The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Dog Daycare

So, you're considering doggy daycare. Perhaps you're heading back to the office, planning a trip, or simply want your dog to enjoy some social interaction during the day. Understandably, entrusting your beloved companion to someone else can be daunting. Are they safe? Will they be happy? What if they miss you too much? (Spoiler: they’ll likely be far too busy playing to notice!)

As a qualified trainer who has run a home-from-home dog daycare for a decade, I understand these concerns. I’ve welcomed all kinds of dogs into my care and witnessed how the right environment can help even the most shy dog build confidence and thrive. I’ve also seen that not every dog is suited to a daycare setting—and that’s perfectly okay!

This guide will help you walk through he process of finding a daycare that’s safe, enriching, and well-matched to your dog’s temperament.

Keeping them on their toes! (or bums..)

Why Consider Dog Daycare?

Before we explore how to choose the right daycare, let’s consider why you might want one to begin with. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Socialisation: Dogs can form healthy relationships with other dogs and humans, under professional supervision.

• Exercise: Plenty of physical activity, tailored to their breed and energy levels, can help curb boredom and destructive behaviours.

• Mental stimulation: The best daycares provide enrichment that challenges dogs mentally, not just physically.

• Separation support: Regular interaction and structured activity can ease anxiety in dogs who struggle with being left alone.

  
  

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that daycare isn’t the right fit for every dog.

When Daycare Might Not Be Suitable

Some dogs find group environments overwhelming. If your dog is highly nervous, fearful, or becomes overstimulated in the presence of other dogs, daycare might not be for you. For these dogs, alternative arrangements - such as solo dog walking, enrichment visits at home, or working with a behaviourist - can be far more beneficial and are recommended.

A responsible daycare provider should assess whether your dog is comfortable and appropriate for group care. Forcing a dog into an unsuitable setting can be counterproductive, increasing stress and potentially leading to behavioural issues.

NOTE: If your dog is reactive to other dogs, trust me when I say, daycare is not the place to socialise them and will not help with their reactivity.

Even if you find the perfect daycare and things seem to go smoothly at first, it can take time for a dog to fully adjust to a new routine. If at any point you feel your dog isn’t enjoying themselves, it’s perfectly okay to explore other options - even after they've already started or been there for years! A dog’s social preferences can change as they grow, and that’s completely normal :)

Lyra the Golden and Bo the Briard having a mucky catch up

Step 1: Research Your Options

A quick search for "dog daycare near me" will offer a starting point, but I recommend digging a little deeper. Seek providers who emphasise staff qualifications, behaviour-led care, and a calm, structured environment. A great daycare should have one member of staff to every six dogs.

It is also a legal obligation for any daycare (no matter how small!) in the UK to have either a commercial or “home from home” dog daycare and/or home boarding license. If someone is offering to take your dog for the day (or overnight) for payment, this counts as daycare.

Ask to see their license!

What to Look for in Reviews:

• Are dogs reported to come home relaxed and content? Dogs returning home “exhausted” is not always a good thing!

• Do clients mention skilled, compassionate staff?

• Are there mentions of behaviour-based or individualised care?

• Any concerns raised about injuries, overcrowding, or lack of communication?

Step 2: Take a Tour of the Facility

It’s essential to view the environment before sending your dog. Many home-based daycares (like mine) operate by appointment when spaces are available only, but will gladly arrange a tour in person.

Things to Observe:

• Cleanliness: Is it tidy and odour-free?

• Indoor and outdoor: Are there indoor areas for sheltering, keeping warm/cool and sleeping? and outdoor spaces/gardens for toileting and exercise?

• Atmosphere: Does it feel safe and suitable for your dog’s personality?

• Supervision: Are staff attentive and trained in canine body language?

• Energy levels: Are dogs engaged calmly or is the atmosphere chaotic?

  
  

Look for staff who use positive reinforcement and maintain a low-stress environment. Behaviour qualifications and ongoing training are definite advantages.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

A good daycare will welcome your questions—it shows you’re committed to your dog’s wellbeing.

Key Questions to Ask:

• Do they have a license and the correct insurance? (it is against the law in the UK to look after dogs for profit on a private premises without a valid license from the local council)

• How are dogs assessed before being accepted?

• How are playgroups formed? (Consider size, temperament, and energy.)

• How many dogs do they take per day?

• What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

• Are up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention required?

• What is the policy on neutering and bitches in season?

• What behaviours are accepted or not accepted?

• What training or behavioural experience do staff have?

• How are rest and enrichment structured throughout the day?

  
  

At my own daycare, I ensure dogs receive periods of calm, structured downtime—it's a crucial part of their day and prevents them from getting grumpy when tired!

