K-9 to 5 - Dogs Need Jobs Too

So the spouse is off to work, the kids are taken care of, what about the dog? It’s not something we typically think about when we adopt that furry friend, but they need just as much stimulation and exercise that our kids do. Going for a walk once a day helps, but our pets need more activity than that. According to the ASPCA, boredom and excess energy are two of the main causes of behavior problems in dogs. Most of our pooches are pure or mixes of breeds that were bred for a purpose. Bred to work. Most of us don’t need help herding livestock and hunting rabbits, we simply need a companion and lifelong friend. That natural instinct your pet feels to move, lead, and provide is no longer satisfied, so it makes sense that those hours spent while you are away at work, or running your daily errands tends to end in a torn up couch or angry neighbor. So what now? We know the problem and the reason for the behavior, but how do we help? The answer is mental and physical stimulation.

"Working" hard at having Sirius Fun!

Doggy daycare is a great way for dogs to get out of the house and run off that pent up energy, but that’s not all daycares are good for. Taking your dog to a reputable facility is very beneficial in many ways for many different types of dogs. Along with the physical exertion of running around in a spacious area, your dog will be introduced to many new faces, aiding in socialization. This makes your special dog a friendly dog as well. One that, when worked with and exposed often, will be less likely to show signs of aggression towards people and other animals. You may just see “Fluffy” chasing her friend for a stick, but instinctually your pup is tapping into those ancient urges to hunt and work. That’s the ultimate benefit of doggy daycares; they give your dog a job. In their minds, they get to spend the day searching, hunting, chasing, and establishing relationships in “packs”, while being supervised in a safe environment.

Lounging around at Sirius Fun Doggy Daycare
after a hard day of "work".

Now What does all this mean for you? This means you drop off an excited, anxious pup and pick up a tired, mentally, and physically satisfied dog that is ready to go home, eat, and cuddle. Sounds like a win-win for you and “Fluffy”.


that you've decided daycare is worth a shot, be choosy. Tour your prospective facility; ask how the staff is trained, ask about requirements, and how the daycare is run. Each facility will be different and it’s important to take the time to find the right fit for you and your best friend.

For more great pictures of the K-9 to 5, please visit Sirius Fun's Facebook page!