Is my dog unhappy at daycare if he cries and is introverted?

Hi there. It's not uncommon for adult dogs to be somewhat selective about the dogs they want to interact with - not all dogs are "daycare dogs," which is perfectly okay. Alternatively, there may have just been one or more dogs at this particular daycare that he didn't do well with, and he might do better someplace else or with a different management plan (separate play groups for dogs with different energy levels, etc.) It doesn't sound like we have much information about what specifically happened at his daycare evaluation, so it's hard to speculate much on what the problem may have been without more details. I would suggest asking the daycare supervisor for more info about this, so that you can get a better idea of why it may not have gone well. Depending on the problem, you could consider trying a different daycare to see if he might do better there.

I am concerned that she is developing a negative association with the daycare and other dogs. She may be getting overly tired, developing some protective aggression, or even some fear based aggression. I would recommend giving her a break from the facility with slow return with loads of positive reinforcement. In more severe cases you could also try some Trazodone. It is not a sedative, rather increases the amount of Serotonin in the brain. This results in a more content and happy pup. You could use this as a training tool while you are re-integrating her, and then wean her off as she has successful days.

I would take your cue from her. If she seems to enjoy daycare and is more relaxed and happy in the evenings when she's been there, then I don't see any problem with taking her four days a week if you want to. When I was in veterinary school, my own dog (a young Sheltie) went to doggy daycare five days a week while I was on clinical rotations my senior year. It was a great arrangement for him :)

Hi there! I actually think that this sounds like a pretty great schedule for Brody - kudos to you for planning things out so well for him! :) His daycare days should give him plenty of social interaction and exercise, and I think that the walks and dog park trips on the days that he stays home are perfect. I know a lot of dogs who would be very envious of such a great life - Brody is a very lucky guy! Keep up the good work.

Hello. I am sorry Rocky isn't feeling well. Just like children going to day-care, doggy day-care is full of new viruses and bacteria that your dog can be exposed to. It is possible that Rocky picked up a virus or bacteria at doggy day-care, or possibly ate food that was not part of his normal diet. If he is lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, not active, not eating, having trouble breathing, or continues to not act himself then we would recommend that you have him seen by a veterinarian as he could require medical intervention.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh goodness Rocco is cute! Rocco is still very young! He likely misses all his litter mates. Making the crate a good place to be is your best approach. When he is out with you, leave the play pen/crate open so he can walk in and out. Give good treats and toys in the crate with the door opening. Tie the toy or rawhide chew with rope in the crate so he can't take it out to play with or eat. Teach him how to "go to his bed" which will be the crate. When he is tired pick him up and lay him in there. If you have free time snuggle with him. It will take time and like I said at 8 weeks he is very young and this is normal behavior. I hope this helps and good luck!

If he feels safe and secure under the desk i would allow him in there for now and work hard on socializing him so that he does not feel the need to use it. Banishing him from his secure area will likely heighten his anxiety at this early stage. Consider pheromone products, calming diets or supplements