Sending your pup to daycare for the very first time can feel a little like dropping your child off at school for day one—you’re excited, maybe a little nervous, and wondering how they’ll do without you. The good news? Most dogs adjust beautifully, especially with a little preparation beforehand.
At Pooch’s Boarding & Daycare, we help first-time daycare pups settle in every week, so we’ve put together our best tips to make your dog’s first day as smooth (and tail-waggingly fun) as possible.
Make Sure Vaccines Are Up to Date
Before your dog joins the daycare crew, we’ll need current vaccination records for safety.
At Pooch’s, we require:
- Rabies
- Bordetella
- DHPP/DHLPP
This helps keep all of our furry guests happy and healthy while they play.
Be Honest About Your Dog’s Personality
Is your pup the life of the party? A little shy? Obsessed with tennis balls? Prefers humans over dogs?
The more we know, the better we can help them have a positive experience. Every dog is different, and understanding their personality helps our team set them up for success.
Start with a Good Morning Routine
A little exercise before daycare can help take the edge off nervous energy.
A short walk, a potty break, and breakfast (if that’s your dog’s normal routine) can help them arrive calmer and ready to explore.
Pro tip: Skip the extra-large breakfast right before arrival if your dog gets overly excited during play.
Don’t Make Drop-Off Emotional
We know—it’s hard.
But dogs are incredibly tuned into our emotions. Long, dramatic goodbyes can actually make separation anxiety worse.
Instead:
✔ Keep your goodbye short and upbeat
✔ Act confident (even if you’re secretly checking your phone every 10 minutes)
✔ Let our team take it from there
Trust us—we’ve got this.
Expect Them to Be TIRED
Daycare is a full day of activity, socializing, sniffing, exploring, and making new friends.
That means your pup may come home completely wiped out—and that’s totally normal.
Many first-time daycare parents tell us:
“My dog slept the entire evening!”
Mission accomplished.
Temperament Evaluations Matter
Not every dog enjoys group play, and that’s okay.
That’s why temperament assessments are so important. They help us make sure daycare is a safe, positive fit for your dog and the rest of the pack.
Our goal is never to force social situations—it’s to create the best experience for each individual dog.
Trust the Adjustment Period
Some dogs jump right into the fun immediately.
Others need a little time to warm up.
That’s normal too.
The first visit is all about getting comfortable with new smells, new people, and a new environment. Many dogs become much more confident after just a couple visits.
Ask Questions
If you’re nervous, ask! Seriously.
Our team loves helping pet parents feel comfortable, whether it’s your dog’s first daycare day or their fiftieth.
No question is too small.
Ready for Their First Play Day?
At Pooch’s Boarding & Daycare, we’re all about safe play, happy pups, and giving pet parents peace of mind.
If your dog is ready to make some new furry friends, we’d love to meet them.
Book your daycare temperament evaluation today and let the tail-wagging begin!