First things first—yes, I’m a dog walker, and yes, I think I’m pretty good at it (if I may say so myself). But I’m writing this one with a neutral hat on, because the truth is, both dog daycare and dog walking have their place. What works brilliantly for one dog might be totally wrong for another. As we are at the beginning of a new year, people are going to decide which option is best for them and there dog this year so, let's look into it.
I’ve sent my own dogs to both daycare and out with dog walkers, so I’ve seen it from all sides. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons for each to help you figure out what’s best for your dog and your schedule.
Dog Daycare Positives
Daycares are usually fully fenced (or completely indoors), which is a huge bonus when it comes to safety. You’re not dealing with unknown parks, other dogs turning up unannounced, or that heart-dropping moment when a dog bolts after a loud noise. If a car backfires or there’s thunder, your dog is safe inside.
They also offer structure—good daycares will have set drop-off and pick-up times, which help the dogs settle without constant disruption.
A big plus? Your dog is busy all day. Sure, most daycares build in rest times (because dogs need more sleep than we do), but they’re not stuck at home alone chewing the couch or pacing the hallway. They’re getting social time, stimulation, and hopefully coming home ready to snooze.
Socialisation is another big one. They’ll be around other dogs consistently, learning how to behave in a group, how to read dog body language, and how to play nicely.
And let’s be honest—indoor daycare = less mud on your floors.
Dog Walker Positives
There’s nothing like fresh air. With dog walking, your pup gets out and about in the real world—smelling smells, seeing sights, getting that daily dose of nature.
They’re actually walking, not just running in circles. It’s great for physical health, and even better for mental stimulation. Dogs process the world through their noses, and a good sniffy walk can be more satisfying than a sprint.
A good walker will include training, manners, and structure into their walks. We’re talking on-lead walking, polite greetings, learning to wait, recall practice, and more. Plus, your dog gets time in a smaller group (or even one-on-one), which can be a lot calmer and more tailored than a busy daycare environment.
They’re also learning how to behave in public—around people, kids, dogs, scooters, and bin trucks. Socialisation in the real world is gold.
Dog Daycare Negatives
Some daycares can feel like a bit of a free-for-all. With so many dogs and not enough humans, it’s easy for problem behaviours to go unnoticed—or worse, reinforced.
If staff aren’t properly trained or don’t step in early, you might find your dog picking up habits you’re not so keen on. Mounting, excessive barking, resource guarding—these things can spiral fast if no one’s managing it.
There’s also a wide range in quality. Some places are amazing, others… not so much. Always look for a daycare where staff have actual dog knowledge (not just love dogs), and where the dogs aren’t just left to figure it out themselves.
Dog Walker Negatives
It’s the outdoors. And that means, well—no fences. A good walker will have solid recall and safe routines, but there’s always a risk when you’re out in the wild (or even the park).
You also need to be picky. There are brilliant dog walkers out there (hello), but there are also cowboys—people with no real training, walking too many dogs, or just winging it with no plan if something goes wrong.
Walks also involve encountering other dogs, people, and distractions. Not every dog is a fan, and not every person is respectful. And for some dogs, being on-lead in a stimulating environment can be frustrating if not handled well.
What to Look for in Both
Whether you’re looking at daycare or a walker, here are a few non-negotiables to look for:
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Staff with actual training—both in dog behaviour and body language, as well as what do to when something does go wrong.
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Clear rules, routines, and boundaries for the dogs.
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Transparency. Can they tell you what your dog did today without hesitating? Do they know who your dog’s best mate is?
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Down time. Dogs need rest, not go-go-go all day.
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Access to fresh water (you’d be surprised…).
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A good gut feeling. If something feels off, trust that.
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Active and open communication, especially through socials or direct updates.
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Honesty. No fibbing about numbers, behaviour, or how the day went.
And most importantly: if it’s not working, you’re allowed to change your mind.
There’s no right or wrong choice here—just what suits your dog and your family best. The key is doing your research, asking questions, and finding someone (or a some place) you trust.
If you’re stuck or want help figuring out what your dog might suit best, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to have a yarn about it.
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