At BARK U, we understand that every client wishes their dog a fulfilling, enriching, and enjoyable experience while they navigate their busy day at work. While we strive to provide a positive daycare environment, it’s important to acknowledge that not every dog thrives in a daycare setting—and that’s perfectly normal. As Certified Professional Trainers, it’s our responsibility to assess each dog’s unique personality to determine if BARK U is the right fit. We focus on creating an environment that supports your dog’s mental and physical well-being.
Understanding Dog Personality Types
A dog’s social preferences can be easily compared to those of humans. Some people thrive in vibrant crowds, like birthday parties or festivals, while others prefer the tranquility of a quiet café or a cozy night in. Similarly, dogs have distinct preferences regarding when, how, and in what context they want to socialize.
At BARK U, we prioritize training our staff to interpret canine body language and behavior. Our team, which includes many Certified Professional Dog Trainers, assesses each dog’s needs based on their body language. We recognize that daycare cannot be a one-size-fits-all experience, which is why our dog daycare facility in King of Prussia offers a variety of playgroups tailored to meet different social needs.
Tailored Daycare Options
We provide two types of dog daycare: signature and enrichment. Both options deliver excellent experiences, but if your dog is shy, older, or has high energy levels, we highly recommend inquiring about our enrichment daycare, which is designed to cater to those specific needs.
It’s Okay If Your Dog Is Shy!
While many dogs thrive in the stimulating environment of daycare, some may feel uncomfortable even in our calmest groups, despite the supervision and redirection provided by our staff. In such cases, a dog may be dismissed from group play, and we will recommend alternative solutions better suited to their needs.
When a dog is dismissed from group play, it simply means they have communicated that this environment is not conducive to their happiness or well-being. This assessment can occur during their temperament evaluation or at any point during their time at BARK U. Just as humans evolve socially as they age, dogs can also outgrow daycare environments.
Monitoring Behavior for Safety
At BARK U, we never want to place a dog in a stressful or fearful situation that leads to unhealthy behaviors during group play, especially if it raises safety concerns. It’s crucial to understand that a dog expressing discomfort is not “bad”; rather, it’s our role to advocate for your dog and identify the best approach to meet their needs.
Behaviors We Monitor:
- Reactivity
- Difficulty self-regulating
- Space sensitivity
- Humping
- Gate fixation
- Barrier frustration
- “Rude” behaviors, like mouthing, nipping, or jumping
- Destructive behavior
- Self-inflicted harm
Behaviors That Require Dismissal:
- Any of the above behaviors that escalate to danger or become unmanageable
- Biting humans
- Injuring another dog
So, the next time you hear about a dog being dismissed from daycare, remember that it doesn’t reflect poorly on their social skills or behavior; it simply indicates that they are not comfortable in this particular setting—and that’s perfectly acceptable!
Experience the BARK U Difference!
Not sure if your dog will enjoy daycare? Register here and request a temperament assessment today! To learn more about our comprehensive services, visit us online or call us at 215-486-2200. Let BARK U provide your dog with an unforgettable daycare experience!
