What to Look for in a Dog Daycare

Stephanie Brooks on May 01, 2023

Dog daycare has become increasingly popular among pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. However, not all dog daycare facilities are created equal, and it’s important to choose a facility that prioritizes positive reinforcement training methods. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes a good dog daycare.

First and foremost, a good dog daycare will have staff members who are trained in positive reinforcement methods. Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior, and interpreting dog behavior and body language to intervene before dogs can escalate. Staff members at a positive reinforcement-based daycare will have a deep understanding of this training method and will be able to effectively communicate with your dog.

Secondly, a good dog daycare will have a low staff-to-dog ratio. This ensures that staff members can give individual attention to each dog and respond quickly to any potential behavioral issues. When dogs are in a group setting, it’s important to have staff members who can keep an eye on all of them and intervene if necessary.

The physical space of the daycare is also important. A good dog daycare will have plenty of space for dogs to run, play, and relax. The space should be clean and well-maintained, with separate areas for different activities such as playtime, rest time, and potty breaks.

In addition, a good dog daycare will have a variety of toys and activities available for dogs. Dogs thrive on mental stimulation, and a daycare that provides puzzles, games, and other activities will keep your dog engaged and happy. Staff members should also be trained to facilitate these activities and ensure that each dog is getting the appropriate level of stimulation.

Lastly, a good dog daycare will prioritize the safety and well-being of all dogs. This means that they will have strict rules in place for aggressive behavior, and staff members will be trained to handle any potential issues in a calm and effective manner. They will also have a plan in place for emergencies, such as a dog becoming injured or ill while at daycare.

In conclusion, a good dog daycare will prioritize the well-being and happiness of all dogs in their care. They will have staff members who are trained in positive reinforcement training methods, a low staff-to-dog ratio, a clean and well-maintained space, a variety of toys and activities available, and a focus on safety and well-being. By choosing a positive reinforcement-based daycare, you can ensure that your furry friend is getting the best care possible.


Puppy Socialization

Stephanie Brooks on April 18, 2023

Puppy Campers
Puppy campers practicing good manners while socializing with adult dogs.

As a puppy owner, one of the most important things you can do for your furry friend is to socialize them properly. Socialization is the process of introducing your puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, sights, sounds, and experiences in a safe and positive way. This early exposure is crucial for your puppy’s development and will help them become a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Puppies that are not properly socialized can become fearful or aggressive towards people or other animals. This can be dangerous for both your puppy and others around them. By exposing your puppy to a variety of situations and experiences, you can help them learn that new things are not necessarily scary or threatening.

Socialization can help build your puppy’s confidence and teach them how to handle new situations with ease. When puppies are exposed to different people, animals, and environments, they learn to adapt and adjust quickly. This will help your puppy feel more comfortable and confident in new situations throughout their life.

Puppies that are well socialized are more likely to have good behavior as adults. By positively exposing your puppy to a variety of people and experiences, you can help them learn appropriate social skills and manners. This will make them easier to train and more enjoyable to be around.

Socialization can also help improve your puppy’s overall quality of life. Dogs that are comfortable in a variety of situations are able to enjoy more experiences with their owners. They can go to new places, meet new people, and enjoy new activities without fear or anxiety.

Finally, socialization can help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. By introducing them to new experiences and being there to support them, you are building trust and creating positive associations with you as their owner. This will help create a strong, lifelong bond between you and your furry friend.


At the suggestion of Tail Lights we enrolled in Nose Work classes. I could write a page on the benefits and fun these classes provide for me, Bob and Bitsy but will save that for another day. I am just thankful they don’t have pole dancing classes for dogs since I seem to be open to anything Tail Lights has to offer!
— Judy Stenhouse