In the past, minimal exercise requirements were a big factor for adopting smaller dogs. A daily walk or two and a little playtime were more than enough exercise for my little dogs. Mavis needs more–a lot more.

I no longer go for runs or walks without Mavis. Our longest walk of the day is at dawn. The goal is two-plus miles, but even early, it’s been too hot for much more than a half mile. Later in the day, we do well to make it around the block.

Cooler weather has helped. Three or four walks a day is not enough. Mavis needs to run more than she can in the yard or on walks–even on the long leash. She’d probably love a dog park, but I don’t trust other owners enough to take her.

I searched online and, after checking out several doggie day care options, found a facility (Pawtropolis) I liked.

They screen dogs to make sure they’re current on vaccinations and require a temperament test for admittance to group play. The highly-recommended facility is amazing–like a country club for dogs with an in-ground swimming pool and an indoor spa. Getting there is an easy drive for me and I can keep an eye on her via livestream cams.

I dropped Mavis off for the temperament test before 8:30 and couldn’t pick her up until 2:00. The maximum number of dogs in a playgroup is 16. They introduced her to one dog, then another, until all 16 were running loose in the play area.

I watched on and off all morning. Mavis was overwhelmed long about the seventh or eighth addition to the group. She wasn’t fearful, but spent so much time at the gate looking for me I had to quit watching.

She aced her test and was approved for group play. Balking at going into her bedroom (their term for kennel) was the only negative comment on her report card. She was extremely glad to see me.

After the test, Mavis went to daycare about once a week, including a three-night sleepover (their term for boarding). She spent most of her time either at the gate looking for me or following the attendant. I wondered if maybe daycare wasn’t for her.

Staff said to give her time. An AI search suggested she’d need eight to ten visits to adjust. Sure enough, she started playing with some of the other dogs on her ninth visit. On the tenth, she was running with a pack close to her in age. Watching them play warmed my heart. (Apologies for the non-cropped screenshots)

According to AI, two-to-three visits a week is optimal. Having to go anywhere three times a week is less than optimal for me. She’s been going twice a week for a couple of weeks now and has standing appointments every Tuesday and Friday through October.

I drop her off by 8:30 and pick her up around 3. She doesn’t play the whole time–puppies go to their bedrooms every couple of hours for rest breaks. All the dogs are kenneled for an hour or so around noon for lunch and a nap.

When we get home, she gets out of the car, takes a few steps into the house, and pretty much crashes for the rest of the day. Now that she’s clearly having fun, leaving her is easier. I don’t check on her so much, either. I’m busy doing things more easily done without her around.

Daycare has been good for both of us. I know she’s in good hands and am comfortable leaving her–even for sleepovers. Playing with all the other dogs wears Mavis out. Everybody knows, a tired dog is a happy dog.

As always, thanks for stopping by.