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Dog Walker vs Doggy Day Care
Many dogs who are left alone for long periods of time struggle with loneliness and boredom. This could end in unwanted destructive behaviour such as chewing, messing in the house and excessive barking. So, when life gets busy dog owners sometimes need a helping hand looking after their furry friend.
Services like doggy day care and dog walkers can alleviate the stress. Helping give your dog the attention, stimulation and exercise they need whilst you are away. We compare the benefits of doggy day care and dog walkers to help you choose which is best for your dog.
What pet service is best for my dog?
There are various pet services available for UK dog owners.
Dog walking and doggy day care provide personal attention, socialisation and exercise. As each dog is individual, so are their needs so weighing up the benefits to each is needed to make the best choice. As experts in knowing exactly what it takes to make tails wag, we have highlighted the needs of dogs and the different ways dog walkers and doggy day care can help. Take a look at the comparison below.
Doggy Day Care vs Dog Walker Comparison Table
Dog Need
Doggy Day Care
Dog Walker
Socialisation
Provides endless amounts of socialisation with other dogs and humans throughout the day
Limited social interaction. Short period of time and often just 1 human to socialise with
Exercise
Full-day of leash-free exercise in safe, supervised fields with plenty of play pals. For dogs who love to run free.
Usually limited to 1-2 hours of the day, sometimes kept on leads for safety
Stimulation & Enrichment
Bruce’s style of doggy day care includes daily dog enrichment activities to stimulate the mind and senses
Often a routine walk in a familiar environment
Individual Attention
Play groups based on personality, and never more than 7 dogs to 1 human under licencing regulations. Individual carer attention always available on request!
Dedicated 1-2-1 attention, or small walking groups
Offers flexibility throughout the day as commitments change, subject to a dog walker’s availability
Supervision
Expert dog carers supervision throughout the day
Only supervised whilst on their walk
Sleep and Down-Time
Calm spaces are provided for dogs to rest and nap when needed
Can sleep between dog walker visits
Structure & Routine
Offers a structured schedule & routine that dogs look forward to
Dogs maybe walked at different times and days adapting to their owner’s schedule
Suitable for Busy Dog Owners
Suitable for owners with demanding schedules
Helpful for busy owners with unpredictable schedules
Energy Levels
Ideal for high-energy dogs who like to be busy
Suitable for all energy levels
Prevents Separation Anxiety
Dogs offered constant company from dogs and staff
Provides company during the walk
Safety
Dedicated, enclosed, supervised fields designed for dogs who love to be dogs. Bruce’s also offers an out of hours emergency help line which reunited lost dogs with their parents
Public land most frequently used and therefore not a controlled environment which can present some risks
Why choose doggy day care?
We believe the benefits that doggy day care offers are fundamental to a dog’s mental and physical well-being, and ultimately happiness.
Here are 7 reasons why you should consider a move to doggy day care:
1 – High level of dog socialisation 2 – Space to run free & burn off energy 3 – Helps dog owner’s with busy schedules 4 – Helps prevent separation anxiety 5 – Gives dogs routine and structure 6 – Dogs are safe and supervised 7 – Offers a full day of entertainment and enrichment
1 – High level of dog socialisation Dogs who thrive on social interaction and enjoy playing with other dogs will love doggy day care. Providing a consistent and structured environment for dog socialisation with humans and dogs. Dogs are grouped depending on their size and needs with Bruce’s smaller dogs loving our a dedicated tiny town enrichment area. Puppies are also kept separate in dedicated puppy preschools until they are ready to venture out with the older dogs.
2 – Space To Burn Off Energy Dogs with high energy levels will benefit from the hours of off the lead fun doggy day care provides. Engaging in physical and mental enrichment activities throughout the day. From walks in the wild woods to hide and seek obstacle courses. Your dog can run, play and explore as much as they like safely in the secure fields.
3 – Helping dog owner’s with busy schedules For owners with demanding work schedules or commitments. Doggy day care can give their dog the care and attention it needs during the day. At Bruce’s we keep owners fully informed of their dogs wellbeing through the Bruce’s app as well as sending weekly pictures. Allowing owners to go about their days with no worries about their furry friends.
4 – Helps prevent separation anxiety Sociable dogs that love company can often struggle when left alone. Coming to doggy day care will mean they can spend the day playing with other friendly dogs and dog carers. Helping keep their worries at bay.
5 – Gives dogs routine and structure Most dogs thrive on daily routine and structure. Signing up to a doggy daycare package can provide a consistent routine that can be beneficial to your dog’s health and happiness.
6 – Dogs are safe and supervised Doggy day care centres have fully trained staff who supervise your dog throughout the day. Leave your dog in their safe hands knowing they will intervene if any issues arise. Allowing them to have fun and exercise in a safe and secure environment. If consistent issues arise their experts are also available to give advice and discuss dog training tips.
7 – Offers a full day of entertainment Doggy day care provides a full day of doggy engagement, keeping them happy, stimulated and entertained. Indoor spaces also offer cosy spaces for some downtime and naps whenever it is needed. A great option for owners who work long hours or have commitments that keep them away from their home environment.
There are however some key things to consider when choosing a doggy day care provider. The daily structure, services provided as well as seeing how the staff interact with the dogs. Book a tour of the facility and ask plenty of questions to make sure they are the right fit for your family.
Bruce’s will happily show you around our day care centres and offer a free trial for dogs looking to sign up.
5 benefits of hiring a dog walker
There are many benefits of hiring a dog walker including:
One on One attention
Sometimes dogs prefer to have one on one attention. Dog walkers can provide this. An ideal solution if your dog has additional needs, is elderly or prefers being alone.
Limited socialisation
Certain dog breeds get over stimulated in group situations. A dog walker would be able to take these type of dogs on walks where they will not have too many distractions. Great for dogs who are reactive or who suffer with other behavioural issues.
Tailored Walks
A dog walker will be able to tailor the walk to the dog’s need and fitness level. If your dog is unwell or unable to walk for long periods of time this could be a good solution.
Flexible
Many dog owners have irregular schedules and may need their dogs walking at short notice or on different days and times of the week. Dog walkers offer this type of flexibility.
Dedicated Supervision
A dog walker’s focus is purely on your dog and their needs during the walk. If you feel your dog needs a high level of supervision when out of the house this would be a great choice.
Bruce’s Doggy Day Care Difference
At Bruce’s we believe doggy day care offers a great experience for dogs keeping them happy and healthy.
With over 14 years of experience under our collars and a team of dog experts, we continue to strive to learn about dogs, aiming to enrich their lives with our magical combination of passionate expertise and social fulfilment.
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