Dogs can potentially get themselves into trouble when boredom or anxiety sets in, but when they come to Bark-Shire Park rest assured that they will have plenty of opportunity to burn off that extra energy if they need to or maybe they just enjoy and require the company of other dogs and humans during the day.
Our day care has similarities to a child’s day care in that there is routine and structure to the day. You drop your dog off in the morning and collect them in the afternoon. We offer a fully supervised service where dogs are grouped, based on their personality, size and energy levels through-out the day. They have plenty of time for play and learning as well as rest time, not forgetting loads of cuddles and attention throughout the day.
A younger dog will benefit from mixing with well-adjusted older dogs, learning body language, manners and other social skills needed in a dog’s world. An older dog will benefit from hanging out with like-minded friends who don’t necessarily want to play vigorously but just want to take it easy and play at a slower pace.
We are constantly watching everyone’s body language and behaviour, and re-arrange groups through-out the day to suit. A safe time out area for anyone who is getting a bit over excited and not playing nicely is available.
Our environment is about rewarding good behaviour with uninterrupted play, a treat or a toy acknowledging this. Any inappropriate play is interrupted with distraction.
It's not all about play, REST is important as well.... Our day care is not only about playing all day. We believe it is just as important for dogs to have rest through out the day. Especially in a stimulating day care environment.
When people send their dog to day care, they typically want the dog to get some exercise, play with friends, but mostly to get tired. We have all heard that phrase, “A tired dog is a good dog!” But while your dog is at day care, it’s important to note that it is also beneficial for them to get some midday rest rather than engaging in non-stop play. You are probably thinking, why am I paying for my dog to sleep!
Studies have shown that incorporating rest periods and naps into training actually help the dog retain more of what they learn. Although day care is not a formal training session, your dog is constantly learning new things while at day care. Dog-to-dog interactions are part of the social skills that dogs are constantly learning and can change from day to day. Also, mixed into play are interactions with carers, skills like recall, waiting politely at doors, and not jumping up on people are consistently being reinforced throughout the day. Allowing your dog to take periodic rests throughout the day is crucial to their ability to absorb all of this information. Midday rest periods also helps them recharge to continue learning and better enjoy their time in the afternoon.
The amount of mandatory rest depends on the dog. Puppies and adolescent dogs (as well as other easily over-aroused dogs) need more frequent breaks and often won’t take breaks on their own in a group setting. Some adult dogs are very good at self-regulating and can take breaks willingly by choosing a comfy spot inside to rest. Much like us, dogs need balance throughout the day. A popular belief in dealing with a high-energy dog is to just keep running them until they are so tired that they pass out for a few hours. But too much exercise and stimulus on a high-energy dog can actually make them even more high-strung and energetic! Although dogs do need to run and blow off steam, there should be a balance with calm, restful periods in between to help them mentally refocus.