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Socialization is one of the most important parts of a dog’s mental, emotional, and physical development. Just like people, dogs thrive when they have the chance to interact with others, build relationships, and learn appropriate social behaviors. Whether you have a playful puppy, a curious adolescent, or even a shy adult dog, consistent, positive group play can make a world of difference in their well-being.

At Fieldstone Animal Inn, our doggy daycare is designed to provide safe, structured socialization experiences that help dogs live their happiest, healthiest lives. Let’s take a closer look at why group socialization is so valuable—and how Fieldstone can help your dog thrive!

Why Group Socialization Matters

Builds Confidence and Reduces Anxiety

Regular exposure to new dogs, environments, and experiences helps build a dog’s confidence. Dogs who attend daycare often become more comfortable around unfamiliar people, pets, and situations. This can reduce anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and even reactivity over time.

Improves Social Skills

Not all dogs instinctively know how to behave around other dogs. Group play helps dogs learn vital skills like reading body language, practicing appropriate play styles, and respecting boundaries. These social "rules" make them better canine citizens in any setting—from the park to family gatherings.

Provides Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a happy dog—but mental tiredness is just as important as physical exercise. Interacting with new friends, navigating different play styles, and adapting to new environments keeps your dog’s brain sharp, helping to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors at home.

Encourages Healthy Physical Activity

Group play encourages dogs to move, run, wrestle, and explore in ways that solo walks or backyard time can’t replicate. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, supports joint health, and promotes overall longevity

Reduces Destructive Behaviors at Home

Dogs left alone for long periods can become bored, leading to behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking. Daycare gives dogs an outlet for their energy and emotions, meaning you come home to a happy, relaxed pet—not a stressed or destructive one.

What to Expect at Fieldstone Animal Inn

At Fieldstone Animal Inn, we understand that every dog is unique. Our daycare program is built with your pet’s safety, comfort, and happiness in mind.

Sanitized Spaces

We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standard of cleanliness. Every play area and enclosure is thoroughly cleaned throughout the day, ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for all dogs in our care.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Before fully joining our daycare groups, every new dog participates in a careful evaluation during their first five days. Our highly trained handlers assess behavior in a variety of settings to ensure Fieldstone is the right fit—and to match them with the best playgroup for their temperament and play style.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

Our work doesn’t stop after the initial evaluation. Dogs are continually observed during daycare to ensure they are comfortable, confident, and having fun. If necessary, adjustments are made to move them to smaller or different groups, so they always have the best possible experience.

Personalized Attention

Our experienced pet care technicians spend individual time with each dog to assess their comfort level and needs. We believe there’s no "one-size-fits-all" approach to care, which is why we tailor our services based on what makes each dog most at ease.

Enrichment Beyond Play

We know that dogs need both physical and mental stimulation. In addition to group play, we offer brain games, puzzle toys, and filled Kongs during daycare and boarding stays. These enriching activities keep dogs engaged and satisfied throughout the day.

Ready to Give Your Dog a Fieldstone Day?

Never worry about leaving your dog home alone again. At Fieldstone Animal Inn, every day is filled with play, socialization, enrichment, and restful moments to recharge for even more fun. With both indoor and outdoor play areas, your dog can enjoy a full day of activity—rain or shine!

When you start daycare with us, your dog will go through a gentle evaluation process over their first five visits. This helps us place them in the best group for their personality, play style, and comfort level. We carefully monitor every pup daily and adjust group sizes or activities to make sure everyone feels happy and secure.

Looking to make daycare part of your regular routine? Enroll in our Day School Membership!
Our membership program offers discounted daycare rates and extra benefits, making it easier and more affordable to keep your dog active, socialized, and mentally enriched.

Call us today at 410-647-6516 to schedule your dog’s first visit or learn more about our daycare options!

At Fieldstone Animal Inn, your dog’s happiness, safety, and well-being always come first. We can’t wait to welcome you both into our family!


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A Boutique Pet Care Experience
We bring our Australian Shepherd mix Nova here for daycare and occasional boarding and she absolutely LOVES it! She literally cannot contain her excitement when she sees the staff.
Sara S.
Fieldstone Animal In graphic
Conveniently located in Anne Arundel county near BWI airport.
Location 174 Obrecht Road Millersville, MD 21108
Lobby Hours Mon - Sun: 7am – 7pm Thu: Closed 12pm – 2pm Daycare Pick up/Drop Off Hours Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 7:30pm