Just wondered if anyone had experience of daycare and could give advice on what to look out for when making arrangements. I will be going back to work in September after the long summer holidays and will need daycare for my puppy for about three days a week. He will be just over four months by then. I live in York. The original arrangement I thought I had before the puppy arrived has had to be reviewed for various reasons. Any input gratefully received - thanks!

Hi,
The only dog daycare place I've had experience of was shocking (although it was a purpose built premises, not someone doing it from their own home).  They had up to 25 dogs, which allegedly weren't all together at a time, but I'm fairly certain they were, they did agility on a concrete floor :-o  and let young pups run free all day long (despite instructions to the contrary).  So if I were you, I would only use these kind of services if it was someone doing it on a small scale (perhaps no more than 5 dogs) and you'd been able to spend a considerable amount of time with them letting them know how you do things with your pup, seeing how they look after other people's dogs... and only if you were convinced they'd follow your pup's normal regime would I go with it.   I'm sure it can work,  but just be careful as it seems doggy daycare is big business these days!
Good luck!
Clare

There are some people who will have dogs to their house during working hours.  Often, they have a couple of their own, good natured dogs, and foster a couple to help the pennies.  Being in a normal home environment is far better than a commercial establishment.

I actually have someone come to my house during the day.  It suits well, as he lives alone and can't keep dogs in his flat, but loves them.  Although I have come home unexpectedly to find him laid out snoring on the settee, TV blaring, and 7 dogs asleep on top of him!!  :-)

My dogs are in their usual environment, and are totally comfortable with him.  The arrangement suits my needs, and I think we all have to go with what arrangements suits our circumstances, and that our dogs are comfortable with.

jeanSWAlthough I have come home unexpectedly to find him laid out snoring on the settee, TV blaring, and 7 dogs asleep on top of him!! 
- Sounds like they're all having a good time.
OP My son is at Uni in York and was looking for part-time work, he would be conscientious and caring so others could be too. I don't know exactly what you want from daycare and how much and how long for- an hours visit, a walk, 3 full days, permanently etc - but thought a possibility could be to look at uni students - maybe advertise there.  I'd think you'd have to have a clear idea of exactly what you wanted first though.

i have considered the dog walking thing, make a few pennies and i love all animals which would be a bonus for me, but i would also consider the dogs visiting my home in working hours which would suit me or holiday cover so your dog could be in a family home enviroment rather than kennels should someone go on say a weeks holiday. I often wonder how i would go about getting into that or insurance or things like that would be needed

Thanks for replies so far. While my pup is so young I'm looking for care from about 10:00 to 4:00 so probably wouldn't be suitable for a student. When he's older I'd hope to manage with two walks/play periods during the day. I should add that I get quite long holidays so this arrangement is only for the weeks in between the breaks. The early months are difficult because it's important that he's not over-exercised whilst his joints are firming up. I think it's also good for him to meet other dogs and get used to behaving himself around them.

On another note, has anyone got any ideas to help with settling him when I go out for a short period? He's in his crate but, although he's happy overnight, he does often howl when I leave him for a quick shopping trip or whatever. I've tried taking him out for a short walk to tire him before I go but it doesn't seem to be working!