Not every dog dreams of a big group free-for-all. Some pups would much rather have a quiet game of fetch with a favorite team member, a slow sniff around the yard, or a cozy nap in a calm space, and that is completely okay. At The Ark, we believe every dog deserves a great day, on their own terms.

Not Every Dog Is a Daycare Dog, and That's Fine

Traditional group daycare is wonderful for a lot of dogs, especially social, high-energy pups who thrive on nonstop play with a big pack of friends. But it is not the right fit for every dog. Some of the most common reasons a dog may not love free-play daycare include:

• Age — Senior dogs often prefer a slower pace and may tire quickly or feel overwhelmed in a high-energy group setting.
• Grouchier personalities — Some dogs simply do not enjoy being crowded by a lot of other dogs, and that is a completely normal personality trait, not a problem to fix.
• Timid or shy temperaments — Dogs who are more nervous around groups can find large play groups stressful rather than fun.
• People-oriented pups — Plenty of dogs are simply more bonded to people than to other dogs, and they would rather spend their day with a favorite human than in the middle of a play group.

If any of that sounds like your dog, they are not a bad fit for The Ark. They are exactly who our day boarding and private play options were made for.

Private Play, Available During Daycare or Boarding

For pups who are older, grouchier, more timid, or simply happier with people than with other dogs, we offer private play sessions. Instead of joining a large group, your dog gets one-on-one time with a member of our care team, doing exactly what makes them happiest, whether that is a gentle walk, a calm game of fetch, some quiet cuddle time, or simply hanging out with a familiar face.

Private play can be added during a daycare visit or a boarding stay, which means your dog still gets to come to The Ark, still gets attention, movement, and enrichment, and still gets to be part of the day, just in the way that actually suits them.

The Ark Difference

Our team takes the time to get to know each dog's personality, not just their breed or age. That means we can help you figure out whether group daycare, day boarding, or private play, or some combination of the three, is the best fit for your individual dog. Your pup does not have to love the same things every other dog loves to have an amazing day with us.

Give Your Dog the Day That Fits Them

If your dog has never been the free-play type, or if age or temperament has changed what kind of day works best for them, we would love to talk through the right option together. Day boarding and private play mean every dog, no matter their personality, gets a day that feels good to them.

Reach out to our front desk team or visit us at 1965 W. New Hampshire St. in Orlando's Packing District to learn more about day boarding and private play, and let's find the perfect fit for your pup.