Surrey Canine Corner Daycare Dogs are all temperament tested and trialled before they join - and just look at those grins 🐾

Step 4: Do a Trial Session

Once you’ve chosen a daycare that aligns with your expectations, begin with a short trial (any good daycare will have this as part of their joining policy anyway!). A half-day session, followed by a full day trial allows your dog to adjust gradually without being overwhelmed.

As someone who is constantly watching a newbie's behaviour, I look for:

• How easily a dog settles in

• Whether they seek interaction with myself or the other dogs, or need space throughout the day

• Their behaviour when playing (is it shy or rough? Do they get overstimulated quickly?)

• Their demeanour upon pick up and drop off - wiggly and relaxed is ideal.

  
  

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩No health or vaccination policy 🚩 No valid license or insurance 🚩 Unstructured or chaotic play 🚩 Use of aversive training techniques (inc prong collars or e-collars) 🚩 Overcrowded or understaffed environment 🚩 Poor communication or unwillingness to discuss concerns 🚩 Unclear policy on neutering and bitches in season 🚩 TOO MANY DOGS 🚩

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right dog daycare is a personal decision and should reflect your dog’s individual temperament and needs. A good daycare will provide structure, engagement, and support your dog’s development in a safe, controlled environment. However, not every dog thrives in a daycare setting. If your dog becomes overly anxious or overstimulated, other options such as solo walks, one-on-one enrichment, or time with a trusted sitter may be more appropriate.

Your instincts are a valuable guide. Take your time, ask the right questions, and prioritise your dog’s wellbeing above all.

If you’ve had a positive (or not-so-positive) daycare experience, feel free to share in the comments below. Your story might just help another dog owner make the right choice. 🐾

Bettie enjoying the paddling pool 🐾

Becki Gude

Ba(hons) PACT-KSA ABTC-ATI

Surrey Canine Corner

https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/

Canine Gut Health and Behaviour: Why Your Dog's Gut is Known as the "Second Brain" (and Why It Matters for Training!)

Heard the saying, "Trust your gut"?

Well, it turns out there's a lot of truth to that, especially when it comes to our furry friends! The gut isn't just about digesting kibble or the evening's leftovers off your plate; it's a sophisticated system often dubbed the "second brain." But what does that really mean, and why should you care? Can your dog's diet really affect their behaviour and training?

Let's look into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection in dogs and see how it can affect their overall well-being and ability to learn.

The Gut's Own Brain! The Enteric Nervous System:

First off, we have the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). This network of about 100 million neurons lines your dog's digestive tract, from the throat to the rectum. It’s like having a mini-brain in the gut that manages digestion without needing help from the brain in their head! This means everything from moving food along to regulating blood flow is taken care of by the gut itself. 

Gut Feelings Are Real!

Here’s where it gets super interesting: the gut produces a ton of neurotransmitters. You've probably heard of serotonin, the "feel-good" chemical. Well, about 95% of it is made right there in the gut! (2) This neurotransmitter, along with others like dopamine and GABA (a calming chemical), plays a big role in regulating mood and behaviour. So, when your pup is happy and relaxed, their gut health might just be part of the reason why.

The Mighty Microbiota

Now let's talk about the gut microbiota – the trillions of microorganisms living in your dog's gut. They're not just there for no reason, they're busy producing chemicals that keep the brain and gut in contact and working together. This constant communication happens through pathways like the vagus nerve (the longest cranial nerve that runs from the head through the abdomen) and the immune system.

Studies have shown that when the balance of these gut microbes gets thrown off (a condition called dysbiosis), it can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and even neurological disorders (2, 4, 5). Dogs that are anxious or unwell may find it significantly harder to learn and make new associations, which can make training a real challenge. If your dog is struggling to pick up new skills or seems reluctant to engage in training, it is incredibly important to consider their gut health and diet amongst other factors that could be influencing their behaviour.

Healing from the Inside Out

So, how can we help keep our dogs' guts—and by extension, their brains—healthy? It often starts with their diet. Including prebiotics and probiotics can make a big difference. These can be found in certain high-quality dog foods or as supplements, but always check with your vet first.

Practical Tips for a Happy Gut (and Pup!)

1. Feed a Balanced Diet: High-quality commercial diets from brands such as Carnilove or vet-approved homemade meals can provide the nutrients your dog needs.
   

2. Add Prebiotics and Probiotics: These help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Some prebiotics may be more suitable for your dog than others, so make sure to get your vet’s advice before introducing new supplements!
   

3. Monitor Stress Levels: Stress can affect gut health (8), so keeping your dog’s environment calm and stress-free is essential.

Understanding the gut-brain connection helps us see just how interconnected our dogs' physical and mental health really are. So next time you see your dog happily wagging their tail, remember: a healthy gut helps make a happy, thriving pup, which makes training a whole lot easier!

