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Are Dog Daycares Worth It? Understanding the Pros and Cons

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 22:29:54 GMT

Dog daycares present an alternative to leaving your beloved pet at home alone while you’re at work, on a trip, or enjoying a busy social life.

Many people consider dog daycares as the best alternative to leaving your dog at home, but is that actually true? Are dog daycares actually worth the cost?

Anyone looking for a dog daycare Calgary should first consider their dog’s personality, needs, and social skills. Some dogs would truly be better off relaxing on their favorite sofa in their own home while you’re at work, rather than socializing at a dog daycare. Alternatively, many dogs will thrive in a daily or overnight dog daycare.

Today we’re going to examine if dog daycares are actually worth your money. We’ll explore whether your dog will enjoy daycare and the pros and cons so you can find the best dog daycare.

Do Dogs Even Like Dog Daycare?

Dogs are just as varied and diverse as humans, but it can be hard to tell sometimes since we can’t speak to them in plain English. However, each dog has their own unique needs, personality, interests, and enrichment activities.

Every dog will have a preference between staying home or going to a dog daycare, and they will even do better in different types of dog daycares. The common types of dog daycares are:

Overnight dog daycare: This category includes facilities that offer daily care even if your pup does not stay overnight. Most dog daycares that you’ll find will fit in this category unless otherwise specified.
In-home daycare: These facilities are operated out of someone’s home and focus on individualized care. They are typically extremely selective about the dogs that they will accept.

Off-leash groups: A somewhat new trend is off-leash hikes facilitated by a professional. These aren’t exactly daycares, but they do
keep your dog busy all day. Instead of staying at the facility, these carefully planned groups go hiking or other safe outings to help form strong social bonds and enrich each pet's life.

Each individual dog will have a preference between these three common options, with some pups still preferring relaxing at home instead of any of these options. Even though there are plenty of dog day care benefits available, your dog may not experience any of them if they are simply not enjoying their visit.

Some Dogs Will Thrive

Plenty of dogs will thrive and grow when they regularly attend a dog daycare. It’s pretty easy to tell if your dog is having a good experience based on how they behave after they’re picked up, along with their overall behavior afterwards.

Dogs that typically do well at a dog daycare facility have the following characteristics:

Dogs with medium or high energy levels
Dogs who enjoy socializing with other dogs
Dogs that are confident enough to stand up for themselves during conflicts with other dogs
Dogs that can tolerate rude behavior from other dogs without becoming aggressive or harmful

Dogs with these characteristics will likely do great at a dog daycare and reap the full host of benefits of dog daycare. These benefits are:

Physical exercise and mental activity throughout the day
Helpful for your pets mental health if they act out when left alone at home
Decreased negative behavior and unwanted barking
Learn new social skills
Run out of energy so they’re relaxed when you pick them up
Excellent way to socialize and potty train puppies

Some Dogs Will Prefer Alternatives

What about all of the dogs that don’t meet the characteristics discussed above? It’s possible that they will still have a good time and enjoy those benefits, but dog daycare may actually become harmful. Some of the drawbacks that dogs may experience are:

Too exciting and overstimulating to the point of creating new behavioral health issues
Dogs leave the daycare mentally fatigued because they didn’t have fun, they were stressed the whole time
Your dog may learn bad behavior from other dogs that emerge from having to be in “survival” mode instead of enjoying pack time.

There are other drawbacks that may occur from a less-than-ideal facility, such as having staff that aren’t properly trained to address conflicts before they escalate, or simply don’t keep the place clean.

Try a Dog Daycare to See How Your Dog Reacts

If you’re absolutely convinced that your dog will not like a dog daycare, it’s time to make other plans for their care. However, if you aren’t sure how your dog will react, you can simply drop them off for a day. You can tell the staff that it’s their first time and you want to know how they do. You can tell by the dog’s mood and the staff’s report if a second day is worth it.

Are you looking for a quality dog daycare in Calgary? Barking Good is here to help.

