Dog Daycares WIth Matting - The Safety Advantage!

Floor matting on dog daycare floors is more than a springy running surface for the dogs, it's a major safety factor. Matting reduces the amount of stress on joints and back muscles as the dogs run and play. Jumping onto and off of play equipment to a cement floor can create an unstable landing for dogs, but matting provides cushion and a non-slip surface for less impact on touch down.

Matting has anti-fatigue qualities encouraging the dogs to play harder, increasing the quality of the play. Dogs have more confidence in their footing and feel safer and more stable. 

Matting is of particular importance to growing dogs whose growth plates and joints are still growing. Old dogs benefit too, as the cushion under their feet results in less stress on mature joints. For large breeds such as labs, Danes and goldens matting on the daycare floor is something every dog owner should look for.

Non-Slip vs Cushion

Non-slip rubberized floors that are poured or painted on daycare floors are fine, and do cut down on slipping accidents. Unfortunately, these floors do little or nothing for the impact on dog joints and back muscles while dogs play. We installed a 1/2 inch thick matting at Lucky Dog Central, which was fine, but we wanted the dogs to have a better surface, so we tore it up! The new matting at Lucky Dog Central and South is 3/4 inch thick, and it's like night and day. My daughter is a cheerleading coach and she said she would allow her squad to tumble on it - it's that good! The new matting is also textured to add further traction improvement. The matting will not absorb moisture and is therefore easy to clean and disinfect. Our Zamboni type floor cleaning machine at Lucky Dog Central can even be used to clean it, with a special pad.

Training is safer on matting as well, especially off-leash work. For any indoor activity that requires jumping (see agility) matting, preferably 3/4 inch is a must. We are proud that our indoor agility field at Lucky Dog South is matted in this fashion.

A Special Thanks

To Jim Sherman and Meldona Sauer for their contribution of matting, time and energy towards our matting improvement goal, and for bringing the sport of dog agility to all of our lucky dogs! 

Add matting to the list when looking for a safe, secure dog daycare or training facility for your special dog!

Debi Ropes-Stevenson, General Manager