Does doggy daycare help with separation anxiety?

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It's a question we hear all the time. People want to know if their dog can be trained to be more independent, or if doggy daycare will help solve their dog's separation issues and associated behaviours.

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We're here to answer these questions and more!

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First, What is Separation Anxiety? 

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Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs. It is a disorder that causes dogs to exhibit signs of destructive behavior when left alone. Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include excessive barking, whining, pacing, or howling. Some dogs will destroy furniture and other household items while the owner is away in order to cope with being alone, others will urinate or defecate on the floor or carpet because they're so anxious.

This behavior is not limited to dogs that have been abandoned or neglected—it can also be observed in dogs who are well cared for and loved by their owners. The cause of separation anxiety is still unknown, but some dogs are more prone to developing this condition than others.

It's important that you don't punish your dog for having separation anxiety—they're just upset because they miss you!

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How does Doggy Daycare Help Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

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Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common behavioral issues that dog owners face. As a result, many people turn to doggy daycare as a way to help with this issue. But does it really work?

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Yes! and here's how:

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- It gives your dog a chance to interact with other dogs and people—which can make them feel less alone and more confident.

- It gives your dog a chance to play with toys and engage in other activities they enjoy—which can distract them from thinking about you being gone.

- It provides opportunities for your dog to get exercise and release pent-up energy.

- It boosts overall confidence and independence; meaning less anxiety when left home alone.

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Proof it works

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There is a growing body of research demonstrating that doggy daycare can be an effective treatment for separation anxiety in dogs. 

In a study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, researchers found that dogs with separation anxiety showed significant improvement after spending time at doggy daycare.

The researchers attribute this to the fact that dogs who attend daycare are exposed to many new people and other dogs. This helps them become more confident and less scared of being away from their owners.

According to one study conducted at the University of North Texas, dogs who attended daycare showed fewer signs of separation anxiety when left alone than dogs who didn't attend daycare.

Other studies have shown similar results and have found doggy daycare can actually reduce stress levels in dogs by as much as 80%!

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So there you have it, it's a fact: Doggy Daycare DOES help with separation anxiety.

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It is a fantastic outlet for your dog's energy, and it provides them with social interaction as well as a sense of community. And most importantly, when you come home from work or school, you'll have an extra-happy pup waiting for you!

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If you're in the Inverness area, be sure to check out Playful Paws. They have tons of activities for your dog to participate in, and you can even see photos of them having fun while you're away!

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