Five Key Benefits of Doggie Daycare

More Than Playtime: Why Doggie Daycare Matters

Leaving your dog at home during a busy workday is never easy. Many pet parents worry about their dogs feeling bored, anxious, or under-stimulated when left alone for long periods of time. It’s hard to focus on your day when you’re wondering if your dog is feeling lonely or getting into trouble because they need stimulation.

From the pet’s point of view, time left alone and without any attention leads to depression and anxiety. A lack of activity and interaction can impact mood, diet, and overall well-being.

Thankfully, there is a remedy for both dog owner and dog alike: doggie daycare.

Doggie daycare provides a safe, nurturing space where expert handlers create activities that match your dog’s personality and needs. In this blog post, we’ll explain how both you and your best friend can benefit from a doggie daycare program designed to support your dog’s total well-being.

Whether you’re looking for a trusted place to bring your dog a few days a week, or you need a consistent routine, Greenleaf Pet Resort has you covered.

  1. Doggie Daycare Boosts Mental and Physical Health

Dogs thrive on movement, mental stimulation, and structure. A day of doggie daycare offers the type of play and interaction that dogs crave. Physical activity supports a healthy body, while varied experiences challenge the mind and reduce stress.

At Greenleaf, every daycare day includes physical activity that helps dogs stay active, alert, and balanced. Whether playing and socializing with other dogs in our supervised yards or engaging in games with our team, your dog stays both mentally and physically engaged. We adjust the pace based on your dog’s energy level and preferences. As a result, each dog receives the best possible experience.

Our facilities are built with comfort and safety in mind. Padded floors protect paws and joints. Multiple HVAC systems circulate fresh air throughout the day, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your dog. Climate-controlled playrooms keep dogs comfortable year-round, whether they’re at our indoor-only Oakhurst location or enjoying both indoor and outdoor space in Millstone.

  1. Doggie Daycare Builds Confidence and Social Skills

Dogs are social animals, but not all dogs are naturally outgoing. For some, new experiences can feel overwhelming. Regular, positive social interaction will help your pet build confidence, reduce fear, and develop healthy behavior in a safe, structured setting.

Greenleaf uses a careful evaluation process before any dog joins our daycare program. We start with one-on-one time in a neutral space to assess comfort and response to new situations. Then, we introduce a few well-socialized daycare dogs on leash to observe how your dog engages. Once your dog is ready, we bring them into playgroups based on both size and temperament.

This approach helps us match your dog with the right group. Our trained team understands canine behavior and monitors every interaction closely. Dogs are never left unattended. We intervene when needed, guide appropriate behavior, and celebrate positive social behavior.

When dogs feel safe and supported, they build trust with others, learn how to read social cues, and develop healthy responses that carry over into your everyday routine. Whether your dog is a seasoned socializer or a little shy, our team is here to help them thrive

  1. Doggie Daycare Relieves Separation Anxiety and Boredom

Some dogs do fine on their own for short periods. Others struggle with the silence and lack of engagement. Dogs who experience separation anxiety or chronic boredom can show signs of stress through destructive behavior, excessive barking, or changes in appetite and mood.

Doggie daycare offers a consistent, comforting routine that gives you and your dog a sense of security. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, your dog is surrounded by friendly staff who know them by name, understand their needs, and create a predictable, positive day.

Whether it’s quiet time or a midday lunch, we make sure that dogs in our care have time to reset throughout the day. Dogs are removed from the playgroup for meals, given time to rest, and only return to play once it’s safe to do so. This practice promotes healthy digestion and ensures a calmer transition back to activity. It also helps the dog gain comfort with time of less (or no activity) and less interaction with a person or other animals. 

Being part of a daycare program gives your dog something to look forward to, eases anxiety, and creates a more peaceful environment at home. Dogs who feel secure during the day are more likely to be relaxed in the evening. After a day at Greenleaf, your dog will be ready to cuddle, play, or simply rest by your side.

  1. Doggie Daycare Creates a Trusted Routine and Community

Dogs are at their best when they have a routine. At Greenleaf, your dog will learn the rhythm of the day, recognize familiar spaces, and look forward to returning. Over time, they build relationships with other dogs and form bonds with our staff. New friends are there every day to guide, play, and provide comfort. 

These “pack-mentality” connections support your dog’s happiness both during and outside of daycare. You may notice improvements in how your dog handles transitions, new situations, or time alone.

  1. Doggie Daycare Provides Flexibility and Peace of Mind for Pet Parents

Life moves fast. Between work, errands, and everything else, having a reliable option for your dog’s care makes all the difference. Doggie daycare at Greenleaf is designed to be easy, flexible, and consistent. You are free to focus on your day knowing your dog is in good hands.

After your dog completes their evaluation, daycare becomes a walk-in service. No reservations are needed. You can drop your dog off for a full day (five hours or more) or a half day (under five hours), depending on what works best for your schedule. We’ve got you covered whether it’s a full workday, or a few hours while you run errands.

Daycare can also be added to boarding stays, giving your dog extra social time during overnight visits. And because we’re open every day of the year, including holidays when other services may be closed, you always have a familiar place to bring your dog when you need it most.

Knowing your dog is safe, cared for, and enjoying their day gives you peace of mind. We care for your dog as if they were our own. We know how much they mean to you.

A Happier, Healthier Life for You and Your Dog

Giving your dog a day filled with exercise, connection, and care, while giving yourself peace of mind is a decision rooted in love. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, we believe that every dog deserves a joyful, enriching day, and every pet parent deserves a partner they can trust. 

