Is Doggy Daycare the Right Choice for Your Dog?
You drop your dog off at daycare, expecting them to have a fun-filled day of play and socialisation. But when you pick them up, they’re either completely exhausted, overly hyperactive, or even more reactive than before. You may wonder, "Was this the right decision for my dog?" The reality is that doggy daycare, despite its appealing concept, is not suitable for most dogs.
Many owners believe daycare is the best way to keep their dog entertained and socialised while they’re at work. However, not all dogs thrive in this environment, and in many cases, it can do more harm than good. Let’s explore why doggy daycare may not be the ideal solution for your dog’s needs.
Understanding Doggy Daycare: What Really Happens Inside?
Doggy daycare facilities vary in structure, but most operate by grouping dogs together in a shared play area with minimal supervision. Some daycares separate dogs by size, while others use a free-for-all approach. The idea is that dogs will "socialise" and play throughout the day, burning off energy. However, there are several problems with this setup:
Overstimulation – Constant exposure to high-energy dogs can cause stress, anxiety, and reactivity.
Lack of Proper Rest – Many dogs struggle to settle in an environment with continuous activity.
Reinforcement of Bad Behaviours – Rough play, bullying, and inappropriate social interactions often go uncorrected.
Risk of Injury or Trauma – Even well-meaning dogs can become overwhelmed, leading to fights or fear responses.
For some dogs, especially those prone to reactivity or anxiety, these factors can create long-term behavioural issues rather than solving them.
Why Doggy Daycare Can Make Reactivity Worse
Many owners turn to daycare hoping their reactive dog will "socialise" and become more accepting of other dogs. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true.
Here’s why:
Dogs Learn Through Repetition – If your reactive dog is constantly exposed to chaotic or stressful social situations, their reaction will become stronger rather than weaker.
Lack of Individual Attention – Most daycares operate with a high dog-to-staff ratio, meaning there’s little to no training or structured socialisation.
Increased Arousal Levels – Dogs experiencing heightened excitement all day can struggle to regulate themselves outside of daycare, leading to more reactivity on walks and in other public spaces.
If your dog struggles with reactivity, a structured training plan with controlled socialisation is a far better approach than throwing them into an unpredictable daycare environment.
How Doggy Daycare Increased Luna’s Reactivity
Luna, a two-year-old Labrador, was dropped off at daycare during the week with the intention of helping with her socialisation. At first, she seemed excited, but after a few weeks, her owner noticed changes in her behaviour. She became more reactive on walks, barking and lunging at other dogs. Instead of helping her social skills, daycare had exposed her to unpredictable situations where she felt the need to defend herself. After working with a trainer, Luna’s owner switched to structured training and controlled social interactions, which helped her regain confidence and reduce her reactivity.
Are There Any Dogs That Benefit from Doggy Daycare?
While daycare isn’t suitable for most dogs, there are a few exceptions:
Confident, Socially Skilled Dogs – Dogs that genuinely enjoy high-energy group play and recover well from overstimulation.
Well-Structured Facilities – Some daycares offer structured programs with professional dog trainers overseeing interactions.
Dogs That Need Short-Term Socialisation – Puppies or young dogs in a carefully monitored environment can benefit from limited, positive interactions.
However, even for these dogs, daycare should not replace formal training, structured exercise, and engagement with their owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doggy Daycare
Can daycare help my reactive dog become more social?
No. If your dog is reactive, exposure to uncontrolled environments like daycare will likely reinforce their behaviour. Structured training and controlled socialisation are far more effective.
Take a look at our blog post Dog Socialisation - The Right Way within our free resource section and find out exactly what you should be doing to correctly socialise your dog or puppy.
My dog seems exhausted after daycare. Isn’t that a good thing?
Not necessarily. A tired dog isn’t always a happy or well-balanced dog. Overstimulation and exhaustion can lead to irritability, poor impulse control, and even increased anxiety.
Are all daycare facilities bad?
Not all, but most are not designed with proper behavioural management in mind. If you do choose daycare, research facilities thoroughly and look for those with structured play, professional trainers, and a focus on individualised care.
What are better alternatives to daycare?
Structured training sessions
Engagement-focused walks
Scent work or enrichment activities
Small, controlled socialisation with known dogs
The Better Alternative: Structured Training & Engagement
If your goal is a well-balanced, confident, and obedient dog, structured training and engagement with you will always be superior to daycare.
At ASCENDK9, we help dog owners create strong relationships with their dogs through tailored training. Whether your dog struggles with reactivity, obedience, or confidence, we can guide you toward a solution that works.
Because we collaborate and network with a wide range of professionals in the industry within the Herts and Essex area - if you’re looking for structured dog walking with training included, we’ll be able to confidently recommend a trusted professional who will continue the ongoing training you’re learning with us.
Want to get started with training and receive recommendations for local dog walkers who provide a walk and train service?
Book your first Private In-Person or Virtual Lesson online today to begin!