Dog Daycare For Aggressive Dogs: Why, When, & How

One behavioral problem that pawrents often face with great difficulty is their canine’s hostility. Whichever the reason may be behind it, aggression is something you’d want to resolve as early as possible.

In this blog post, we answer key questions owners have with dog daycare probabilities. How is daycare beneficial? How can you prepare your dog for daycare? What alternative activities are available if daycare fails?

Read on and learn more about your dog’s hostility and how to transform your canine from bad-tempered to good-natured through a trusted dog daycare for aggressive dogs.

WHY: The Benefits of Doggie Daycare

Aggressive behavior in dogs varies in forms, as we shared in our earlier blog post. Whether you have a territorial, protective, possessive, fearful, defensive, or sexual one, most doggie daycares have structured programs in place to provide aggressive dogs the therapy, training, and exercise required to correct their hostility issues. Here are three basic reasons why you should look for a dog daycare for aggressive dogs:

Socialization

Studies show that dogs who are deprived of socialization during puppyhood are more prone to aggression. This makes them either non-social or destructive at times. Putting your hostile dog in a doggie daycare will help them recognize other dog behaviors and learn proper social skills. This is preferred to locking them inside the house – which may aggravate them even more – or worse, euthanizing them.

Relieved Anxiety

Like humans, dogs get anxious over several things. Exposing them to different elements, experiences, and events helps reduce their anxiety and make them more relaxed. This also helps them adapt to other places and around different people. For hostile canines with fear or anxiety-induced aggressiveness, daycare provides them comfort, company, and around-the-clock care, so they can slowly correct their aggressive behavior and become more loving pets when they come home to you.

Exercise

Going on daily walks is one requirement that all busy pawrents struggle with. Doggie daycare provides abundant activities in vast spaces to accommodate every dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. You can proceed with your hectic schedule as is while having the peace of mind that your dog is being well looked after with supervised playtime and healthy exercise regimens.

WHEN: The Best Time to Book for Doggie Daycare

Dogs show aggression in different ways and for different reasons. Subtle signs including showing teeth, snapping, pinning back ears, and growling are good enough reasons to consider searching for a doggie daycare near you.

As early as 12 weeks old, puppies can start joining daycare. Of course, adult dogs that have aggressive tendencies are more than welcome to enroll in doggie daycare at any time.

Doggie daycare centers typically require pups to be fully vaccinated and physically mature. Later on, in this blog post, we will discuss other varying requirements of daycare centers before they accept the dogs.

HOW: Preparing Fido and Yourself for Daycare

Dogs have their sociability spectrum that can make or break Fido’s introduction into the doggie daycare world. Below are four spectrums to learn for your reference.

Dog Sociability Spectrum

Dog Social – Approachable and energetic, these dogs are the life of the party. Unfortunately, their high energy can easily stress out aggressive dogs. Most dogs wean off the social interactions as they age, so aggressive dogs are highly likely to get along with seniors.

Dog Selective – These canines are picky with their company. They are also more reactive than responsive, which results in clashing tendencies with more hostile dogs.

Dog Tolerant – They are the best dogs to introduce to young pups or new dog additions into the family as they have an “anything goes” behavior. They also won’t easily aggravate aggressive dogs since they are more docile and prefer avoiding conflict than retaliating.

Dog Aggressive – As presumed, they are the most challenging to accommodate in dog daycare centers. They are easy to displease or agitate, so in-house professional trainers need to be more mindful of their daycare protocols and handle aggressive dogs with extra care.

Dog Drive, Breed Traits, and Unique Personalities

Knowing what drives your dog to behave is extremely important in social setups, especially in dog daycare where dogs will interact with other breeds for the rest of the day. If you’re not aware of what drives Fido to be on his best paws, many doggie daycares have special activities for aggressive dogs.

Their breed also has a significant impact on a dog’s behavior. Smaller breeds are known to be more aggressive due to their size while larger breeds are surprisingly friendlier and exhibit positive traits. With all things considered, it’s also safe to say that perhaps aggressiveness simply runs in your dog’s blood. After all, dogs have colorful personalities, just like humans do.

Finding the Ideal Daycare For Aggressive Dogs

Deciding on your dog’s need for daycare for behavioral corrections and social exposure is just one step to reduce their hostile tendencies. The more important step is finding the right daycare for Fido – and possibly his sibling!

This section focuses on the considerable factors when looking around for local dog daycare centers and gives you insight into how they operate and handle dogs of varying breeds and behaviors.

Space and Size

Aggressive dogs need lots of space to ease into the new venue and get enough personal space from other dogs. A large, enclosed area with sufficient space for indoor activities and outdoor recreational training is preferred.

Shady nature trails and spacious grass fields with privacy fences also do wonders to let Fido wander and unleash his inner explorer. Anywhere from 9,000 to 20,000 square feet of no-cage and free-roaming center is a good start to consider as options for your canine.

Specialized Programs

Aggressive dogs are more inclined to show destructive behavior when triggered, thus separate spaces are essential. Look for centers with designated parks for temperamental canines, intensive one-on-one training, and structured exercise regimens with a positive, scientific approach.

Hostile canines are offered behavioral modification services with calm interactions and tested techniques. This gives them not only a therapeutic time at daycare but mindful training for their long-term positive behavior as well.

Amenities

Rewards and positive reinforcements are key aspects in thoroughly “training away” a dog’s aggression. This is possible with proper guidance and complete amenities. Agility training, obedience, obstacles, running, and swimming, and scent discrimination are some of the activities inclusive in daycare packages.

Dogs should also be free to roam around and engage in ball time, tug-of-war, treadmill exercises, fetch toy plays, and even pack walks with fellow dogs to let them be accustomed to their daycare furmates. Leave it to the in-house professional trainers to know when to give treats at every positive behavior shown.

Security

As much as Fido’s happiness is a priority, their safety and security shouldn’t be ignored. Choose a dog daycare for aggressive dogs equipped with CCTVs to watch over all the pets at all times and high-quality soundproofing to keep the dog noise away from neighboring buildings.

All staff should also be extensively trained to know how to handle different situations as they arise. Aggression in dogs can be unpredictable and dangerous when not detected immediately, so tight protocols are a must.

Benefits & Perks

Dog daycare programs should be accessible for both the dog and the owner. Some centers would offer one free day of daycare for new clients and a discount for sibling dogs. Most would offer half-day, full-day, and monthly accommodations so you can avail of their services with ease.

Grooming services, free evaluation, and unlimited playtime are also offered by some companies. Some canines follow a special diet and medications. Look for a reputable dog daycare for aggressive dogs that have flexible programs.

Daycare Requirements

Hygiene is a vital aspect in daycare centers that accommodate different breeds daily. Requiring 100% vaccinated, parasite-free, and spayed or neutered dogs are more advantageous for owners that want to ensure their dog’s utmost health and safety in the center.

Some dog daycare specialists also require dogs to be in good health and to be able to pass their temperament test and fecal exam before being accepted within their premises.

Plan B: What To Do When Your Dog Doesn’t Sit Well in Daycare

Perhaps your dog has become even more anti-social or started showing odd behavior from their time in daycare. Either way, sometimes daycare simply doesn’t agree with your dog – or the other way around! But have no worries, there are alternatives you can try, as follows:

● Dog Walking – Some aggressive dogs are the way they are due to pent-up energy. Establishing daily walks may help reduce their aggression and give them calmer vibes.

● Petsitting – If daycare seems too exclusive, you can try hiring a pet sitter and have them come to your house instead. Remember to list down all the vital contacts to call for emergencies when you’re leaving your pet at home longer than usual.

● Dog Play Dates – Some dogs may be aggressive to specific animals or triggers but still have a trusted pal or two. Schedule a play date with their other fur friends and let them socialize according to their preference.

● Hiking Service – Hiking programs for dogs utilize their boundless energy. Going on trail walks helps them get closer to nature while having the chance to socialize with fellow canines. This activity spends their energy and time while at the same time doing physical exercise and helps them sleep better at night, reducing the possibilities of anxiety or aggression.

● Day Training – Training can be held anywhere with anyone that has expertise on the matter. You can hire a personal trainer for your dog’s one-on-one session and make the experience more intimate.

BAAPET Strong Dog Leash

Aggression in dogs shows in their barks and actions. When you have to train a strong canine, a stringent leash is a must. The BAAPET Strong Dog Leash provides heavy-duty material, comfort padded handles, night safety reflective, and varying lengths for different dog sizes and breeds.

You can trust this dog leash to be there for you during your most intensive training days with Fido. This dog leash also proves beneficial in daily walks and jogs around the neighborhood.

Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

No training session would be complete without the much-needed doggie treats. If you’re looking for freeze-dried, single-ingredient, grain-free goodness, this Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats is the one for your hound.

Available in a generous array of flavors – Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Beef Liver, Pork Liver, Salmon, Chicken Breast, Duck Liver, Lamb Liver, Cheddar Cheese, Wild Salmon, and Chicken – Fido won’t run out of choices to try! Help them ease out of their aggression with this perfect bite-sized treat for every session.

HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker

Canines are innately intelligent, which makes having a clicker essential for every training day. Just with a sound of a click, they would instantly know what to do. Use this HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker to train obedience, teach tricks, correct bad behavior, and signify positive behavior. Wear the strap on your wrist for easy clicking and zero chances of dropping it on the ground. Follow each click with a treat to reward your dog and train him into good manners and social conduct.

For canines with aggressive tendencies, allot training schedules every day or every other day to accustom them to the routine. Be generous with rewarding their positive behavior and utilize the clicker to make them mentally stimulated each time. Keep the clicker close to you so you can use it even on random moments of small behavioral wins.

Final Thoughts

Managing canine aggression isn’t an easy feat, but some agencies and activities can help you pursue a happier and calmer life with your hound. Dog daycare for aggressive dogs designs therapeutic and behavioral modification services patterned after varying temperaments. Group activities like pack walks and unlimited playtime encourage non-social, aggressive dogs to mingle with fellow canines.

On the unfortunate chance that doggie daycare isn’t for your dog, alternatives like scheduled walks, professional day training, hiking services, and pet sitting are worth trying. After all, even the most aggressive dog deserves some love and freedom to grow.