Ok, so I started taking Caoimhe to doggy daycare a couple weeks ago (which was recommended to me by multiple people). She only goes once a week because that's the only day no one is home during the day.
After her initial evaluation, I met with the owner who was giving me the rundown of her day and her eval and she asked me questions regarding how much we feed her and what kind of food (at the time it was Fromm and she was getting about 1/2-2/3 c daily). She proceeds to lecture me on how I am under feeding her and blah blah blah. I've included some (not so great) pictures so you can see what Caoimhe is looking like these days.

Then she is telling me that my dog is "showing signs of being dominant" and how "we'll work on that". Mind you this woman is not a trainer, she is the OWNER. They have trainers come in and teach there. We started puppy school when Caoimhe was 10 weeks old, and she listens *most* of the time. She laid happily at my feet while I was being told how huskies are stubborn and don't like to listen and are very mouthy. Uh hi... she's 12 weeks old (at the time). She also proceeds to tell me that she does not think dog parks are good for socializing and that me taking her to puppy groups 2-3x week is not doing anything because puppies only teach puppies bad behaviors, and she really should be with adult dogs.

Fast forward to the following week: I pick her up and she's got cuts on her ear. At first I didn't know what they were, got nervous they were ticks, and low and behold, scabs! I was pissed. No one knows anything.

So I switched her to TOTW after her second bag of Fromm was finished and the recommendation on the bag is more than Fromm, so I upped the amount a little. I think she may be eating too much now though because her stool is pretty loose and that's the only thing that's changed. When she switched there was no problem, until I upped the amount. So I'll decrease it and see if that works.

Basically this woman has suggested the exact opposite of everything Ive read and what our trainer has said. Would you find a new daycare or does it matter since it's not like they are doing any training with her?

There's another daycare that I am going to call and set up a tour with anyway.

For me there's no question I'd look elsewhere. I could understand an explanation for the cut "He was playing rough with another dog and it got a little out of hand" But to have no clue how that happened is concerning. If they're talking about dominance then I'd also get the hell out of there. And 'we'll work on that' sounds so suss.

Your dog does not look underfed or fat. I would agree with the day care person, however, that 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of dog food daily is too little. When I rehomed Bodhi at a year and four months, he was being fed 3 cups a day. Now he's down to 2 1/2 cups a day.

I switched him from the breeder's dog food, Kirkland, to TOTW, Pacific Stream. His stools firmed up and became more compact. Your dog's loose stools might be from switching cold turkey (?) You are supposed to blend the two dog foods, gradually reducing the one you want to stop.

I have to admit that I agree with what the owner of the day care told you about the socialization need of puppies to be around some older dogs. She might not have been very politic in the way she talked with you, and maybe she doesn't know much about huskies. Husky play that is normal is often interpreted as being dominant.

The bottom line is that if you feel this person is overbearing or uncaring about your dog's welfare, then finding another daycare is the right thing to do. You have to feel safe and confident when you entrust your dog to another.

jalepeno wrote:

Your dog does not look underfed or fat. I would agree with the day care person, however, that 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of dog food daily is too little. When I rehomed Bodhi at a year and four months, he was being fed 3 cups a day. Now he's down to 2 1/2 cups a day.

I switched him from the breeder's dog food, Kirkland, to TOTW, Pacific Stream. His stools firmed up and became more compact. Your dog's loose stools might be from switching cold turkey (?) You are supposed to blend the two dog foods, gradually reducing the one you want to stop.

I have to admit that I agree with what the owner of the day care told you about the socialization need of puppies to be around some older dogs. She might not have been very politic in the way she talked with you, and maybe she doesn't know much about huskies. Husky play that is normal is often interpreted as being dominant.

The bottom line is that if you feel this person is overbearing or uncaring about your dog's welfare, then finding another daycare is the right thing to do. You have to feel safe and confident when you entrust your dog to another.

Oops, I forgot the 1/2-2/3 c 2x a day lol. No I didn't switch cold turkey, she's actually still getting some of her old food mixed in with the TOTW (high prairie) formula, and the loose stool didn't start until I increased the amount being fed.

