Doggy Daycare Problems
Roy, BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv, Master Dog trainer and member of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Trainers gives some insight into some of the behavioural issues that arise as a result of dogs attending daycare centres.
Dog daycare facilities are an excellent option for owners who work long hours and provide a great outlet for dogs that need plenty of exercise. When you take your dog there, you probably gain comfort in the knowledge that the dog looks excited to be going in. However, sometimes all is not as it seems, as not all dogs enjoy being in the company of other dogs, whilst others may be attending the school of how not to behave. As a behaviourist, I have witnessed first-hand, how some dogs develop undesirable habits and behavioural issues as a result of attending daycare.
These are some of the main issues I come across:
1. Poor Manners
When socialising young dogs, we ideally want them to meet adult, balanced dogs. Dogs that try to solicit play in a bolshy and boisterous manner will be met with a cold shoulder from a well-balanced adult dog. In a daycare setting it is more common to find high energy, bold dogs who do not appear to care whether play is initiated in a polite manner. Impressionable young dogs who get a response to their rambunctious approaches only learn that running towards and wrestling with other dogs is the way to get engagement. Transfer this to the weekend, when the owner is taking their dog out and they come across other dogs: recall becomes non-existent; excitement levels rise as you try to call your dog away; and if the other dog is anxious or doesn’t like their space invaded, a fight could start, potentially creating long term aggression issues.
2. Overstimulating
Constant excitement and stress can be too much for some dogs to handle. For those dogs who are naturally nervous or a little highly strung, this environment often exacerbates the problem and manifests in excessive barking and other issues when in the home environment. Shy dogs and dogs who are already a little anxious of other dogs, may only have their fear levels heightened, which can once again manifest in fear aggression.
3. Developing Bad Habits
Dogs who get all their reinforcement through following behaviours initiated by their doggy peers, often pick up bad and unacceptable habits.
I have seen many times, when normally well-behaved dogs develop behaviours, such as jumping up, barking, and even becoming aggressive towards a visitor. These are often things picked up by impressionable younger dogs who are still trying to establish behavioural patterns.
4. Relationship Breakdowns
Whilst the convenience of daycare is crucial for a busy household it can present a real problem and breakdown in the owner’s relationship with their dog. If their dog only experiences reinforcement and fun away from their owner, through other dogs, this is where they will look for fun and will often appear non-plussed with your presence. I have had to tell many a disappointed owner that their dog just doesn’t find them engaging and thus is showing a reluctance to listen to them, much of this due to the fact that the owner spends very little or no real quality time with their dog.
Daycare is not for every dog and there are alternatives in terms of walkers who take out small groups of dogs of similar personalities, or people who pop in to check on your dog and spend some time with them. Just because it may seem like fun, please consider your dog’s personality and stage of their life before sending them to regular periods of daycare. A good daycare should provide a well-managed environment that mitigates the risk of behavioural issues and also have a proprietor who has a sound knowledge, or specific training, in all aspects of canine body language.