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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Owning a Dog and Working

8 replies

GinJeanie · 23/12/2020 08:23

Hiya
Quick question. Does anyone use day care for their dog and is this option ok for them? We were devastated to have to have our girl PTS earlier in the year. We got her when DH was based at home many years ago so could give her lots of time and attention. When she was about 6 we were both out working a lot more but she was fine with someone coming in late morning. Just slept mainly. We got her as a puppy as we had small DC and wouldn't have been given a rescue.
We desperately miss her and being dog owners. However, understand it's not all about us. We're out the house 4 days a week now so not sure how we can have a dog again until we retire. However, I work in a school so have the holidays and friends in this position use day care. Is that fair on the dog as although it's expensive, it is something we may consider. Many thanks

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 23/12/2020 08:33

I use daycare as I work full time. I do a mix of office and home so have always used daycare 3-4 times a week from 12 weeks old (he is now 4).

I am at home full time due to covid and he still goes to daycare as it's good for him and for me as I can't give him lots of attention when working.

However, not all daycares are equal and not all dogs like them. Mine loves his and his backup one because it's a home daycare e.g. a dog walker who takes a small number of dogs as daycare. Sometimes it's just him at daycare but he joins the other dogs when she walks them or sleeps on her sofa and has a walk later. He absolutely hated the big commercial daycare we tried that was in a farm building kitted out into sections.

Daycare is pricey so do factor that in. But in my opinion it is worth it.

rainingdogs1977 · 23/12/2020 08:36

We are getting a dog next year . I work 3 days a week . Out the house from 8.30 til 2. I'm planning on sending the dog to daycare for half a day . It's a very highly regarded day care in our area so I know it's practices and has a specific puppy room. I think it will help with socialisation (this is very well overseen) and will be taken for walks whilst at work .

vanillandhoney · 23/12/2020 08:45

Good daycares can be excellent ways of outsourcing dog care - but just be aware that not all dogs suit a daycare environment. Also, there are lots of different "types" of daycare - small ones in peoples homes, big commercial type ones in warehouses and ones based in kennels or outdoor spaces with private fields etc.

All have different benefits and setbacks - but all daycare facilities (whether commercial or in peoples homes) should be licensed by the council - it is now illegal to operate them without a license, though many illegal ones still exist. Also be aware that you don't need specific qualifications or anything to run a daycare - just insurance and a council license.

There are some near me that are absolutely fantastic and others I wouldn't trust to look after a goldfish. Do your research and ask to do some trial days - and don't be afraid to ask questions! Smile

HarryBlackberry1 · 23/12/2020 09:08

We also work in schools. I think the key for us is having a fantastic dog walker. We have an active lab, and our dog walker takes her out for a good couple of hours a day. When my partner get in at 4pm she is always asleep, as she has had such a good time running around with her friends. I've seen people on MN say that you shouldn't have a dog if you work, but I think it's nonsense. As long as the dog gets decent day care why shouldn't it work. My dog gets more exercise than the other dogs on the street and is very happy.

Imiss2019 · 23/12/2020 09:16

I use day care but like others have said they’re not all great. Took a while to find the right one and now we have it’s brilliant. Ddog has the most amazing time. It’s really home from home and after a morning charging around the local fields he spends the day asleep on her bed.
His previous daycare that we trialled had a converted garage and dining room for the dogs where they stayed unless being walked. He hated it and chewed a door to pieces, whilst another dog dug a huge hole in the plaster board wall.
It costs me a fortune but I know he’s as happy at his current daycare as he is at home.

converseandjeans · 23/12/2020 09:36

Our dog gets early morning walk (about 5) then dog walker mid morning & another walk about 4.30. I work 3 days in school and do work from home the other days so am in and out doing school run and supermarket shop etc on those two days. I walk him those days. So he always gets 3 walks. He seems happy enough.

Original poster
GinJeanie · 23/12/2020 12:03

Thank you all so much Flowers. This gives me some hope as I was really concerned it wasn't good for the dog... I don't even know why.
It's such a big commitment I know but we miss our girl so much and have so much to offer another dog. Will do a LOT of local research. There's then the issue of finding another dog, but that's another story... Hmm

OP posts:
HarryBlackberry1 · 23/12/2020 13:58

We have a great dog walker now, as I said, but our first dog walker was a complete charlatan and we gained proof that she was not taking the dog out. She was apparently well known for it and took on as many dogs as she could to fund her lifestyle. So, I would try and get local word of mouth recommendations. It's sad, but there are people who have no morals. I should have known when she turned up driving a top of the range Mercedes, fake nails, etc.

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