Dog day care or an alternative?

[Madblondedog]

Currently I work from home, usually 4 days per week. The day I don't work from home either dp or I pop home at lunchtime to see him for around 45 mins and even on those days he isn't left for longer than 4.5 hours.

I am starting a new job soon which will be office based and I will be out of the house from 8.15 until 6pm I think (not worked out travelling times as yet). We could get a dog walker once or twice a day but I love my dog walks with ddog in an evening and a morning but I think one or two extra walks per day may exhaust him. Dog day care is an option but the increase in salary I would gain would be lost covering that.

My questions are, what would you do in my circumstance....
a) Dog day care and just suck up the cost
b) One dog walk per day and pay a dog sitter to visit for an hour a day (probably £4 per day cheaper which as a saving over a year really adds up). He'd spend the same amount of time a day
c) Two dog walks per day

Also, how much do people pay for dog walks and dog day care? Do you get a discount for every day?

[harryhausen]

I work from home too, but full time at home. I recently tried out a doggy daycare/holiday lady for a day and night for the occasional day I need to go to London etc.

If it was me, I'd mix it up a bit. My dog absolutely loved the daycare as he got a big walk plus lots of play at home with a nice group of dogs. Very mentally stimulating. Could you perhaps do one or two days doggy daycare and another two with a dog walker or your two walks a day?

[Madblondedog]

Oh, that's a good idea mixing it up.

The only reason I was thinking about keeping continuity is if there is any discount for having him daily.

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

We mixed it up when I worked full time.

Daycare one day a week
Agility training one evening
Obedience training one evening
Lots of socialising etc at the weekend

I came home for 45 mins at lunch and only worked half day on Friday.

DH and I staggered our working days, too, so I started really early and came home early, he did the opposite.

Dogs were always content I think!

[Madblondedog]

I'm thinking maybe 2 days per week daycare (maybe a tuesday and a thursday) then 3 days of a dog walk during the day.

I just want him to be happy......he is my fur baby

[Dieu]

Everyone I know who uses doggy daycare raves about it. I've never tried it, but the dogs apparently love it! It makes sense I guess, when they have constant stimulation and companionship.

[harryhausen]

OP, I'm sure your dog will be very happy mixing it up. At least you're being very responsible thinking about it and not just leaving him on his own unlike my SIL and her two poor dogs .

Incidentally I met my doggy daycare lady randomly on our walk this morning and my dog sprinted across the field to see her and the dogs. He was so happy (which made me happy).

[Madblondedog]

Awww Harry that must be lovely to know he's that happy there.

I've found somewhere that does 5 hour day care which is much cheaper so I think that would be the best solution.

He is part of all my job related decisions

[davinaclark87]

If you are too busy - I think Doggy Day Care is a great solution. I've used - www.citypups.co.uk/dog-day-care-london - a couple of times in the last year! They are really worth the money and the pups are really happy at the end of it! Just make sure you check the available dog day care centres near you and read loads of reviews - to make sure it would be ideal for your pup :)

[Paulat2112]

Two 1 hour walks a day may be too much. Most dog walker will offer hourly walks, i know i don't provide 30 minute walks. You can get doggy daycare from as little as £10 a day which will include some walks, if you use a home boarder.

[Dieu]

Doggy Daycare would be the dream for my wee dog. He is so sociable, and adores other dogs. It has the added advantage of tiring them out too!

[Dieu]

£10 a day! Where do you live Paula?

[Paulat2112]

I'm not far from Glasgow Dieu there are quite a lot in my area so people have to be quite competitive with prices. Although I do charge more myself.

[Dieu]

Ahaa, I'm in Edinburgh but come from Paisley originally. I miss everything being cheaper on the west coast!

[ChairRider4]

£10a day home boarding I wish here is £25 but worth it as my boy loves it