Doggy day care centre

Gingham_R

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry, I think that's completely unrealistic (and unnecessary)for someone who's just walking a dog for 30/60minutes once a week.

I hope my reply above explains why I think it's important. It's simply a 'do not harm my dog' list.

Also, 30 minutes is very short. Most of the dog walkers here take the dogs for a couple of hours at a time. I wouldn't bother with a 30 minute walk. In the evening, sure, but after a good run in the morning.

I agree though with the earlier point that mental stimulation is far more tiring for the dog and there are only 2 ways I can wear out my pooch - one is running with another dog and the other is with the clicker.

hayleyc_2

I don't see anything unlrealistic about the list Gingham R gave. Even if it is only a 30-60min walk there is bound to be some re-inforcement of training required. If the dog walker is picking the dog up from the owner's house then they have to manage the dog jumping up and getting excited about going out, and if they're walking (whether on or off lead) they're bound to encounter other people/dogs/cats etc which may need the dog to be under control and listening to commands.

We had a dog walker for our dog, who was quite old and only needed a 30min walk at lunch times. When we get a new younger dog in future, I would consider daycare as long as it wasn't too expensive, and as long as the opening hours fitted in with working times. The other alternative would be a dog walker who walks the dog for a longer time, and with other dogs. In my area this is about £10-15 for about an hours walk, plus travelling time. For me to consider daycare it would have to be in that sort of price bracket, or not too much more.

anonyhousemouse

Thanks for all the replies everyone, much appreciated. (And apologies for the delay in my reply).

Re: the licence thing - finding the same here, Cyril, the council is trying to enforce it - which I'm more than happy to go down that route - but they've admitted its a "new one" on them and they're not sure whether it really needs a licence or not! :rotfl:

(Don't get me started on the planning consent side of things too - haha, what a joke that has been trying to speak to the right person! :eek:)

Caroline_a

The main problem with the licence is that it deals with animals being penned in - so there are parts of it that refer to the enclosure that individual animals are kept in. Doggie daycare tends to be a pack situation, all dogs in together, so I would go through the Act itself (it isn't that long or difficult), identify those sections that deal with individual penning of animals and ask how you can ensure that you are in keeping with the Act if you keep all dogs in a pack situation together.

It's probably just a way for them to keep tabs on you, and to make some money!

anonyhousemouse

Thats the thing, I've had a read through it and so, SO much of the Act sound totally not applicable. I suspect my local council will say it is required though for that exact reason - dosh! They've imposed a charge for simply ENQUIRING about planning consents/change of use/etc. How absurd! Y'know "because of the government cuts"..... aye right, so I now have to pay a fee just to chat to someone about it!! (And thats before paying them to actually put in for the change of use itself - the fee is just to talk to someone about it!!!) :-o