As a Crooksville pet owner, you know our community is built on hard work and strong connections. But between your job, errands at the Crooksville IGA, and family commitments, your energetic puppy might be left with more zoomies than you can handle. That’s where puppy day care steps in—not just as a place to ‘park’ your pup, but as a vital tool for raising a well-adjusted canine citizen right here in Perry County.

Think of day care as more than playtime. It’s structured socialization. For a puppy, meeting other dogs in a controlled, supervised setting is irreplaceable. It teaches them proper bite inhibition, how to read canine body language, and builds confidence. This is especially valuable if you live on a quiet street or a more rural property outside of town; your pup learns to navigate the world beyond your backyard.

When searching for the right day care, don’t just look online. Ask for a tour. A reputable facility will welcome you to see where the dogs play, rest, and eat. Look for clean, secure spaces and ask about their staff-to-dog ratio. Do they separate dogs by size and temperament? What’s their protocol if a puppy gets overstimulated? A good center will have clear answers and might even offer a half-day trial to see how your puppy adjusts.

Here’s a local pro-tip: Use day care strategically. Schedule your puppy’s visit on a day you know you’ll be running long errands or have back-to-back commitments. The mental and physical exhaustion from a day of safe play means you’ll come home to a calm, content puppy—perfect for a peaceful evening together. It also helps prevent the destructive behaviors that stem from boredom and loneliness.

Remember, day care is a partnership. Be upfront about your puppy’s vaccination status, any fears (like loud noises that might mimic our occasional train whistles), and their potty training progress. Pack a familiar item, like a small blanket from home, to help them settle during nap time.

In Crooksville, we look out for our own, and that includes our four-legged family members. Investing in quality puppy day care isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment in your dog’s future happiness and your own peace of mind. It helps create a dog that’s a joy to walk through Crooksville Community Park, well-mannered when guests visit, and a confident companion for all of life’s adventures in our corner of Ohio.