Our facility was designed with your pet’s health, safety , and enrichment in mind. Plus, our highly trained staff are ready to help you and your dog discover if dog daycare is right for them.

Get in touch with our team today to explore your options.

Holiday Gift Guide For Your Furry Friend

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:13:59 GMT

With the holiday season upon us, everybody’s scrambling to get the perfect gifts for friends, family members, coworkers, and all our other loved ones. But don’t forget this is the perfect time of the year to get something unique and special for your dog too.

But what exactly do you give a dog for Christmas? You’d be surprised to know that there are actually a lot of creative ideas for dog Christmas gifts.

Here are some furry gift ideas to spark your creativity and make sure nobody gets left out this holiday season.

A Dog Bed

The classic choice when it comes to Christmas presents for dogs is a comfortable dog bed. Dogs need a soft surface for support when they sleep, and you’ll notice some beds featuring extra nice-to-haves like a side pillow for additional comfort and a machine washable fabric. They even come in a ton of different colours, allowing them to blend right into the decor of your home.

A Carrier Bag

If your dog is on the smaller side, consider a present that will help both you and your pet at the same time. A carrier bag lets you bring your furry friend with you on all your outdoor adventures. Dogs love exploring, and this convenient carrying bag lets them see the world whenever you do.

Exotic Treats

Ever tried French macarons? Ever wondered what your dog would think of them? These dog Christmas gifts are often delivered in cute little packages that you can keep in the pantry for a long time. They are available in pet-friendly flavors with natural and safe ingredients, and they are a perfect special treat for your furry friend. It’s worth noting that smaller dogs may need you to cut these treats up a little before serving.

A Dog Sweater

Dog sweaters are incredibly adorable and appropriately winter-themed Christmas gifts for dogs. Look for a warm, comfortable, and fitting sweater for your furry one this holiday season. These sweaters come in multiple sizes and colours, so take care to measure the right size for your needs. Don’t let the cold weather get in the way of an invigorating walk outside with your pet.

A Goody Box

Why settle for one gift when you can pick up a lot at once? These surprisingly inexpensive little gift boxes look lovely under the tree, and your dog will love the various chew toys, dog treats, and other goodies all wrapped up in a cute little basket. It’s the perfect way to spoil your dogs just in time for the holidays.

Professional Photo Session

An interactive pet photography session offers you one of the best ways to capture important memories with your furry friend. Have your pup strike a pose at one of their favorite locations with an interactive dog portrait or photography session.

Safety In Our Calgary Dog Daycare Facility: What You Should Know

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:09:26 GMT

Safety is the top concern for every dog parent we work with. In addition to quality care, providing a safe and harm-free environment for your pets is at the core of everything we do.

It begins with our screening process designed to identify dogs that may have behavioural problems and recommend the dog's parents seek veterinary care. Of course, all dogs must also be vaccinated and healthy.

Anyone looking for dog daycare in Calgary and Springbank will undoubtedly want to know how the facility will keep their dog safe. Today, we’ll go over how we protect your dog’s health and safety with everything we do. You’ll feel comfortable with the best dog daycare Calgary facility taking care of your dog.

How Will You Keep My Dog Safe?

Your dog’s safety has been our focus ever since we first founded our dog boarding facility in Calgary. It all begins with our admittance criteria that were created to keep dogs with behavioral issues or health concerns away from your pet:

Proof of vaccination: Every dog must have records indicating that they received all CORE vaccines, rabies, and bordetella vaccinations. All puppies must have at least two sets or a vet letter, we are a puppy daycare Calgary facility.
Must be spayed and neutered: We do not allow any dogs in our facility that are not spayed or neutered, with the exception of dogs under six months old.
No major behavioural issues: We do not accept dogs with major behavioural issues, largely defined by if those issues pose a threat to other dogs. Dogs with minor issues that do not put other dogs at risk may be accepted. All dogs are screened individually before being accepted.

Our next step in keeping your dog safe is only hiring daycare staff with a clear passion for pet care and the training to match. We also provide additional safety training in our specific policies and procedures to ensure we meet the highest standards of safety.

