More dogs going to nursery schools in Japan

January 5, 2018

Tokyo- "Dog nursery schools" are attracting growing demand particularly from double-income families and single-person households in Japan, as these facilities not only provide dogs with meals and take them for a walk but potty-train puppies and teach them to stop problematic behavior.

Dog owners bring their beloved pets to such facilities in the morning just like parents take their children to nurseries. Owners have conversation with staff members after arrival, with many of them seeking their advice. For instance, to an owner who is worried about wetting during an overnight stay at an acquaintance's home, a staffer suggests the use of a dog diaper.

Seeing off their owners, dogs go for a walk with pet sitters, also like kids do at nursery schools.

"Dogs are an animal that inherently lives in groups," says Akane Fujitsuka, chief of Little Chika, a dog nursery school and kennel service provider in Chofu, a western Tokyo suburb.

"They can develop social skills by learning communication and rules with other dogs," she says.

After having meals and taking a rest, dogs undergo training to overcome their own challenges, such as going potty, sitting down and waiting.

Between these training sessions, they play with each other. "This helps dogs act naturally, eliminate stress and reduce their problematic behavior, such as unnecessary barking," she says.

Playbow Nakameguro, part of a dog nursery and kennel chain, in Tokyo's Meguro Ward takes care of many puppies aged around four months.

"If owners understand the nature of dogs, their relations will get much better," says Yuta Noguchi, manager of the facility.

He said his staff focus on teaching training methods that owners can do at home.

"Some people have dogs without knowing their habits," Little Chika's Fujitsuka says, calling on dog owners to fully understand that having a pet is nurturing "a life."

"If you have trouble with your dogs, talk to experts as soon as possible," she stresses. Jiji Press