When I have work and it's a long distance away a neighbor lets my dogs in and out. Now that I have a puppy I'm considering putting him in doggie day care for that day and leaving the older dog home alone - she doesn't like other dogs and I don't know that she won't enjoy a break from the puppy.

I've gone to two doggie day care centers (with the puppy) as an observer - but I don't know what I'm supposed to be observing! They were both clean, large dogs were separated from small dogs (although he was in the large dog group both places because he's a puppy, too enthusiastic for the smaller dogs), there were bowls of water around.

I've never been to a doggie day care center before and felt like grabbing him and running for my life - but maybe it's supposed to be somewhat chaotic. He seemed to have a great time - but he kept coming over to me to sit on my feet and observe. He'd sort of catch his breath and get back in the fray. What if I'm not there? What if he gets hurt? What if, what if, what if?

Both centers verify shot records, including kennel cough.

I don't know what I should be looking for - ratio of workers to dogs? Outdoor time? Indoor time? Nap time?

Does anyone have any experience with doggie day care?

I think I would look at the cleanliness of the facility, how the dogs are handled and how knowledgeable they are on dog behavior. They don't need to be expert dog behaviorists, but at least know when a fight is about to break out. I would ask what they would do if a dog fight happens to break out and how they handle bite wounds.

Besides that.. It comes down to how you feel about the place.. if you feel your dog will be taken care of and given plenty of exercise. Doggy daycare should be more up time and less down time. That way your dog will be tired by the time you pick him up.

He sits by you because it's a new, and strange place. Without you there, he will more than likely be more interested in playing and snooping around.