Our dog daycare facility itself was designed to promote safe and enriching behaviour. We use an open-concept design that provides plenty of space for dogs, and constant outdoor and indoor access. Dogs can run throughout our 3-acre outdoor playspace, or relax in our 1200 square feet indoor facility. Your pet will always have access to go wherever they want to go. Dogs can find their own space to be alone, or run with the pack and practice positive social skills.

What Will My Dog Do All Day?

How we plan our daytime activity is an important way that we keep your dog safe. Every day has a unique agenda that will keep your dog happy and engaged, preventing any potential behavioural issues from arising. Potential activities on any given day may include:

Time running with a pack: Dogs will spend 8-12 hours per day in a pack environment as we go through any specific activities. We are not the type of facility that keeps dogs crated all day.
Individual enrichment time: We’ll provide your pup with multiple individual enrichment activities throughout the day. These activities may include puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and scent walks.
Obedience training: We conduct group training classes to go over common topics like recall, leash walking, sitting, and tricks.

Your Dog is Safe with Us

We have thought about your dog’s safety as we’ve made every decision throughout our dog boarding Calgary facility.

Our admittance criteria prevent potentially aggressive dogs from being around your dog, in addition to any pets with health issues. You will have peace of mind when your dog is staying at the best dog daycare in Calgary. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your dog’s visit.

5 Benefits of Having a Dog in Your Life

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:21:46 GMT

Our four-legged fur babies are our everything. And even though living with dogs isn't always easy—the benefits of having a dog far outweigh the disadvantages.

After all, dogs give us a special feeling that no other companion can provide, which is why they are often referred to as “man’s best friend.”

But as it turns out, there is something more to that special bond we share with dogs—something a little more scientifics. Don’t believe us? Here’s what the American Kennel Club has to say about this.

Read on to learn the biggest benefits of owning a dog, and why life is better when you own a dog.

1. They Provide Safety

Dogs have incredibly heightened senses. If anything unusual is going on in the perimeter of your home, then your pup will definitely know.

A dog’s piercing bark can alert yourself and your neighbors about suspicious activity. This bark can scare off any potential intruders as well. Trying to rob a house is going to be insanely difficult with a dog barking away.

But even if an intruder somehow gets in the home, then your best friend will not give up. Dogs are known to instinctually attack intruders. While this isn’t ideal, as your pet might get injured, it’s nice to know that someone’s got your back.

Even walking is safer with a dog. Larger dogs are intimidating to any would-be criminals looking to prey on vulnerable people.

Our intelligent best friends will do everything they can to keep us safe with their natural weapons and heightened awareness.

2. Dogs Can Improve Our Social Life

One of the benefits of owning a dog is the social aspect of it. Not just with the dog, either. Studies show that about 40 percent of dog owners have an easier time meeting new (human) friends.

It makes sense, too. Dogs are a great conversation starter because everyone wants to share everything about their furry friend. Plus, dog owners run into each other all the time when they’re on a walk or at the park.

And there’s a bonus for the single owners out there. A recent study revealed that men are more likely to have a positive interaction with a woman if they have a dog with them.

Even if you’d rather light up your dating life from indoors, your pup’s still got you covered. Webbox carried out a two-week social experiment on the connection between dating app results and dog photos. On average, women saw a 69% increase on “yes” swipes, and men saw an increase of 38%. These matches were more likely to lead to a first date because of the amazing conversation starter.

3. They’re Good for Our Physical Health

Life with dogs can be hectic sometimes, especially if they’re young. Younger dogs tend to always be on the move.

But since dogs are active, their owners have to keep up. Dogs encourage owners to take them for walks and play with them. A 2019 study shows that dog owners are four times more likely to meet daily exercise requirements than non-dog owners.

Surprisingly, dog owners also have lower cholesterol and triglycerides, according to Harvard Health .

On top of all that, some service dogs are trained to alert their owners about potential heart attacks, seizures, and panic attacks. Dementia patients who were in the presence of a dog experienced fewer aggressive outbreaks and reduced heart rates.

