Happy Dogs Daycare, one of Manchester’s best loved and popular doggy daycare's are pleased to announce that throughout 2023 we will have a number of new places available.
To enquire and arrange to meet and discuss registering your dog with us please call Paul or Adam on
07976 443377
• Lots of fun, games & cuddles.
• Scavenger hunts, sensory games, indoor & outdoor play.
• Regular photo shoots.
• Structured well planned days.
• 7,000 sq ft indoor secure space across 2 arenas & outdoor play area.
• Bath & pampers available in our Happy Dogs Spa.
Dogs MUST be:
• Well socialised and comfortable around other dogs.
• Well-mannered and know how to play / interact with dogs nicely.
• Must be able to commit to regular weekly visits.
• No history of aggression or reactive behaviour.
• If your dog suffers from separation anxiety please call us to discuss if a plan can be agreed prior to joining daycare. (Please read our section below on separation anxiety)
• Dogs must be minimum of 9 months old, spayed / neutered & fully vaccinated.
• Opening times Mon – Fri 7.30am – 6.00pm. Call now to enquire and arrange for an assessment…
Hurry Hurry Hurry these places are likely to go quickly…
Separation anxiety:
Separation anxiety – what is it?
Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes overly attached to their owner; leading to high levels of stress when apart or left alone.
For the last couple of years, we have all suffered under lockdown conditions and dogs are no exception. Many young dogs have been at home 24/7 with their owners, through the “working at home” regime; with kids at school and very few opportunities for socialising, it’s possible that your dog has hardly left your side. While this certainly helps with bonding and creating a loving and affectionate home it can unfortunately have drawbacks and can cause problems.
Separation anxiety is more than simply whining when you leave or barking while you’re out. It's a serious condition and one that can become very difficult to overcome.
Dogs, especially young dogs, need to learn how to settle and be comfortable without their guardian being present. This should be learnt at a very young age, however, due to lockdown this has been difficult and it’s only now that we are seeing a significant increase in this behaviour.
Typical signs of separation anxiety:
• Crying / whining / barking / howling
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Drooling / salivating / licking lips a lot
• Destructive behaviour / chewing
• Self-harm
• Trying to escape
Recent research carried out by the RSPCA shows that up to 80% of dogs now suffer from some form of separation anxiety. Here at Happy Dogs we see this behavioural trait in some dogs attending our daycare amongst dogs who have been at daycare for some time and those who have recently joined us. Prior to lockdown we saw approximately 20% of dogs suffering with mild separation anxiety, however since the pandemic, this number has climbed above 50%; cases ranging from mild to severe.
How do I get my dog to stop crying or feeling stressed when I leave the room?
No-one wants to hear their dog crying when they leave the room or prepare to leave the house and there are ways to help them, but help should be specific to your individual dog. What works for one dog may not work for another and it will depend how severe their separation anxiety is. Therefore, it is always best to speak to a qualified dog behaviourist who will be able to advise you of the best course of action.
Does separation anxiety in dogs go away?
A behaviourist will be able to work with you to help change the way your dog feels and behaves. Because separation problems can develop for a number of reasons, it’s important to speak to your vet first, and then a behaviourist, for advice tailored to your individual dog.
Can daycare help with my dog’s separation anxiety?
This all depends on the individual dog; some dogs with mild separation anxiety can overcome their fears with regular daycare visits coupled with continued work at home encouraging the dog to feel comfortable in their own space. Some dogs can respond quite negatively to the daycare environment and although there are plenty of distractions on offer and staff on hand, the separation from the comfort of their owners and their “safe place” at home can be too great and if forced, can exacerbate the problem and even make home life more troublesome.
At Happy Dogs, our interest always lies with the wellbeing of the dogs individually and collectively as a pack. We assess every new dog individually and while we are not behaviourists, nor dog trainers, we will be able to offer some advice on the best course of action.
If you know, or suspect, that your dogs suffers with separation anxiety it is essential that you discuss this with us at your ‘meet and greet’ session so that we can tailor our advice to you and consider the most appropriate way to handle this in your dog’s assessment.
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