How To Introduce Dog To Daycare

How To Introduce Dog To Daycare

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Dog Daycare Training Activities
Organizing structured group play sessions provides physical and mental stimulation for dogs. Making sure each dog interacts with other pups of similar size, energy levels and temperament is key to a well-rounded daycare experience.


DIY enrichment activities like snuffle mats that engage dogs' powerful sense of smell or agility challenges can also help provide additional stimulation to a dog's day at your facility.

Hide and Seek
Dogs thrive on interactive play, and hide and seek is a fun way to engage their sense of exploration while strengthening their bond with humans. Incorporate this activity into daily group play sessions at your dog daycare facility to enrich the lives of the dogs under your care.

Start with a very easy hiding spot at first, like behind a chair, so that your dog can learn how to play the game without getting frustrated or bored. When your dog finds you, immediately reward them so they associate the cue of "find" or "search" with positive results.

Over time, increase the difficulty of the game by moving to more challenging hiding spots that are harder for your dog to find. Also, be sure to use a consistent search cue that everyone uses so your dog doesn't start to associate the game with different people giving them different rewards.

Frisbee Games
From the foundational thrill of toss-and-catch to the dynamic ecstasy of team-based games, frisbee activities unfurl a rich tapestry of play. These dog daycare training activities give dogs the freedom to run, explore, and romp around while developing their social skills in a safe, supervised environment.

Enrichment activities also help engage dogs’ natural foraging behaviors. Toys that dispense treats and treat-based scavenger hunts encourage their powerful sense of smell while helping to reduce boredom. Food-dispensing toys like these are a great way to add structure to mealtime, too.

A daycare should balance high-energy group training sessions with quiet spaces where dogs can recharge. These calm zones should include shaded areas with optional soft music, and should be located within a safe, fenced-in area that’s suitable for different sizes and temperaments of dogs. Adding these features will help to prevent overstimulation, ensure safety, and allow dogs to take a break when they need it. The result is a more harmonious and effective learning environment for both dogs and staff.

Bubble Blowing
Using a bubble machine to blow flavored dog-friendly bubbles delights the senses and provides an opportunity to teach social skills like patience, taking turns and polite requests. It also helps with the development of fine motor skills by strengthening the muscles in their hands.

Blowing bubbles also provides an opportunity to practice gross motor skills by chasing, catching and popping the bubbles. It can also be a good opportunity to explore the concept of measuring by watching how far a bubble travels as the wind catches it and lifts it up into the air.

Adding scent trails to your enrichment schedule is great for the dogs and hones their natural sniffing skills. Providing mental stimulation is also important for canines, so puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games are excellent options that help prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

Painting
Painting is a great way to keep older dogs busy and engaged. It is also a good option for dogs that don’t require as much mental stimulation as other games or training exercises. This activity is messy, so make sure you have enough space to work and that the floor is easy to clean in case of splatter. You will need a canvas, paint, a handle (optional), and a dog-safe private dog boarding near me brush or marker. Make sure to use non-toxic water based paint to prevent your pet from getting sick in the event of ingestion.

First, prep the canvas by taping its sides to give it a more finished look. Next, add dollops and drizzles of different colors of paint to the canvas. Now, grab a gallon sized Ziploc bag and spread it with your pet’s favorite natural peanut butter. When your pup is passionately licking the bag, they will distribute the paint in a creative swirled pattern on the canvas.
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