4. They Keep Our Minds Healthy

Taking care of our mental health can be tricky and difficult. There’s no straight answer to keeping our minds healthy because everyone’s mind is different. However, we all share the same goal: to be happy.

Dogs can help us achieve that happiness in many ways.

Firstly, they don’t have harsh opinions or critiques. Dogs love their owners unconditionally. No matter what insecurities owners may have of themselves, their dogs love every part of them.

Secondly, they distract us from everyday life. When we have a rough day at work, we can come home and see our dog waiting for us. A million little agitations suddenly go away when we look into the eyes of our fur-babies.

Thirdly, dogs help reduce anxiety. Just the touch of a pet can calm us. A dog’s touch releases oxytocin and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for making us feel love and joy.

Having a dog provides amazing mental health benefits since they help reduce stress levels and can improve our general mental wellbeing. Researchers found evidence of dogs helping people with a speedy recovery from a mental health illness.

The University of Manchester conducted an experiment with 54 participants who had been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. They were given a pet to care for and about half of the participants reported that pets helped them manage day-to-day life. Pets distracted them from horrible symptoms like hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. But most importantly, it gave them a reason to keep fighting.

5. Dogs Provide Companionship

This is probably the best part of owning a dog. Dogs provide companionship like no other. They’re loyal to the bone and won’t give up on us.

This companionship can give us a sense of purpose. The responsibility that comes with owning a dog makes us feel important. It builds on our self-esteem and self-confidence.

Nothing can replicate the years of memories that come with having a canine companion. Everything from running on the beach on a warm summer day, lifelong memories of playing with your children, and going to the park to cool off.

They even give you the opportunity to visit friends for a doggy playdate. But most importantly, coming home to a friend who’s ready to comfort you after a hard day.

Looking for Amazing Dog Grooming & Walking Services in Calgary?

Dogs treat us amazingly and try their best to satisfy us. It’s only fair that we treat them just as well.

We can’t always be there with our pets, so it’s important to look into great daycare and overnight care services. It’s also important to keep our dogs clean. A clean dog is a healthy dog.

So, if you’re ready to spoil your dog with the best dog walking and grooming in Calgary, then Barking Good is here to help.

Barking Good offers daycare , overnight care , and grooming services . Show your pup how much you love them by giving them the best!

7 Dog Grooming Products To Keep Your Dog in Top Shape

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 17:51:26 GMT

As humans, we feel our best when we look our best. Believe it or not, the same goes for your favourite canine. Nothing’s better than a good groom to make them feel cherished and important.

You may be the type of dog owner who budgets in a bi-weekly groom for your pup. With the pandemic’s recent lockdown orders, most dog owners have to set up shop at home and get the job done themselves.

There’s one way to ensure your dog grooming time is concise and effective: owning the best dog grooming products. Stick around for the top seven essential grooming tools you should invest in [if not already] to keep your dog—of any shape or size—clean and healthy.

1. Dog grooming clippers (for your furry friend)

Getting a set of dog clippers is essential to keeping your hairy one intact. It’s best to keep these visible and close—depending on your pup [especially the long-haired ones]—so that they don’t suffer from matting, tangling, discomfort, or sight restrictions.

If you’re new to home grooming but want your trim to look as sharp as the professionals’, your best options are:

2. De-shedding and dog grooming brush

Most dogs shed regularly—and some more than others. That’s why owning a dog brush, specifically to tend to excessive shredding, is important. This will save you a lot of additional cleaning time as these brushes are great at catching all of the loose hairs. There are particular styles that work best with different types of fur, but here’s a good place to start:

3. Professional dog shampoo and optional conditioner

The best dog shampoo helps to prevent skin irritations, infections and any potential hidden lodgers in your dog's fur. It may be helpful to find a cleansing shampoo with conditioning properties. This way, your dog is never completely stripped of moisture, and less susceptible to experiencing excessive dryness.

