If you sent your dog creche what sort of set up would you expect ?

Cyril

Am wanting to set up a creche when I finish work in a couple of years and so am wanting an idea of what people would like.

Have some ideas of my own but would like to hear from others about what facilities they would expect if sending their dog / s for the day.

Padstow

There was a post here in the last week or so Cyril, where a poster took their dog to daycare, it looked fabulous.
The daycare is big in the USA. I can't give constructive advice as mine is lovely, but dog aggressive, so I don't think you'd want him.
I imagine these places are only for "good" dogs.

I do think that "doggy day care" will be the next big thing though.
Good luck with it.

orlao

Similar to what you'd expect for kids, I suppose

Experienced supervision mainly. Speaking for myself I don't think I'd want all the dogs 'mixing' at once - I can just imagine how out of control it could get.

My ideal would be like a child minder - a very limited number (maybe just my 3?) being dropped off in someones home for the day, a couple of walks, a comfy sofa and cuddles....

olias

Are we talking just pet sitting one or two dogs here, or a full blown service for (potentially) many dogs. If the latter, then I would expect facilities on a par with a good kennels. Individual runs, plus a large securely fenced area where they can mix, preferably with it's own land - a field or paddock for exercising.

Olias

Cyril

Thankyou for your advice everyone.

Yes some of these American set ups are hugely commercial and very structured with various ' zones' for meeting different needs.

I am hoping to do something similar but on a smaller scale, perhaps no more than 10 dogs. I have some acreage I can set aside for developing the site with various areas and an oak beamed barn that wouldn't take too much converting into a ' tv room' for them. I have 3 fully fenced separate paddocks where I could put smallies / biggies and perhaps oldies and another 4 acre field with a river and cove for the really energetic. I am also striking distance of woods, parks and the beach for those who would like some walking off site.

Its just a matter of pulling it all together really. There is a demand in my area and its quite exciting to have something to work towards.

kittypimms

Good on you for thinking of this - the doggy daycare I use is an absolute dream of a place!

It's a large heated barn, very large enclosed field and a smaller concrete run area. All areas have 10ft mesh fences, and privacy screening. The staff are all trained in dog behaviour and care, and there is a visiting groomer and trainer available.

The ratio of staff to dogs is 1:10, and they care for up to 30 dogs/ day.
The dogs are free to be in whichever area they like, as long as there is suffient supervision. Mostly the mornings are spent playing on the field with toys, having ballies thrown and roaching in mud (all owners understand dogs will come home filthy!). There is usually chill out time in the afternoon, on the sofa's and chairs in the barn (very important that it's heated, as it can get freezing in the winter), and more playing as and when. The dogs mostly know each other, so they play or chill out in their friendly groups.
They have paddling pools in the summer and get to play with agility equipmwnt/ bubbles and lots of new things to keep them interested.

Very importantly, Every new dog has to be assessed (behaviourally, around people and dogs) before they can be accepted into Daycare, and no unneutered dogs are allowed. All dogs need to have up to date vaccs certificates at time of enrollment also.

Hope this helps and Good Luck!

KP

ETA - all the dogs are usually together - they tend to sort themselves out into groups. My 5YO Weim sticks with the other Weim, the Boxers and the hoolie bigger dogs. My 13YO oldie is a ladies man, and will stick with the owners' Rottie.
Our daycare takes in puppies (great for socialisation), and they also tend to stick together. It's an amazing lesson in dog behaviour to see how they sort themselves out (even if it can get chaotic when a new member is thoroughly investigated by everyone!)

Cyril

Thankyou so much for that, some really fabulous ideas there. Interesting to see the owner has a rottie as I have a bullmastiff and bulldog and was wondering if this combi would put people off even though they are the gentlest of souls.

There are so many things to think of but I'm sure with all the ideas i've been given I could hopefully create somewhere to cater for everyone.

olias

OP, can I have your house please, it sounds idyllic!:p

Olias

SnowyOwl_2

I'd like a job, if poss...

kazschow

can I ask, does anyone know what the current costs are for home day care, or a creche?

gettingready

.. and I just want a room for me, Zara and 4 cats - for a weekend break

OP - good luck with this idea, start where you are and then branch out to East London...LOL