s/o DayCare - Camp

[incognitotoday]

I am on a tight budget. But, I often hear doggy daycare is great. I was wondering (since I have two dogs), if I sent them, say twice a week, would that make any difference whatsoever?

I am trying to socialize them more, as they are never around any other dogs. Luci LOVES other dogs, but Linus will bark at every single dog out of fear; doesn't bite, just barks long and loud!

I just started Linus on Prozac (May 1) for his anxieties, and am wondering if socializing them would help too?

I know this sounds awful, but I don't want my dog "picking up" bad habits, or worse off - fleas, kennel cough, etc. from other dogs, by sending them to camp, though.

Do you find it helps? What are the pros/cons of camp?

[MissusTexas]

I would work with a behaviorlist before throwing your dog into daycare when you know he's not well socialized. Something like that could turn the bark into more aggressive actions.

Socialization really needs to be done when they are puppies, but if you work with a trainer you might be able to help him feel more comfortable with other dogs. On the other hand, he may never be able to enjoy daycare, and you certainly don't want to send him if he doesn't want to be there.

[incognitotoday]

May 22, 2012 11:07:53 GMT -5 MissusTexas said:

I would work with a behaviorlist before throwing your dog into daycare when you know he's not well socialized. Something like that could turn the bark into more aggressive actions.

Socialization really needs to be done when they are puppies, but if you work with a trainer you might be able to help him feel more comfortable with other dogs. On the other hand, he may never be able to enjoy daycare, and you certainly don't want to send him if he doesn't want to be there.

Great point! After posting this thread, I went online to read reviews about local camps in my area. The ones closest to me all had horrible reviews. Each stating the staff was not nice or that their dogs picked up worms, kennel cough, etc. Everything I assumed that could happen...

I am just thinking of options.

I appreciate your thoughts though.