By Becki Gude

BA(hons) PACT ABTC-ATI

Training & Behaviour consultant for CarniloveUK

http://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk

References

1. Mayer, E. A. (2011). Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut–brain communication. Nature Reviews Neuroscience https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21750565/
   

2. Appleton, j (2018) The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/
   

3. Gershon, M. D., & Tack, J. (2007). The serotonin signaling system: from basic understanding to drug development for functional GI disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17241888/
   

4. Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P. et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25860609/
   

5. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22968153/
   

6. Bercik, P., Denou, E., Collins, J., et al. (2011). The intestinal microbiota affect central levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor and behavior in mice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001650851100607X
   

7. Wallace, C. J., & Milev, R. (2017). The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28239408/
   

8. Konturek P et al (2011). Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314561/

Trauma Bonding and the Quadrants - From Humans, to Dogs, to the Asian Elephant.

I was inspired to write this article after seeing a post by Shay Kelly on social media a few weeks ago. Shay referred to the trauma bonds that can develop between domesticated dogs and humans who are are cruel or that use abusive training methods. His post really packed a punch, and got me thinking about the animals I have worked with over the years.

“Trauma” is a bit of a buzz word at the moment. We are learning more about what it means as part of the human experience, but also in the wider animal kingdom, particularly domesticated animals. Yes, animals can experience trauma too. While they may not process trauma in the same way that we do, animals can be profoundly affected by distressing or harmful experiences. Trauma in animals can result from various sources, including abuse, neglect, accidents, loss of a companion, confinement, abandonment, and exposure to natural disasters.

Traumatic bonding refers to a complex psychological phenomenon where individuals develop strong emotional connections with those who have caused them harm; physical or emotional. It occurs through repetitive cycles of negative experiences and intermittent reinforcement (the good stuff). You may have heard of Stockholm Syndrome, which is a type of trauma bond that humans experience, which can lead to feelings of loyalty, dependency, and affection towards an abuser. This behaviour is not limited to humans; animals can also develop similar bonds, including our dogs. Dog's are incredibly social animals and their desire to bond is so strong, that they will absolutely attach to someone despite mistreatment.

Signs of trauma in animals can often be obvious to see and may include behavioural changes such as fearfulness, aggression, withdrawal, hyperactivity, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. We see these behaviour patterns occurring often in the dog world, particularly in rescue or after a dog experiences something frightening.

However, signs of trauma bonding in dogs can be difficult to observe and can also be misinterpreted. It may look like extreme clinginess, quiet or "calm" behaviour around their handler, excessive appeasement gestures, or separation distress - behaviours that could be interpreted as signs of love or trust but could instead be subtle signs of dysfunctional attachment. Interestingly, I have seen similar behaviours in another species I have had the opportunity to observe at length—elephants.

A kiss for Kamoon, an 80 year old elephant who was trained to assist her mahout with begging

Observing captive elephants

In 2016 I was lucky enough to spend time working with Asian elephants in Thailand. My husband and I lived at a sanctuary that housed about 25 of these creatures that had been rescued from various different illegal and abusive trades in the country.

On arrival, I remember being amazed at how calm and “well behaved” the elephants were in the sanctuary, some of them following their Mahouts (elephant carers) round like little lost puppies, coming when called, leaning gently on them and caressing them with their trunks – they seemed almost in a giddy trance a lot of the time and I couldn't help but wonder what the Mahout's secret was?!

I actually felt a little jealous! I was at the start of my animal training career and I assumed they must have been superb trainers to have this level of trust with their animals!

After a day or two it became apparent quite quickly what was going on.

Each Mahout carried a bullhook (see pictured below). Bullhooks are routinely used as a method of positive punishment to control elephants around the world. I think it's pretty self explanatory what a person might do with a bullhook, but they are used as a means to suppress the natural behaviours of the elephants through the threat (or actual act) of violence. Whilst not used to physically punish the elephants at this sanctuary (to my knowledge) the mere presence of them was a clear reminder to each elephant what they had experienced as a baby, and kept them in check without incident. These animals appeared calm, beautifully trained and genuinely affectionate with their carers. However, the reality is that they were shut down emotionally, and functioning in a chronic survival mode to avoid the bullhook.

Bullhooks are an aversive tool routinely used as a method of positive punishment to control elephants around the world.

In South East Asia, all four operant conditioning quadrants are routinely used in elephant training and management. This often involves using fear, punishment, and tools to enforce desired behaviors. Unfortunately, some dog trainers in the Western world still promote and recommend these outdated and inhumane methods. Whilst dog trainers would probably be put in jail if they used a bullhook on a dog, the way that dogs learn and make associations with aversive stimuli is the same.