I also agree that she needs adult dog interaction, but until she's had all her shots and rabies, I'm not taking her to parks and such (she's 14 weeks now).I just thought it was strange that she would say taking her to puppy socialization groups was "useless".

I also forgot to mention that when I told her that's all Caoimhe would eat at one sitting, and that she gets treats throughout the day and usually a hard boiled egg she said "oh that's why she doesn't want to eat, you feed her people food."

Find a new day care.  Don't give these people another cent of your money.  You know your dog better than anyone else (Certainly a hell of a lot better than someone that only sees your dog once a week).

Every dog is different and even the lines from which a dog comes from can make a difference.  Mechta has eaten one cup a day - one time per day since she was at the breeders house.  I trust my breeder and her decision in how much to feed. (for example - dogs that have a significant amount of working/racing lineage tend to be more lean)

Dogs need all kinds of socialization.  From being around children to other puppies and adults to loud and obnoxious people and even those that don't want anything to do with them.  Adults are less likely to tolerate puppy BS but puppy playgroups are just that - they're meant for play.  Unless you're leaving a group of puppies to run around your house unsupervised for an hour while you chat with the owners what is going to happen?  Puppies help each other to learn.  They don't just decide to -only- pick up bad habits from other puppies.

I would find a daycare that understands huskies. All that dominance talk makes me think this one does not. Your pup's weight looks fine too.

I work at a doggie daycare. I agree with everyone on here. Regardless of the dominant talk and all the other crap she said to you- My #1 concern would be that YOUR DOG CAME HOME WITH AN INJURY- and they know nothing about it. It doesn't sound like the daycare is run very well- more like they're just taking your money and throwing dogs in a room. I'd run, FAST. Look around your area- there are daycares on almost every corner throughout the US now, walk in- talk to people, ask for information, and ask if you can have a tour. You need to feel safe leaving your dog at the facility of your choice. Just my two cents, but if my dog came home with an injury and they knew nothing- you can bet my dog would never be back there again. Safety is #1.

I agree with everyone else! Find a new daycare, my kennel has never said one bad thing about my huskies! I'm all for adult dogs teaching puppies how to act but thats way to much for her to handle at once to be thrown into a situation like that! When I started Siku off at daycare, they had a little dog day on Wednesdays and he was only allowed to go then. He was surrounded by little puppies, and full grown under 25lb dogs. It worked out great. Then when he got to big and a little to crazy for the small dogs they did move him to the gentle large dog days. He was probably 35 lbs at this point and was with like golden retrievers, so it worked out great. They corrected his puppy behaviors and he became a well mannered dog and gets along with everyone, but it was crucial that he was able to adjust with other dogs his size before he went into playing with the larger dogs. I'm all for adult dogs correcting puppies and teaching them not to be annoying, but I think there is an age group for sure where a young puppy shouldn't be thrown in with the that many adults at once.

As far as the cuts go, that should not of happened because it doesn't seem like anyone was watching them. I don't know that I would take my dog to a daycare that didn't have an attendant watching them at all times. I mean cuts and little scabs are going to happen with daycare, but the fact that they didn't tell you, and didn't have her with the appropriate age group is what scares me! I'm sure you will find another daycare soon that welcomes your dog!

Personally, I would switch. I hate when people make me feel like I don't know what I'm doing or that I'm doing something wrong and they are all knowing about dogs. I would be even more mad to find out my dog had scratches on her ears!

Try to find a daycare that has cameras, that you can view your pup online throughout the day. Go with a place that makes you feel comfortable and doesn't try to change the way you do things with your pup.

Your puppy looks perfectly healthy to me! Feed however much you feel is right for your dog. My family thinks I underfeed my dogs, but I think it's the perfect amount and I go with my instincts. Also, taking your puppy to puppy class is perfectly fine. I took mine until they were 18 weeks, but they also had interaction with adult dogs, which I think is just as important.

A. She looks totally healthy and not underfed in the least.

B. Trust your gut, if you think something is amiss, you're probably right.

Thanks guys! I'm calling the other daycare today. I want to talk to all the people who raved about this place and ask them what the hell they are thinking?!! lol

Keep us posted!