- Dog Playground Equipment for Dog Groomers: So Many Benefits!
Easy Busy Pets
As a pet professional, you know better than anyone how important it is to have a well-exercised dog. Dogs that don't get enough hours of physical activity each day will be wiggly, anxious, hyper, and much harder to groom! They have all this pent-up energy and no way to release it.
Dog's Best Life recommends that owners tire out their pup before a grooming appointment for this reason. But we don't always have time for a long hike or walk around the neighborhood. Plus, some dog breeds are such high-energy. Labs and Huskies, for example, need plenty of physical exercise along with mental stimulation.
What to do?
If you have access to a yard, why not give dog daycare play equipment a try?
It's easy to DIY! All you need is:
Top Benefits of Outdoor Dog Playground Equipment
As mentioned, a tired dog is a happy dog. Pups who regularly use dog daycare play equipment either at a dog park (or, if they are lucky enough, in their own backyard) are less likely to bark excessively, be destructive, hyperactive, and misbehave inside the house – or at the grooming salon!
In addition, dog playgrounds are great because:
✔️ Off-leash time is healthy
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), "dog parks are among the fastest-growing park amenities in the 100 largest U.S. cities." And for a good reason. Many of these facilities are fenced-in areas that allow our four-legged friends the chance to run, explore, and sniff freely. Off-leash time on dog daycare play equipment is a fabulous way to foster independence in a safe, controlled environment.
✔️ Bond with your dog
Another great reason to visit a dog playground with your dog is that it gives owners to bond with their pet. Puppy playground equipment creates a wonderful space to practice early obedience. The time spent running around solving an obstacle course as partners and learning new tricks will bring you and your dog closer together.
Plus, these are useful life skills. Dogs who know the commands: "come," "sit," "stay," and "down" are easier to handle whether they're at home, on the street, or in the dog grooming salon.
✔️ Encourage play
There's a time for fun and games, but it's certainly not on the grooming table near sharp scissors and shears! Luckily, a doggy playground is a perfect spot for rambunctious play.
Let them run and play outside before their grooming appointment. Your pup clients can jump through hoops and run up and down ramps, then rest while being groomed.
✔️ Build confidence
Does one of your grooming clients have a shy dog? Nervous? Easily spooked by unusual surroundings and strange objects? It could be they lack confidence.
With the right dog playground equipment (and trainer), they'll build confidence. You can be the trainer if you're focused on your dog and committed to helping them learn how to crawl through a tunnel or otherwise learn a new skill. It shows timid dogs that new doesn't have to mean scary. A confident dog is happier, calmer, and easy to be around. Confident dogs are less likely to bite anyone else (on purpose or by accident), and they'll sit calmly for their grooming session.
✔️ Weight management
Lastly, let's talk about how dog playground equipment can help with obesity. You probably already know overweight pets are at a higher risk of developing diseases. Some of those diseases include diabetes, heart problems, joint issues, and cancer. Of course, food management is vital. But so is exercise. If your pet parents want to put together some outdoor dog play equipment at home, they can have fun and work up a sweat together.
These are just a few amazing benefits of dog playgrounds!
4 Easy Dog Playground Ideas
Looking to get started with your doggy playground?
Equipment is readily available online through most major retailers. Sets range between $100 - $300 in cost. These include all the basics: high jump bars, hoops, agility weave poles, tunnels, pylons, etc.
Enterprising pet parents can also DIY their outdoor dog playground if they prefer. Any home hardware store will have these items.
Here is what you'll need:
Challenge your dog's sense of balance with a long wooden plank. Choose a 1ft x 6 ft. board and sand down the edges, remove any splinters, and lay flat on the grass for a narrow "walk the plank" style game. You can put the board on a stable pipe or another object to create a seesaw to increase the challenge.
Secure a hula hoop in place, measure jumping height, and encourage pups to jump or step through. It's a good idea to start with it just a little off the ground and raise it as the dog gets more comfortable. Dogs may require a little treat to step through the hoop.
Simple yet effective, PVC pipe is straightforward to assemble. Use it to create sturdy A-frame ramps, hurdles, platforms, etc.
Depending on your location and time of year, baby pools or sprinklers make for perfect summer fun.
👉🏻 It does take a little adjustment to the traditional grooming business model.
Yet, if you have the space, it could be a terrific thing to set your shop apart. What do you think? Do you want to expand your puppy playground?
If you want to streamline your pet business operations and work more efficiently, we can help. Easy Busy Pets offers a 14-day free trial.