Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem faced by many dog owners. It is a condition in which a dog experiences distress when separated from its owner or family member. Pups are social animals and thrive on interactions with other dogs and humans.
When left alone, dogs suffering from separation anxiety can become destructive, vocal and even sick. They may chew on furniture or other household items, dig at doors or windows, or howl and bark excessively. In some cases, they may even attempt to escape or become aggressive.
Does dog daycare help with separation anxiety? Yes! Here are a few of the ways doggie daycare centers can help anxious pups:
- Socialization. Interactions with other dogs and attention from the staff can help dogs feel secure and less anxious. Additionally, exposing your dog to a variety of people and other pups can help your dog learn to feel more comfortable when you are not around. This is especially important for puppies and young dogs who are still developing their social skills.
- Exercise. Daycare provides dogs with plenty of opportunities to run, play and burn off energy. This can help them feel more relaxed and calmer when they are alone at home.
- Stimulation. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often become bored and destructive when left alone. Daycare provides dogs with a variety of stimulating activities, such as playing with toys, going for walks and participating in training exercises.
- Supervision. Daycare staff are trained to recognize signs of anxiety and stress in dogs and can provide them with extra attention and comfort as needed. This can help dogs feel more secure and less anxious.
- Consistency. Regular daycare can provide a sense of routine and consistency for dogs, which can be especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety. Having a set schedule for when they are at daycare, as well as when they will be picked up will make it easier for them to adjust to being alone for short periods of time.
- Community. Odds are, you’re not the only pup parent struggling with separation anxiety. Being able to connect with other pet owners are your daycare facility of choice and share stories and advice can help you feel less alone in your struggles with separation anxiety.
It is important to note that daycare alone is not a solution for separation anxiety, but can be one of many tools used to help your four-legged friend cope with and overcome their anxiety. Consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist, gradual desensitization, training, interactive toys, positive reinforcement, and quality time are recommended to address any underlying issues.
Remember: a happy dog is a well-trained and well-loved dog!
Interested in trying out doggy daycare?
Bring your furry best friend to Priority Boarding & Daycare! Our highly trained daycare staff, world-class sanitization and safety measures, plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime, personalized care and attention, and tons of toys, will keep your anxious pup busy and give them some much-needed peace of mind.
Located just minutes away from the Indianapolis International Airport, our veterinarian-owned facility makes the daycare experience as easy as possible so you can tackle your to-do list without worrying about your dog. If you’re ready to sign your four-legged best friend up for daycare at Priority Boarding, reserve a spot on our website!