4. High-performance microfibre dog towel

Microfibre towels cut your dog’s drying time in half at the end of the grooming process. They are lightweight, easy to clean, super absorbent, and perfect for any dog of any size. You’re doing yourself a huge favour if you choose to buy one of these.

5. Animal-friendly dog mist

Just like we humans enjoy a good spritz of perfume or cologne, your dog appreciates a fresh scent. It’s important to find a scent that isn’t too overbearing, yet can linger for hours, no matter where your dog goes, or what they do.

6. Toothbrush and toothpaste kit

Many dogs have already developed indicators of gum disease before they reach four years of age. When a dog’s mouth is unhealthy, the rest of its body is potentially affected as bacteria enters the bloodstream, deteriorating internal organs. Stay on top of your dog’s dental with these suggested brands:

7. Claw clippers

Dog claws grow quickly, and the last thing you want is for these to mark up your hardwood floors! Stay on top of claw clipping with the best dog clippers that delicately address one of the most sensitive areas of your canine’s body. You won’t regret this investment—and you may have to use it more often than you may think.

Get Your Furry Friend Groomed at Barking Good

At Barking Good, we care deeply about your dog’s health and hygiene . Until things fully open back up and you feel comfortable enough to visit us again, we trust that you are taking the necessary steps to maintain your pup’s health in this time of transition—and we’re willing to accompany you every step of the way.

Never done this before? Not comfortable grooming your dog on your own? No problem at all. Book an appointment with one of our dog groomers and we’ll take care of it for you.

Dog Walking: What Are the Benefits of Walking Your Dog?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:01:25 GMT

Anyone who owns a dog knows how much they love walks. But what they may not know is how great physical activity actually is for them. Plus, as a dog owner, don’t underestimate the healthy benefits you’ll receive when walking your canine companion.

The opportunity to see wildlife and other owners with their pets offers great mental stimulation for your furry friend. Plus, the daily exercise that comes from dog walking is a great way for your dog to release excess energy and help them sleep better at night.

Read on to learn more about the biggest benefits of walking your dog.

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

On average, dogs need between 30 minutes and 2 hours of physical activity each day. However, the exact time needed for dog walking depends on the breed and age of your dog.

For sporting or working dog breeds such as labrador retrievers and cocker spaniels, longer or smaller, more frequent walks are needed since they have much higher activity level requirements. While on the other hand, dogs bred to be lap dogs such as shih tzus and pomeranians, need less time walking since their exercise requirements are much lower.

Additionally, the age of a dog affects the length of walk they can handle, with the older dogs requiring shorter, but regular walks, and the younger dogs needing longer ones.

Why Do Dogs Like Outdoor Activities

The tail flap, butt wiggle, and heightened eye contact as they start running between you and the door in their famous little dance. It’s a familiar reaction that all dog owners have witnessed from their fur babies any time they mention the word, “walk” around them.

But what is it about dog walking that dogs love so much?

They get to sniff everything

Yes, EVERYTHING. A dog’s nose and the scents they pick up with it is how they explore the world around them and learn new things. And since dogs love being in the know, it’s only natural that they want to go for daily walks and use that all ye faithful nose of theirs to explore.

It allows them to unwind

All that pent-up energy that comes with being a dog and from living inside needs to be released in some way or another. For many dogs, a walk is a way to do it. The fresh air, great company, and amazing exercise offers a great atmosphere for any dog needing to release some excess energy.

The longer the walk, the more dogs/people they get to meet

It’s like the meet and greets that keep ongoing. With every walk, there’s a new opportunity for your dog to meet new friends and socialize with them. What's not to like?

They get to spend quality time with you

Cheesy or not, it’s true. Your dog loves you. They want to spend as much bonding time with you, and there’s no better way to build that bond than through a long walk.

Looking for the Best Dog Walking Service Near You or Dog Walking Advice?

Give your dog what they want most: long walks and beautiful weather.

At Barking Good, we give all our dogs the love and care they need to enjoy their time waiting for your return. With our dog boarding , grooming , and dog walking services, your dog will be a happy boy/girl on its way back to you.

Learn more about our dog walking services on our home page to get started.

