Doggy Daycare in Surrey tells us that like people the personality of a dog is flexible and indeterminate.  Dogs can be exuberant or shy; friendly or hostile; fearful or bold; aggressive or passive or some combination of all of the above.  These differences in personality may to some extent be determined by genetics or breed however for the most part it is based on how each particular dog has been socialized.  Socialization is important to the overall well-being of your dog because it provides them with the opportunity to develop skills they will need to cope with new experiences, therefore reducing your dog’s stress.  Exposing your dog to new environments and situations helps them to feel more comfortable when encountering new things, animals, people and places.  Socialization is especially important during puppy hood with a critical socialization time between 8 – 12 weeks of age.  For example the relationship your dog has with you is based on the time you have had with each other and whether or not it has been positive or negative.  The same extends to the relationship your dog is going to have with other living beings, it is based on both the quality and the amount of time they are exposed to those situations.

In Puppy hood it is important that socialization begin at home.  Between 8 – 12 weeks puppies will be vulnerable to socializing experiences meaning that  contact they have with other living beings could make a life long impression so making sure your puppy is exposed to positive socialization experiences will be all that more important.  Unfortunately at this age the outside world can still be a very dangerous place therefore your puppies socialization experiences will be limited to family members, or other family pets you may have.  At about 3 months your puppy should be ready to leave the house to start experiencing socialization in other ways.  Puppy School is highly recommended by many professionals in the field as it will teach young dogs how to relate to others dogs.  The purpose of puppy school is to give your dog a chance to play with other young dogs of varying breeds, so they will learn to view other dogs as friends, not enemies.

Exposing your dog to new experiences and socializing begins early in life however is a continuing process that can never stop.  Like people dogs enter different periods of their lives when hostile or fearful behaviour can manifest, even if they have been well socialized at a younger age.  Adolescence for example is the first such period.  Like teenagers your dog can go through sudden personality changes, becoming wilful and aggressive or anxious and uncertain.  Most owners see these personality changes between the ages of 8 months and 2 years.  Continued support for your dog with socialization, patience, and reassurance will be crucial for your dog at this point.  Whenever possible you should take your dog into public places, like parks, play dates or other social events where they can be exposed to new dogs and people each and every day.

Our society has changed greatly over the past several years and that includes our attitude towards our canine friends.  Prior to World War II dogs more commonly lived outside in North America but as urbanization developed dogs started to live indoors more frequently.  This development and attitude towards our dogs continued to grow along side other changes such as more adults without children,  or changing work habits.  People don’t work a standard 9 am – 5 pm work day anymore, they are out of the house more and sometimes too tired to take their dog for a walk when they come home after a long day.  The popularity of Doggy Daycares have grown greatly since the early 1990’s with the first modern doggy daycare reported opened in New York City in 1987.  Anywhere working couples are common or living spaces are small Doggy Day care have become a popular way to leave the “Fur Kids” alone “Guilt Free”.  Doggy Daycare is a place where dogs can play ball, maybe go for a walk, experience new things and build relationships with other dogs, just like a regular kids daycare.  Also Doggy Daycare has allowed a greater portion of our population to enjoy the companionship of a canine friend as it really has taken away the excuse of “I can’t have a dog because I work all day”  For many now their pets are their children.  There are multiple varieties of Doggy Daycare.  For example some facilities provide a Kennel-Free environment where dogs play under the supervision of staff members, other places may provide services primarily for small or medium size breeds or some have the area to allow large dogs to run and play with each other.  Some daycares provide space indoor,  some outdoor and some provide both.  Whatever the circumstance Doggy Daycare is good for the mental health of the dog because it’s incredibly lonely for a puppy/dog to be left alone all day.  It is a continual way to keep your dog socializing, experiencing new people, places and other animals therefore allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a happy well balanced dog when you arrive home after work.

Buds & Suds Doggy Play Spa provide Doggy Daycare services for Small and Medium size dogs in a Lovely, Kennel Free, Home Away From Home Environment, with access to play areas inside and out.  Buds & Suds Doggy Play Spa always strives to treat you Canine Companion like one of our own Pack.