Our daycare program supports your dog’s health, confidence, and routine with flexible options, expert staff, and a facility designed for their safety and comfort. We’re here to help you both live a better, easier life.If you’re ready to explore daycare at Greenleaf, we invite you to schedule your dog’s evaluation or reach out to our team to learn more. We can’t wait to give your dog love, play, and purpose. We are so excited to meet you.

July 4th Celebrations and Your Pet: What You Need to Know

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, but for our furry friends, it can be a source of fear and anxiety. Loud noises from fireworks, unfamiliar crowds, and other festivities can trigger stress in pets that can lead to health issues, accidents, and even running away.

At Green Leaf Pet Resort, we want to make sure your pet stays safe during this holiday. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for the Fourth of July and keep your pet calm during the celebrations:

  1. Create a safe space – Designate an area in your home where your pet will feel secure. Make sure it’s away from windows or doors that could be opened by loud noises or unfamiliar people. Consider using calming products that are vet approved to help reduce their anxiety.

  2. Update ID tags – Make sure your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date with the most recent contact information so they can easily be returned if they get lost during the festivities.

  3. Keep them indoors – Pets should stay inside during the Fourth of July celebrations as much as possible. If you do take them outside, keep them on a leash at all times and make sure they have plenty of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat.

  4. Avoid human food – Many holiday foods are unhealthy for pets and can cause digestive problems or even poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Keep an eye on what your pet is eating and make sure they don’t get into any food meant for humans only!

  5. Don’t use fireworks around pets – Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even when used far away from them! It’s best to leave fireworks displays to professionals who know how to handle them safely.

At Green Leaf Pet Resort, we understand how important it is for you to keep your pet safe during this holiday season! We are here if you need advice or support on how best to protect your furry friend from potential danger this Fourth of July!

Lure Course at Green Leaf

Ready, set, run! We’re excited to announce that our brand new LURE COURSE is open! If your dog frequently gets the zoomies, loves to romp around, or chase leaves – they will be ecstatic to learn that we now offer Lure Coursing! One of the fastest-growing canine sports, the Lure Course is a unique activity that stimulates a canine’s chase instinct. If you attended our Canine Carnival in June, then you may have had the opportunity to try this fantastic service! By popular demand, we’ve decided to make it a full-time service. Everyone can now try their paw at Green Leaf Pet Resort.

What is a lure course, exactly? A lure machine uses a pulley system to run a white, artificial lure along a line – simulating a small animal running across the ground – activating your pup’s prey drive. The track can be arranged in numerous patterns to increase the difficulty and simulate the unpredictability of a real hunt. Starting back in the 1970s, this sport was originally designed for sighthounds who, unlike most breeds, hunt using their eyes rather than their noses. While breeds such as greyhounds and whippets have an advantage, the sport has since opened up to all breeds. Dogs can run full tilt in a safe and enclosed environment.

This activity engages both your dog’s body and mind, making it an all-encompassing form of exercise. By provoking their hunting instincts, the participant is driven to follow the “prey” while it zigs and zags across the field. In the endeavor to catch their prize prey, more strength and endurance is used than in many other forms of exercise, increasing their stamina in the process. Little else matches the feeling of satisfaction when the lure is caught and the chase is done. The lure course takes your fur babies’ zoomies and gives them a purpose. High-energy pups will especially love this fast-paced activity that is sure to tucker them out.

While the physical benefits are clear, there are mental benefits as well! By engaging the instinct to chase, the lure course can improve a pooch’s ability to focus. This sport builds confidence in your furry friend. As a great form of enrichment, this rewarding run releases endorphins, and dopamine, leaving your dog happy and content (all while creating a stronger bond between you and your pup)! The Lure Course is such a thrilling activity that achieves much of what we, at Green Leaf, look for in an activity for our dogs. Adding this new all-encompassing form of enrichment as a service to share with our guests was a no-brainer. Ask a member of our concierge team how to get started with your pup’s evaluation today!

Our New Aquatic Center

Great news! The Green Leaf Pet Resort just opened its brand new aquatic center, and the dogs are having loads of fun.

But besides fun, what are the values of putting your dog in the water?
Shelly Leibowitz, our founder and head trainer, wrote a feature article for The Messenger-Press about why it’s important to take your dog swimming.

“Swimming is a great form of exercise because it not only gets your animals moving, but also helps cool them off, just like it does for humans. “
“Unlike walking or jogging, swimming uses every part of a dog’s body, which keeps him or her in great shape by burning off calories while simultaneously being easy on joints. This form of exercise is great for dogs of all ages because it doesn’t stress growing bones in puppies or cause injuries in adult dogs. Swimming also won’t inflame arthritis in older dogs.”


The aquatic center at Green Leaf Pet Resort will offer swimming-based courses like “Introduction to Water and Swimming,” training packages in canine water sports, and exercise and conditioning packages.
All swimtime is appointment only, and will be overseen by our two water trainers Erica Etchason and Denise Grimm.
Erica is an award-winning trainer in canine water sports with over 7 years in the water, and 10 years training dogs in general.
Denise was a K9 Search and Rescue trainer for 16 years, with multiple finds on her record, including water recovery. She has certification in canine therapy, and is an official canine water sports judge.
The pool is air conditioned, so you can relax comfortably poolside while your dog has fun and gets healthier!
Call Green Leaf (609-259-1500) to make an appointment today. In addition to the pool, we have a dog daycare, non-aquatic training, grooming, and more–all located right in New Jersey.