Our Daycare Program, 6 Months In

We opened our doors on August 19th, 2024 with just two dogs scheduled to attend our daycare program. From that moment, our mission has been clear: to create a space where dogs can learn (or maintain) proper social skills. More importantly, our goal has been to provide an environment where each dog's individual needs are met, where they contribute positively to others' experiences, and where they feel safe stepping outside their comfort zones to build confidence and foster independence.

Fast forward six months, and our daycare program has grown from those initial two dogs to an average of fourteen dogs in attendance daily, Monday through Thursday. Throughout this journey, we've made a point to advocate for the well-being of each dog. When we've observed that a dog isn't benefiting from daycare, we've adjusted by transitioning them to other care options that better suit their needs. We've also adjusted schedules to align with dogs' social preferences, and the positive impact has been evident -- not only benefiting the individual dog but also creating a positive ripple effect for the entire group.

Since our daycare program is a single-group setting, we approach changes thoughtfully, knowing how much dogs can influence each other's experience socially. This is why we have a trial day process, and why we cannot accommodate every dog on any given day.

Each daycare day had its unique vibe:

• Mondays are perfect for smaller dogs or those with lower social energy. These dogs enjoy shorter bursts of play, with plenty of downtime in between.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays are ideal for playful, energetic dogs who thrive in a fast-paced high-energy social environment. If your dog loves a good play session and can keep up with a lively group, these days are the best fit.

• Wednesdays are designed for dogs who prefer a slower-paced, more relaxed social setting. These dogs benefit from comfortable coexistence and enjoy moments of play at their own pace.

We're currently accepting clients for all daycare days and can accommodate most trial day requests within a week of an inquiry. Here's to the next 6 months at Maple Leaf K9!