I explain to people that my doggy daycare isn’t piles of puppies playing. It more resembles a bar and I
am the bartender. Every character that you’d meet at a bar are in a doggy daycare. Yes, there will always be the youngsters blowing off steam and tackling each other for fun and social ranking. But at the other end is the old guy that sits quietly in the corner nursing a pint because it’s better than being alone.
Social interaction for most dogs is important. As our dogs age they may not be as physically vibrant with their friends, but just being around other dogs feels good. Like us, dogs are designed to be in small groups most of the time. And their social interactions are our responsibility.
My ten-year Lab has a special date twice a week with another old Lab style dog. They walk quietly side
by side doing a loving hip bump occasionally. One will flick the other’s ear with her nose. They aren’tdoing the zoomies anymore, but it’s clear that they both enjoy their date days. Telling your older dog to “Go play!” when they encounter a new dog is as silly as dropping your spouse off at work and telling them to “Go play!” Adults are subtle about their interactions, but those meet ups are just as enjoyable and important as the rough and tumble of youth.
Some dogs will enter my “bar” not knowing anybody and are just as apprehensive as you would be in
the same situation. But they make a little small talk, they see that I am a trusted bartender and start to
relax and mingle. Next thing you know they are regulars and we all shout “Norm!” when they come in.
There is an ebb and flow of energy in the daycare. Mornings are rambunctious and noisy. At around ten
in the morning the first rest time occurs for a few minutes. Then they all wake up and start again. This
system keeps going until around 2:30 when a full siesta occurs. They all agree that it’s nap time and they
zonk out for about a half an hour. Sometimes a person will come in and comment on how quiet it is. “Do
they play at all?” Oh my, yes. Let them rest.
After siesta the games begin again. This is when the younger ones are too tired because they didn’t pace
themselves, and some of the older ones get to play big dog wrestling games without being pestered by
the pups.
Many people think that doggie daycare is only for the young pups, but older dogs can have a nice time
too. It’s like meeting with your bridge club once week. It’s not running, jumping and kicking; but it’s just
nice to be with other folks for a spell.
LUCKY DOG U-BATH AND URBAN DAYCARE
Lucky Dog U-Bath | Pet Grooming | Long Hair | Daycare | Duncan BC Lucky Dog (luckydogubath.ca)