Are Doggy Daycares/Dog parks Dangerous?

In today’s busy world, many dog owners turn to doggy daycares and dog parks as a way to keep their dogs socialized, exercised, and entertained. On the surface, these options seem great for our furry companions, but this is because we are looking at our dogs through a human lens. The reality is that they can often do more harm than good. Here at Speaking Dog Is Ruff we are firm believers that daycares and dog parks should be avoided if possible. This post will aim to explain why we have come to this solid conclusion using dog psychology and science-based evidence.

One of the biggest reasons why doggy daycares and dog parks are detrimental to our dogs is that dogs naturally form hierarchies within their packs, determining leadership and structure through body language, interactions, and relationships. This process is necessary for stability within a group, but when the group is constantly changing, as it does in a daycare or dog park setting, the hierarchy must be reestablished over and over again. This creates ongoing stress and tension, as dogs never get the chance to settle into a stable structure.

Unlike humans or other species, this hierarchical thinking applies only within the canine world. A dog may befriend a rabbit, but that rabbit will never be part of the dog’s pack hierarchy. The same goes for humans, while we can form strong bonds with our dogs, we are not part of their social ranking system in the same way other dogs are. Rather than providing a safe, structured space for socialization, these environments often create unnecessary tension and stress for dogs.

The next important reason is for health and safety concerns. Dog parks and daycare facilities expose dogs to a variety of diseases and parasites that can often be then spread to humans as well. Some of the most common diseases or parasites we see in daycares and dog parks that can also spread to humans are giardia, scabies, fleas, ticks, ringworm, etc. Injuries are also a common occurrence in these places, even well-intended play can escalate into fights in a very short amount of time or result in accidental injuries, especially when dogs of varying sizes and energy levels are mixed together. Bite wounds, torn ligaments, and other physical injuries are common in daycare and park settings, particularly when supervision is lacking.

When it comes to daycares, the staff can also pose huge risks as well. Countless daycare facilities are severely understaffed or employ individuals with little to no formal training in canine behavior and body language. This means staff often fail to recognize early warning signs of stress, fear, or aggression, allowing situations to escalate into full-blown fights or traumatic encounters.

Many facilities operate with far more dogs than a single person can safely manage. While there are recommended staff-to-dog ratios, many daycares far exceed this number due to profit-driven motives, making it impossible for staff to provide individual attention and proper, safe supervision. It is important to check your local legal limits on staff-to-dog ratios, as well as how many dogs can occupy a given space at one time. Packed playgroups with too many dogs in a confined space increases the risk of tension, overstimulation, and aggression. Dogs that feel trapped or overwhelmed in such environments may develop long-term behavioral issues, including fear-based reactivity.

Oftentimes, daycare employees are not properly trained in safety and sanitation protocols. This can lead to the improper dilution of cleaning chemicals, which may result in chemical burns on dogs’ paws and skin. Additionally, improper ventilation when using strong cleaning agents can lead to gaseous fumes that cause respiratory irritation or long-term health issues in dogs. A lack of strict hygiene practices also increases the spread of infectious diseases, making these facilities a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

There are many more concerns that we have not mentioned here, but these are the main issues we have with the way dog parks and daycares are set up.

What do you do if daycares or dog parks are your only option?

There are many alternatives to daycares and dog parks that are safe for your dog and also accommodating no matter your reasoning.

If your goal is to give your dog a playmate or a “pack”, one option is to get together with a friend or friends with your dogs for playdates. Organizing playdates with friends who have dogs can provide a more relaxed and supervised environment for dog on dog interaction, allowing your dog to interact with familiar pups in a comfortable setting.

Another alternative, especially if you’re looking for more exercise and playtime, is using Sniffspot. This is an app that allows people to rent out their private yards for dog owners to use, where their dogs can safely play and explore without the risks associated with a dog park. This is a great option for people who live in apartments or homes without a yard for their dogs.

If boarding is a concern, our best recommendation is bringing your pups to a vet office for boarding. Veterinary offices are a great option if boarding is necessary due to the cleanliness and higher standard of care.

If you’re going to be gone for long stretches of time, there is often the option of hiring a dog walker to check in and take your dog to the bathroom as well. There are many more alternatives out there too, these are just some of our favorite and most used.

While doggy daycares and dog parks may seem like convenient solutions for exercise and socialization, they often fail to provide the stability, safety, and individualized care that dogs truly need. By exploring healthier alternatives such as playdates with friends’ dogs, using Sniffspot, vet office boarding, or even hiring a dog walker, you can ensure your dog receives the proper care, attention, and environment for their physical and mental well-being.

Doggy playdate in the woods with Katrina's (behaviorist) and Luci's (apprentice) dogs!