Until Odin came into my life, I’d never heard of doggie daycares. While former pets got their socialization and playtime by accompanying us to local parks, Odin was a different story. Being a collie-Austrailian shepherd mix, his herding instincts were always in play and he exercised them on everything from bugs to Mack trucks. As the dominant puppy in his litter, he possessed an inflated sense of strength and power which led him to reject more appropriate playmates in favor of the big guys. Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers were his prime targets; and, needless to say, he got himself into trouble on a regular basis. Then there was water. Tiny ball of fur that he was, Odie would hurl himself with abandon into lakes, fast-moving streams, deep, slimy ponds and then realize that he could neither swim nor get himself out.
In short time my husband and I both tired of having to be referee-sprinter-life guard and recognized that our relaxing afternoons in the park were over--at least with this dog. Yet, Odin had boundless energy and required copious amounts of exercise, mental stimulation, and variety. He was also badly in need of socialization skills, but his strong will and rambunctious behavior got us kicked out of both puppy school and clicker training classes. Recognizing that we needed help, our veterinarian recommended an animal behavioralist. Megan was a godsend. After studying our little rascal for a few days, she came up with a series of behavior modification methods which fit Odin’s personality to a "T." She also recommended that he attend a doggie daycare several days a week.
In attempting to find the best environment for my pup, I discovered there are many types of daycare facilities in operation: Some are in people’s homes, some in warehouse-like structures, and others are extensions of already operating kennels and boarding "hotels." The one that worked for Odin was a large farm converted to a daycare facility--complete with in-ground pool (and lifeguard), obstacle courses, playgrounds, and lots of human and canine interaction. Unfortunately for him, a few months before he turned one year old I moved to Virginia Beach. While there would be many things to adjust to, I knew he would be okay if I could only find a daycare similar to the one he enjoyed in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, I did, and Odin has had a home away from home ever since.
Unlike taking your dog to a park where all types of human and animal personalities rub elbows, doggie daycare workers spend time assessing each dog’s energy level, play style, and personality before assigning him to a playgroup. In this way, compatibility issues are minimized while close relationships develop and flourish. Odin definitely has his favorite canine and human playmates. On days in which he is slow to move, all I have to ask is: "Do you want to play with Callie?" and he’s in the car in a flash.
A good daycare will have a ratio of humans to dogs that assures safety and order are maintained and that there is enough attention and affection to go around. A big yard with a few tennis balls for entertainment just wouldn’t cut it for Odin. He requires variety and stimulation, which his current "activity center" provides in good measure. There are water activities, hills of dirt to climb, organized games, sand to dig in, and free-play. Each day is structured in a way that allows for rest periods, lunch, and hang-out with-staff time, as well. There are large fenced in fields, smaller park-like areas, outdoor shelters, and indoor play spaces to move between. When it is lunch or nap time, each dog enters his private, white picket fenced "pen," complete with bedding, water, and food bowl. Odin’s facility did away with crates, except for those who prefer the familiar sense of security they provide. These pens surround an open middle area replete with couches, chairs, and other items that make it look and feel like home. And the dogs certainly do feel at home at Holly Ridge Manor. It still tickles me to see how Odin jumps to his feet and begins to bark in anticipation the minute our car turns onto the familiar gravel driveway. Bright-eyed, smiling pups are everywhere, anxious to push in the door and join there friends for another day of play. By early evening they are still smiling, but pleasantly tired, as they gratefully accept their good-bye treat and calmly follow their equally tired humans to their cars.
Because I work from home, I don’t need to send Odin to daycare. But, at this point, I wouldn’t think of depriving him of one of his greatest pleasures. He is five now, and doesn’t have the same energy level, so three days a week serve him just fine. He keeps track, though, and knows when Monday, Wednesday, and Friday roll around. If he misses a day, his game is off for the rest of the week. I, too, look forward to these three days of being able to write uninterruptedly, knowing that my guy is happily playing and being well cared for as I do.
I’ve learned that people of various life-styles choose to treat their pets to one or several days of doggie daycare each week: Those who work full time and don’t view leaving their pups alone or crated for 10 hours a humane option; older folks who realize they can’t keep up with the level of exercise and activity their dogs require; people with "only child" puppies who want to make sure they receive proper socialization while still young; those who work at home and require a block of time to concentrate solely on their job; apartment and condo dwellers who don’t live in areas where their pets can run and play safely. Even dogs with certain handicaps can flourish in the safe, nurturing environment of the right daycare facility.
I don’t know where Odin and I would be, now, if we hadn’t found our gifted behavioralist and, through her, discovered doggie daycare. Finding an outlet for his energy, keeping his mind active and challenged, watching him develop appropriate socialization skills and learn how to happily conform to rules, structure, and boundaries have made a world of difference--in both his life and mine. Ask anyone. Odin is now the sweetest, most content, cooperative, and friendly dog you’ll ever meet. And I take credit for none of it.
Karen Reed Hadalski is a freelance writer living in Virginia Beach. She can be contacted at karenhadalski@netscape.net
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