The Phajaan - Breaking the Elephant's Spirit

Now, a little background on what these elephants go through. For an elephant to be “tamed” for tourist rides, illegal logging or trafficking, a practise known as the“Phajaan” takes place. Phajaan is also known as “breaking the spirit” of the elephant. This is typically done when elephants are young before puberty, after being forcibly taken from their mothers in the wild, when they are still completely dependent on maternal care and the bonds they share with their family units. These baby elephants are confined and subjected to harsh treatment, often involving stabbing with nails, beating with rods, chains, or you guessed it... bullhooks. The "Phajaan" process is designed to break their spirits, ensuring they submit and do not exhibit their natural behaviors, such as avoiding humans or acting defensively. In the final stage of the Phajaan process, the elephant’s new Mahout provides them with their first proper meal and water, and is the one to 'release' them and lead them away from the crate to "safety".

Elephants like dogs are incredibly social animals, and their desire to bond to a caregiver for survival is just as strong. After enduring weeks of mental and emotional torment, the baby elephant comes to see this human as its saviour – the one it trusts, and a dysfunctional attachment is formed which can look very much like an unbreakable and loving bond.

My husband Thom with one of the young adults. It was a bitter sweet experience knowing what these animals had experienced in their past.

Aversive tools in animal training

Now, working with traumatised elephants is not something that we do every day, however the same learning theory principles apply to our dogs and other pets (even captive zoo animals!). Using positive punishment and negative reinforcement in the form of administering pain via corrections, prong, or e-collars can create incredibly negative associations between the dog and the handler resulting in a level of emotional shutdown that can appear as calmness, relaxation, or being "fixed". The confusion of experiencing unpleasant or painful sensations at the hands of their human mixed with the intermittent reinforcement of cuddles on the sofa later can create a very confusing and paradoxical experience for our dogs. They may simultaneously fear and seek comfort from the source of their negative experience, and what we begin to see is something that resembles a trauma bond.

Working more ethically - we can do better!

Many mahouts in Thailand are struggling for their own survival while facing numerous social injustices. Displaced and often without citizenship, both they and their elephants endure significant hardships and rely on each other completely to get through. But for our pet dogs (and other captive wild animals) in the western world we can do better.

I wanted to include this photo of my colleague and friend, animal behaviourist Kirsten Dillon working on some cooperative care with Dartmoor Zoological Park's big cats. No force or fear is required when you understand the complex needs of another species and you can work to help build mutual trust in individual animals. I always think of this picture when I think of wild animals and force-free handling. Building trust and allowing choices when it comes to operant learning is incredibly powerful and should be a first point of call for dog owners and trainers.

Understanding attachment and how it can improve your training as a professional

Understanding the complex ways in which animals form attachments with each other and us humans is crucial for recognising and addressing the emotional needs of those who have experienced trauma. It is neither good practice nor within a dog's best interest to use aversive tools to suppress their natural behaviours when they are experiencing emotional distress.

Veterinary and Clinical Behavioural experts recommend that issues such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, PTSD and obsessive compulsive behaviours in our pet dogs are treated in a clinical setting by qualified professionals. By looking at how we can help the animal with patience, empathy, and proper care, it's possible to help dogs overcome their past experiences and build healthier relationships based on trust and security (exactly like we do with humans!) and avoiding the route of dysfunctional attachment like I witnessed in the elephants.

There are some incredible resources out there for people to start understanding how to work more ethically with our pets, there are literally no more excuses!

Secure Attachment - in a nutshell

Anyone can use tools and force to control the behaviour of an animal, whether that is a dog, an elephant or indeed another human. But it takes real skill and a deeper knowledge of behavioural science to make traumatised animals feel safe enough to start making the changes they need to recover, and creating the secure bonds with their humans that they often so desperately need.

Seeing how force and fear in training shaped the elephant's behaviour and lives made me want to do better when I started learning about dogs. You may have to put more work and time in as a force free professional to get the results you want, but it is absolutely worth it 100% of the time.

Becki Gude

Ba(hons) PACT-KSA ABTC-ATI

Surrey Canine Corner

https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/

Further reading

What is Traumatic Bonding: https://psychcentral.com/relationships/what-is-trauma-bonding

Caring for a dog with PTSD: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/caring-for-a-dog-with-ptsd/

How to Heal and Emotionally Traumatised Dog: https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-heal-emotionally-traumatized-pet

Social structure within an elephant herd: https://herd.org.za/blog/elephants-their-families-the-importance-of-social-structures-within-a-herd/

Recommended Elephant Sanctuaries:

Completely hands off and ethical santuary - Somboon Legacy Foundation

https://somboon.org/

Find a professional trainer or behaviourist:

The Animal and Behaviour Training Council:

https://abtc.org.uk/

The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers:

https://www.imdt.uk.com/