Why Dogs Benefit from Attending Daycare

Let’s be honest…your dog is more than just a pet. They’re your best friend, your shadow, your comfort, and your comic relief. So, when it comes to their well-being, you want to give them the best life possible, right? That’s where we come in!

At Our Best Friend Doggie Daycare here in Gig Harbor, we see it every day, pups who thrive from structured play, socialization, and a caring environment while their humans are at work, running errands, or just needing a break.

Socialization That’s Safe and Supervised

Dogs are pack animals, they need social interaction to stay emotionally healthy. Daycare provides a safe, structured environment where your dog can:

  • Learn how to play appropriately with other dogs

  • Gain confidence (especially for shy or anxious pups)

  • Be introduced to a variety of breeds, personalities, and energy levels

Our trained staff monitors every playgroup to ensure all interactions are safe, respectful, and fun.

Mental Stimulation That Prevents Boredom

A bored dog can become a destructive dog, which can lead to chewing on furniture, digging holes, or barking excessively. At daycare, your pup is constantly engaged with new smells, toys, friends, and environments. We switch up play routines, incorporate rest periods, and even include enrichment activities to keep your pup’s mind just as active as their body.

Physical Exercise That Promotes Health

Regular play helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles and joints, and burns off that extra energy that might otherwise be used to dismantle your couch cushions. Our team matches dogs by size and temperament to ensure everyone gets just the right level of activity.

Reduces Anxiety (for Both of You)

Separation anxiety is real, for dogs and humans. Instead of worrying about your dog being lonely or bored at home, you can go about your day knowing they’re cared for, safe, and having a great time. For dogs prone to anxiety, attending daycare regularly helps them get used to being away from home in a positive, low-stress way.

Builds Routine and Structure

Dogs love routine. Just like kids thrive in school, dogs do better when they have a rhythm to their day. Our schedule includes:

  • Drop-off greetings and free play

  • Rotating playgroups based on energy and personality

  • Nap and rest times to recharge

  • Outdoor potty breaks and enrichment

All of this helps your dog learn when to be active, when to relax, and how to handle transitions calmly.

‍Keeps Them Safer (and Happier) Than Being Home Alone

While some dogs are fine snoozing at home all day, many get lonely, or worse, get into trouble. Doggie daycare offers:

  • Constant supervision

  • Immediate response if a medical or behavioral issue arises

  • A clean, stimulating space where your dog isn’t bored, anxious, or under-stimulated

Bonus: You’ll Notice the Difference at Home

After a fun, fulfilling day at daycare, most dogs go home happy, relaxed, and ready to cuddle.

Many owners report:

  • Less destructive behavior

  • Better nighttime sleep

  • A calmer, more emotionally balanced dog

We treat your pup like family. Whether it’s one day a week or a regular routine, we’re here to support your dog’s growth, happiness, and well-being, while making your life easier, too.

Ready to try a visit?

Reach out today to schedule a meet-and-greet. We can’t wait to welcome your best friend into our pack!

Next
Next

5 Fun Ways You and Your Dog Can Stay Healthy Together