Why socialising your dog is essential - and how Dog Daycare can help

Socialisation is one of the most important aspects of raising a happy, confident, and well-behaved dog. Providing them with access to regular, positive experiences with other dogs, people, and environments is key to their emotional and mental wellbeing. Not only that, encouraging them to be comfortable in the company of other canines should make you feel happier too. Feeling confident in the knowledge that your pet generally gets along with others means you can really enjoy your walkies time together, with far less stress and worry.

What do we mean by socialisation?

We’d define socialising your dog as the process of gently and positively exposing your dog to a wide range of experiences: sights, sounds, people, animals, and environments. Ideally, this will begin in puppyhood, but it shouldn’t stop at the end of those puppy classes. It’s important to maintain consistent socialisation throughout a dog’s life, and here’s why… 

When dogs are given the opportunity to socialise regularly, it really helps them to learn how to behave calmly and confidently in everyday situations - like meeting new people, visiting the vet, or encountering unfamiliar dogs during walks. This is good for them - and you! Without this exposure, dogs are at greater risk of developing behavioural issues such as reactivity, excessive barking, fearfulness, or separation anxiety.

If your dog is particularly reactive on walks, using a longer training lead can give them the freedom to move while keeping them safely under control. It’s also important to ensure your dog’s collar fits correctly – it should be snug but not tight, with enough room to comfortably slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. For dogs who tend to pull or lunge, a well-fitted harness can offer better control and reduce pressure on their neck. We stock a range of leads, collars, and harnesses to support your dog’s needs both in and out of daycare.

Like us, dogs are social creatures and prolonged isolation or a lack of variety in their environment can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Just as we benefit from meaningful social interaction, so do our four-legged companions. A well-socialised dog is not only generally more adaptable, less fearful, and easier to include in family outings, holidays, and daily adventures, it’s a happier dog too.

How daycare can support your dog’s social skills

Daycare can be a wonderful way to tick the socialisation box – particularly if you feel a bit nervous about introducing your pet to other dogs. Encountering a new furry friend in the neutral environment of dog daycare reduces the risk of everyone getting all territorial, for starters. And with lots of interesting new human faces, smells, and activities to check out, there is plenty to keep the vibe light and everyone distracted. 

At Love My Human, we have created a very safe, welcoming, and enriching environment where dogs can build strong social skills, have fun, and thrive as part of a well-balanced daily routine. Lots of humans bring their dogs to us when they need to work away from home, while others drop them off for some fun and a chance to hang out with other hounds. 

Daycare like ours is also so much more than a place to play - it’s a structured social environment where dogs can safely interact with others under the guidance of experienced professionals. Our facilities offer a unique environment that blends play, structure, and supervision - all essential ingredients for proper social development. We keep in mind that all dogs are different, so we’ve created a range of spaces so everyone can be comfortable, whatever their needs. All daycare guests are supervised by Ofqual Level 3 qualified dog carers, Natasha, Penny and Maya, who play, cuddle, and stimulate dog minds all day long.

The main Daycare Room at Love My Human has been lovingly designed to feel like home and features cosy beds and a range of soft, fun, and enriching toys. We also have a Quiet Room, which is a smaller separate area, fully supervised, where canine guests can pause for some ‘me-time.’ Sometimes after a boisterous play session, this Zen space helps guests calm down and recharge batteries. It’s also helpful if we need to give any mischievous types some time out!

Enrichment all the way 

We want to make sure that your dog has the most enriching time with us while they’re socialising and making new friends, so we’ve produced a carefully curated menu of activities to keep their body AND brains busy.

Daycare guests at Love My Human can make use of a large open Roof Terrace area fitted with AstroTurf and agility equipment, including a seesaw, tunnel and hoops. Here, they also get to sniff their way around our new Sensory Garden, where we have planted dog-safe plants like lavender, thyme, and rosemary. They all seem to love it very much. In the summer months, we also put an umbrella up on the terrace to provide extra shade and set up the paddling pool for all our keen water babies.

Dogs staying with us for the full day go on a full hour-long walk – the ultimate socialisation activity – and we can always fit in extra walkies on request for anyone who has excess energy to expel.

How do our Daycare sessions work?

All dogs are assessed during a one-hour induction before joining the Love My Human Pup Club. We like to get to know everyone a little bit first, so we can make sure socialisation is as fun, fulfilling and safe as it can possibly be. We also ask all new clients to complete an application form, sign our terms and conditions, and provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Once the induction is completeand all documents are received, your dog will be officially registered and ready to join us for hourly,
half-day, or full-day daycare sessions.

For more information on our Dog Daycare offerings, visit our website:
https://lovemyhuman.co.uk/pages/day-care