day you will find a calmer companion, ready for some good cuddles and a good night's sleep. Walks also become more enjoyable, because your dog learns to get along better with other dogs and people.
Available services: there are already several canine day care facilities in Portugal, some offering a pick-up and drop-off service, puppy classes, obedience classes, grooming care and accompaniment to veterinary appointments. Environmental enrichment is one of the key features: toys, activities and cognitive games indoors; outdoors, dogs interact, run safely and can try activities such as agility — all under professional supervision.
During the holidays: if the facility also has a dog hotel, attending daycare helps your dog adapt to longer periods away from their owners — they already know the team and feel more at ease.
Benefits: burning off energy; reduced destructive behaviour and anxiety; prevention of aggressive behaviour; avoiding separation anxiety syndrome; reduced compulsive behaviours and excessive barking.
In conclusion: doggy daycare is the ideal solution for anyone who works away from home all day and worries about their dog being home alone. It is not a fad — it is a necessity, with important benefits for our furry friends' lives.
