Doggie daycare for socialization only?

[Darcy & Millie]

I have been taking Millie every week or every other week to doggie daycare, but only because I want her to have the socialization.  It's not that I really "need" her there.  My question now is how good is this for her?  I'm wondering if she will not generalize and meeting dogs elsewhere now will be no different, like if she doesn't go to daycare?  Hope I'm making sense.  I guess to sum it up - will her socializing at daycare benefit her in other places too when she meets other dogs?

Would love to hear your thoughts, and your experiences with ddc as well!

Thank you!

[Lindsay n Archie]

We take Archie to day care once a week too. If we could afford to do it more we would. He is SUCH a high energy dog, so tkaing him to day care really helps with that.  Plus he LOVES it. He cannot wait to get inside and play with his friends. As far as sociliazation, Im sure it helps (as long as there are not mean or aggressive dogs at the facility). 

[M.J.]

Porter also goes once a week. He may not "need" it, but he remains social not only with dogs, but with people. Because of day care, he knows to listen to commands of other humans. He comes when called from nearly everyone. And he gets tired! He's high energy, so worth every penny! Keep it up!

[Emily Lau]

I have been taking Earnest (currently 8 months old) to day care around once a week since he was 8 weeks old, precisely for socialization. He is currently a very well-adjusted, sweet, gentle, playful, teenage dog. He loves every person/dog without being pushy when a dog doesn't want to play with him, or fearful when another dog appears to be a bit threatening. He is a medium-large doodle, and he plays with both chihuahuas and great danes :)

I think daycare had a lot to do with it, because he was there for HOURS on end playing with all kinds of dogs without mama/papa being present.

Hope this helps!

[Kathryn digregorio]

Hi my Breezy is nine months old and we did the same , had her in day care for socialization only at about 5 months. She went 2Xweek for about 6 weeks and now just once in a while. It was sooooo worth it. I was not comfortable doing it myself because was afraid she would be hurt, and not being able to tell the reaction of other dogs. She is very well socialized and if another dog growls or does not want to play, she just walks away, if very large dogs come up, she will stand very still until they know each other. It is interesting to see the reaction and her relation to other dogs. This would never have happened without day care. Also, it really has helped me to be comfortable when she meets a new dog. Best thing I ever did besides getting this wonderful puppy.

[kristine & Auggie]

We take Auggie a few times a week while I work and I love that he has a fun day that he looks forward to that will gvie him socialization and a ton of exercise.  We both come home ready for a nap lol  He has learned to play with dogs of all sizes and listen to other adults.  But he gets to play play play.  He loves it.  I use it mainly for the exercise he gets.