Summer Is Here!

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 20:17:08 GMT

Summer is almost here and Calgarians are excited to travel again. With things opening up we are seeing an increase in the need for dog care during travel plans or going back to the office. Barking Good is getting ready for this need and has some exciting things in store to help support your pups' transitions.

To begin in this support we will be opening up a new part-time position over the next week and seeking someone over 18 who can continue part-time hours throughout the year with us. If you know of anyone who would be interested please have them reach out to Crystal at 403-835-2440 or crystal@barkinggood.net . We have a full on-line training course along with a comprehensive on-spot training to ensure that whatever the experience level is we will ensure that you have all the skill sets required to perform this role fully. We only seek individuals who have a passion in enhancing the lives of dogs and can demonstrate a care to ensuring that all dogs are confident and happy in our pack.

Update: Our Pool Oasis is in the final stages of opening. We can’t wait to watch your pups cool down and enjoy some fun activities in the water. Stay posted over the next week to include your pup in this fun activity.

Reminder: With Summer comes Lice and Ticks. We ask that all of our visitors be for Lice, as these are not fun pests to deal with. You can visit your vet for a monthly pill treatment or inquire with us for a monthly tropical treatment. (Our tropical treatment will not protect against ticks though, so even if you don’t go out in long grass or treed areas with your dog, these ticks do drop off the deer, moose and coyotes who are visiting us inside the city limits)

Did You Know: We have added a BG Store tab to our website. This will feature updated, professional photos from Makenzie. Mackenzie brings her camera to work for some beautiful candid professional shots of your pooch during their visit with us. Take a browse through her portfolio on our website and if you would like to purchase a digital photo email us at crystal@barkinggood.net .

Check out our Frampton Biscuits: Human edible dog treats and your doggies are LOVING them. Checkout the ingredients. These are always freshly baked and ready for pickup, just add it on your booking or ask for a bag when you visit. Your pup will not be disappointed.

A Message from our Groomer on Common Questions asked

Q: How often should I clip my dog's nails?

A: As a rule of thumb, a dog's nails should be trimmed when they just about touch the ground while walking. If your pets’ nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it’s time for a trim. This can vary from biweekly to every second month but on average every 6 weeks.

A Message from Crystal

We have been very busy meeting lots of new noses here at Barking Good and we are seeing a big need, for many of these Covid Puppies, to support them and their owners. Many owners are making travel plans or are being asked to come back to work and many of these pups missed opportunities for proper socialization skills with other dogs and humans. BG is here to help in ensuring a gentle and safe transition for you and your pup. You will notice a new structure going up in our 2 acre dog park, this will be our “De-Covidize your Dog School”. Crystal will be applying special training techniques to assist these dogs in learning social skills with other dogs, people and how to feel safe on their own when separated away from their owner. We know Covid has changed many aspects of our lives and we definitely see a need to help these young dogs to become balanced, confident adult dogs. Our program has already started but this structure will create a more streamlined format of helping these pups. If you know anyone that could use some support with their Covid-Doggie please share our information. We would love to help.

Have a great and happy summer everyone!

Welcome To Our New Website!

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 13:21:43 GMT

We are very excited to share the launch of our new and improved website! You will notice the efficiency we achieved in the booking of our services along with areas on our page that will keep you better informed with all the fun and exciting things we having going on at Barking Good.

In March and April all Barking Good staff attended an extensive training program to further enhance our level of expertise in providing a safe and engaging environment for your pups. We have all graduated the core programs and over the months of May and June we are advancing our skills, even further, to provide a variety of enriching programs that will skyrocket our core value of ensuring that every dog is confident while we stay flexible to each of their needs. As you know, we are very passionate about allowing all of our visiting dogs to be the dog that they want to be and this advanced training will provide programs that will enhance this for your fur-babies even further. We have been busy practicing all of our skills and planning the best programs that suit your special pets.

Stay tuned about these programs and other new and exciting things going on at Barking Good by signing up to our Newsletter , and take advantage of the free offers.