Is Doggy Daycare Helping or Hurting Your Dog?

Doggy daycare can give dogs exercise, enrichment, social time, and a much-needed outlet for their energy. But a dog coming home exhausted does not automatically mean they had a great day, and not every dog enjoys or benefits from a group daycare environment. In this episode, Amy talks with pet care professional Rich Schlatter, CPACP, about how to tell whether your dog truly likes daycare, what a proper evaluation should look like, and how to choose a facility that is equipped to keep your dog safe. They discuss the difference between healthy tiredness and signs that daycare may be overwhelming your dog, why group size and play style matter more than simply separating dogs by size, and what pet parents should notice during facility tours. You’ll also learn: What your dog’s drop-off and pickup behavior may be telling you Which dogs may not be a good fit for traditional group daycare Questions to ask about staff training, supervision, emergencies, and dog-to-staff ratios How reputable facilities introduce dogs to a new group Why dogs need rest and recovery during and after daycare When day boarding or individual enrichment may be a better option How often your dog should attend daycare Practical tips for your dog’s first day Doggy daycare should offer more than a place to leave your dog while you work. The right program should match your dog’s temperament, age, health, energy level, and social needs. The goal is not simply to bring home a dog who is too exhausted to move. It is to give your dog an experience that leaves them happy, comfortable, and able to return to their normal life at home. Connect With Rich Schlatter Email: RichSchlatter@gmail.com LinkedIn: Rich Schlatter, CPACP Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Practical pet advice for busy pet parents. Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it. Listen & Follow: 🌍 Official Site |📱 Facebook |📺 YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵 Spotify The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals. No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets. Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro