Many dog moms find themselves in need of help to care for their beloved pet. Maybe you need help while you’re at work, away for the weekend, on a business trip, or even on vacation. Maybe your health keeps you from giving your mutt the attention she needs. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for some assistance there are 2 very good solutions to consider:
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- Hiring a dog walker
- Taking your pooch to doggy daycare
But which option is right for you? Keep reading as I detail the reasons why you might choose one solution over the other, and you’ll be able to determine which one will work for you and your dog.
Hiring a Dog Walker
When you’re away at work, your dog is most likely at home by herself. Maybe you give her the run of the house, or maybe she’s crated when you’re away. Either way, a reliable dog walker is a great way to get your dog out of the house to stretch her legs and get a potty break around midday.
A dog walker may also administer medication and feed your dog if necessary, and having someone there even for a short while may be good for alleviating any separation anxiety your dog might be feeling. Employing a dog walker works well for many families and might be just the solution for your situation.
Hiring a dog walker might be a good option if:
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- Your dog needs to be taken out to stretch her legs a bit;
- Your dog needs to be taken out during the day to potty;
- You work long hours or just need help walking your dog.
Doggy Daycare
Daycare is also a great option for dog moms who don’t want to leave their pooches alone all day. If you have a high energy dog who loves to be around other dogs and people, doggy daycare is a great solution as it provides socialization and interaction for your pet. “A tired dog is a good dog”, and after a fun day at doggy daycare, I can almost guarantee your dog will be exhausted and happy.
Taking your dog to daycare might be the right solution if:
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- Your dog needs someone to watch over her all day;
- Your dog requires medications or regular medical attention throughout the day;
- You have a puppy who isn’t trained yet.
Which option is best for you? It really depends on your unique situation, your dog’s personality, and what you feel most comfortable with. You definitely want to choose an option that makes both you and your dog happy.
Do you use a dog walker, or do you take your pooch to doggy daycare? I’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below.
Unfortunately, in my small town I have not found any dog walkers. About an hour away is a doggy daycare, but they are in a strip mall with no grass and no outdoor areas. They do keep the pups entertained from what I have seen, but the dogs can get right by the front door. My 82 llb plott needs room to run.
I, too, am in a smaller town and am unsure if there are any dog walkers available but I definitely plan on looking into it! We do have a couple doggy daycares, but I get so nervous leaving my pups with someone that I do not know well. Plus, they never look all that appealing to me. I will have to go scout them out though because we are supposed to be going to Canada for a week towards the end of the year. I love the idea of a dog walker though!