At Ari&Me Doggy Daycare and Training Facility, we love watching puppies grow and thrive in our fun-filled, safe environment. For many puppies, our daycare is the perfect place to learn social skills, burn off energy, and get plenty of mental stimulation. However, as some puppies mature, they may begin to exhibit behavioural issues that make continued participation in daycare challenging. Let's delve into why this happens and explore alternatives that can help ensure your dog's ongoing happiness and development.
The Transition from Puppy to Adult Dog
The Early Days: Puppy Perfection
When puppies first join Ari&Me Doggy Daycare, they often find the environment exciting and engaging. The constant interaction with other dogs and the variety of activities can be incredibly beneficial for their development. They learn to play nicely, share toys, and respect other dogs' boundaries.
Growing Pains: Behavioural Changes
As puppies grow into adolescence and adulthood, their personalities and behaviours can change. Some common behavioural issues that may arise include:
Increased Rude Behaviour: As puppies reach sexual maturity, they may become more territorial or start humping.
Separation Anxiety: Some dogs may develop anxiety when separated from their owners or familiar environments.
Overexcitement: The high-energy environment of daycare can sometimes lead to dogs becoming overstimulated, resulting in hyperactivity or difficulty calming down.
Resource Guarding: As dogs mature, they might start guarding toys, food, or space more aggressively.
Alternatives to Doggy Daycare
If your dog begins to show behavioural problems at daycare, it might be time to consider alternatives to daycare. Here are a few options that can provide the necessary stimulation and training in a more suitable environment:
Training Classes
Daycare is not a substitute for proper training. At Ari&Me, we offer specialised training programs designed to address specific behavioural issues and teach your dog essential skills.
Growing Paws-itively Program: Focuses on overall positive behavior reinforcement and good manners.
Puppy Basics: Teaches foundational commands and social skills.
Puppy Primary: Builds on basic training with more advanced commands and interactions.
Teen Troublemakers: Addresses common adolescent issues like increased aggression and hyperactivity.
Life Skills: Teaches practical skills for everyday situations and advanced obedience.
Calm Canines: Focuses on helping dogs with anxiety or overexcitement to remain calm in various environments.
Ari&Me Outdoor Excursions
For dogs that get overstimulated by an indoor environment, our Ari&Me supervised outdoor excursions can be a great alternative. Fresh air, open spaces, and a change of scenery can work wonders for a dog’s mental and physical well-being. Our excursion adventures offer dogs a chance to explore new environments, engage in physical activity, and enjoy nature under the watchful eye of our experienced staff. These excursions provide the perfect balance of exercise and mental stimulation in a less structured setting.
Conclusion
Ari&Me Doggy Daycare and Training Facility is dedicated to providing the best care for your dog at every stage of their life. While daycare is fantastic for many dogs, it's not uncommon for some dogs to outgrow this environment as they mature. By recognising the signs and exploring alternatives such as our training programs and outdoor excursions, we can ensure that your dog continues to lead a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted life.
If you have any concerns about your dog's behaviour or are interested in exploring alternative activities, please reach out to our team. We're here to support you and your dog every step of the way.
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