Doggie Daycare too much for Spencer?

[houZ]

Can leaving your dog @ doggie daycare be too stressful for a 2yr old who despite numerous attempts at socializing with other dogs, has anxiety and is very submissive. The people @ the daycare said he has no self confidence. I am concerned whether to continue bringing him there because I know he cries the second I drop him off (for how long I'm not sure) and the other day just walking by the place I noticed he got quite upset thinking that's where we were going. Should he continue the once a week (half days) sessions? Will he adjust with time/experience or will it only make him worse?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

:D

[Morkie4]

Well, I guess really the only way you will know how he acts when you are not there is to drop him off and see if they will allow you to observe him out of sight. That way you can determine if he is benefiting by the socialization with other dogs or not. Or if there is anything going on that may be affecting him negatively that the employees are not. Are they making any attempts to help him with his submission or are they allowing the other playmates to intimidate him.

Also do they offer classes at the doggie daycare that you could put him through to help build his self-confidence??? If not perhaps another facility can help you with the training but I am putting Toby through classes to help him with his aggression........I can let you know how that goes.

Also, when you pick him up does he seem fearful or have any other indications that he is not benefiting from the doggie daycare????

Lots to think about.:) And "YOU" know your dog best.

[MaxJack'sMom]

I agree with Carol, keep out of site and watch your dog for awhile. Are there too many dogs at one time? Is he with bigger dogs, or do they keep smaller dogs separated from the others?
You are the best judge for your dog. Maybe he only likes 1 or 2 dogs to play with. Can you find a smaller play group to try?

[houZ]

Unfortunately, there was no way for me to watch him out of sight. He was amongst other 'little' dogs... I recall a Pug or 2, few terriers or simular... but they were all flaked out on pillows or in some spot laying down (except the pug...lol). I have no clue what Spencer did for the afternoons other than whine and most likely get weirded out by 1 or 2 dogs attempting to smell him or whatever. He has been 2 times thus far and I've kind of decided not to bring him back even though my gut tells me it's in his best interest and all. The look on his little face though makes me not want to 'abandon' him (as he seems to think). So, I'm hoping that with the warm weather coming and daily visits to the dog park/places with other doggies he will eventually come around.

Thanks for your replies (as always)!

This forum is a very special place.

:o

[MaxJack'sMom]

Sorry to hear about it not working out.
Maybe Spencer is experiencing separation issues with you.
The dog park with you there might be better for him, I do hope so.

[Morkie4]

Unfortunately, there was no way for me to watch him out of sight. He was amongst other 'little' dogs... I recall a Pug or 2, few terriers or simular... but they were all flaked out on pillows or in some spot laying down (except the pug...lol). I have no clue what Spencer did for the afternoons other than whine and most likely get weirded out by 1 or 2 dogs attempting to smell him or whatever. He has been 2 times thus far and I've kind of decided not to bring him back even though my gut tells me it's in his best interest and all. The look on his little face though makes me not want to 'abandon' him (as he seems to think). So, I'm hoping that with the warm weather coming and daily visits to the dog park/places with other doggies he will eventually come around.

Thanks for your replies (as always)!

This forum is a very special place.

:o


Well, if your gut tells you not to take him back, then don't do it! I would try the doggie park as the next trial to help him socilize. Do they have any doggie classes available that you could take him to. You can be with him and yet he will be around other dogs/people. I am attempting to do this with Toby starting next Tuesday. I think going to classes helps all around with teaching them obedience and a bonding experience.

This forum is very special to me too!

[Ashley V]

If you are concerned about him needing attention through the day, maybe get him a dog walker or someone to come by to play with him for a little bit. He just might not like dogs that much.