Doggy Daycare? More Like Doggy Playcare
Dogs need playtime, and sometimes when they can’t get enough of that energy out, they can cause problems at home – like chewing on things that definitely DON’T go into slobbery mouths, or getting zoomies so fast it makes the Flash jealous while knocking over cups on the coffee table. So a great way to let your dog get their wild side out without wanting to pull out your hair is getting them into a doggy daycare here in Salem! Dogs here can have fun, run around, meet other dogs, and get plenty of attention from the staff.
Socialization Can Mean a Friendlier Dog in General!

If your dog hasn’t had much socialization, they can be a handful when going out anywhere with them. Dog socialization offers many benefits that can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life. They are social creatures that are meant to be around others, but if they have never experienced other dogs in a healthy way, then it could be very stressful for your dog! That is why, at doggy daycares, we socialize dogs in a healthy way so they get used to seeing other dogs and aren’t afraid. As a bonus, they won’t tug and bark while on walks when they see other dogs!
Anxious dog? No Prob!
If you have an anxious dog and you are worried about putting them in a doggy daycare, that is understandable, but there are many benefits to putting an anxious dog into a doggy daycare center.
A dog whose anxiety comes from under-stimulation or isolation (like separation-related distress) may do better with company and activity than being alone all day. Doggy daycare can also provide controlled exposure for dogs who are anxious around other dogs.
Now, a word of warning to owners who have an anxious dog: if your dog is triggered by loud and overstimulating places, a doggy daycare may not be the best option. It’s best to find calmer, quieter options to desensitize the pup first, and once they are more comfortable in chaotic but fun situations, they are welcome here!
Home Alone or Supervised and Safe?
Life is full of busy moments, and there are a lot of places your furry friend can’t tag along, so a lot of pet owners just leave their dogs home unattended. Dogs who are lonely and bored will get into anything and everything, including things that they cannot ingest.
A supervised dog is a safe dog, so that’s why it is a great option to have your dog stay with us at our doggy daycare in Salem! We here at Canine Cottage pride ourselves on being attentive to each of the four-legged friends who walk through our doors, so that you can do the important life stuff while your furry friend remains safe and supervised!
Do Dogs Need Routines Like Humans?
Do dogs need a routine? The answer is simply yes! Just like your morning routine of a cup of joe and a toothbrush and toothpaste, dogs need routine too.
At a doggy daycare, dogs follow a steady schedule of potty breaks, play, and rest. A dog on a routine is typically a happier dog too, because they feel stable and structured without the fear of not knowing what is going to happen.
Now, change does happen in life, and stress will occur, but the ability to keep at least one bit of normalcy for your dog is important. Think about it from your dog’s perspective: they can’t read a calendar or check a clock, so their sense of security comes entirely from patterns they can predict.
When breakfast, walks, and playtime happen around the same time each day, your dog learns to relax into the rhythm instead of bracing for the unknown. A doggy daycare offers that same predictability even when your own schedule shifts, giving your dog a consistent anchor no matter what else is changing in their fluffy world.
Come in and See if We are the Right Fit for You!
If you are in the Salem or Roanoke, VA area and need doggy daycare, we are here to help. If you are unsure whether we’re a good fit for you and your dog, you are welcome to come in, talk with us, and see what our facility looks like! We are welcoming to all dogs, from big floofs to smaller woofs. We’d love to meet you both in person and answer any questions you have along the way, so schedule your visit today!