What is Day Care 101?

Thinking about sending your dog to day care, but not sure how they will do in a day care setting? Day Care 101 might be the perfect interim step for your pup. At Day Care 101, we set your dog up for success by teaching them the fundamentals necessary to thrive in a day care setting. Read on to learn more! 

If your dog is wary of new things, shows signs of separation anxiety, struggles with indoor accidents, or is unsure of how to play with others, our Day Care 101 program will help them overcome these challenges and set them up to succeed in a regular dog day care setting or Montessori School. 

Day Care 101 focuses on:

• Confidence Building 
  Some dogs are wary or scared of new things. It could be something as simple as going down stairs or as general as “strange noises.” Day care is new and we show them how to be confident in themselves when something new comes along. That way, when we do a new activity later in Dog Montessori School, they’re excited to check it out and learn about it rather than scared of it.

• Overcoming Shyness and Fear
  Some dogs simply prefer to be alone, or enjoy the company of people, and that’s okay. But some dogs really would thrive around other dogs and have fun playing, if only being around other dogs wasn’t so overwhelming. We show them that coming to day care means making friends and having fun, and that meeting other dogs is a good experience.
  
  
• How to Play With Others And Have Fun
  Many dogs really want to participate in the fun and activities of day care, particularly group play, but they do not actually know how to tell another dog “I want to play!” and sometimes they don’t know how to listen to another dog say “I don’t want to play.” In other cases, some dogs want to play in a very rambunctious rough housing style that is perfectly healthy, but not compatible with more gentle styles. We help them figure out their play style and how to communicate so it’s fun for everyone.

• How To Share Toys
  Some dogs come to day care without much exposure to toys and resources. All of a sudden they are in day care, there is treasure everywhere, and they guard it. Some dogs have serious resource guarding issues, but many just need to be taught that everyone gets treats and there are plenty of toys for everyone. Once we show them this, they get it, and stop guarding.
  
  
• How To Be Independent And Rest
  Many dogs today have separation anxiety. They come to day care and cling to the staff and cry or even scream if a human being is out of sight for even a moment. We can help them become more independent in a day care setting, by working with them to be comfortable being on their own for a few minutes. Structured rest is an important component of a well run day care program. We will help them enjoy the benefits of a much needed nap without being afraid. Learning to be comfortable alone for a moment will also allow them to be able to enjoy playing games like “hide and seek” and “find it.” 
  

• Potty Training
  Dogs come to us from all over the country who have been to other day care centers or adoption kennels where they are allowed to go to the bathroom on the floor. We show them that there is a specific place to use the bathroom, and a regular schedule with relief breaks built into their day so they know when and where it’s okay to use the bathroom.

Wondering how Day Care 101 differs from a dog day care program, like our Dog Montessori School? 

Day Care 101 is perfect for:

• Dogs who have never been to day care before
• Dogs who aren’t quite ready for all the hustle and bustle of a professional dog day care
• Dogs that have recently been adopted (but been home at least 2 weeks to adjust)
• Dogs that are looking to make a switch from another day care
• Dogs who are shy or skittish

We find that dogs typically graduate from Day Care 101 in 4 to 8 sessions, depending on each dog’s individual needs. Once the fundamentals are mastered, the sky’s the limit!

Ready to sign up? Learn more & book a free virtual consultation!