What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Dog Daycare
Are you wondering if dog daycare is right for your furry friend? You want your dog to have fun, stay active, and be safe while you’re away, but the thought of leaving them with strangers can be nerve-wracking. How do you make sure your dog is ready? What happens on that first day? And how can you help your dog feel comfortable and happy in a new environment?
If you’re still weighing your options, check out our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Dog Daycare: A Pet Parent’s Guide for helpful tips on what to look for in a safe and fun facility.
Taking your dog to puppy daycare or a dog resort is a big step for both you and your pet. It’s more than just dropping them off—it’s about trusting someone else to care for your dog’s needs and social life. Preparing your dog and knowing what to expect will make that first visit less stressful and help set the stage for positive experiences. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what happens on day one to how to get your dog ready.
What Is Dog Daycare?
Doggie daycare offers a safe, supervised place where your dog can spend the day playing, socializing, and resting. It’s designed to keep dogs active, reduce boredom, and provide social interaction with other dogs. Many dog parents choose doggie day care in Baltimore to help their dogs release energy, especially if they have busy schedules or long workdays.
To see how dog daycare supports your dog’s social development, check out Dog Daycare & Socialization: Helping Your Dog Stay Confident, Happy & Active at The Canine Club, where we dive into how structured play promotes emotional and behavioral growth.
To learn more about safety and common concerns, see our blog: What Are the Most Common Safety and Concerns With Dog Day Care.
What to Expect on Your Dog’s First Daycare Visit
Not sure what happens when you drop your pup off for the first time? We break it all down in How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Day at Dog Daycare, it’s a helpful guide that pairs perfectly with this one.
- Arrival and Check-In
When you arrive at the dog hotel or dog daycare facility, staff will greet you and your dog. They’ll check vaccination records and may ask you some questions about your dog’s health, habits, and any special needs. You might fill out forms to help the staff understand your dog better.
- Introduction to Staff and Dogs
Your dog will meet the daycare team and other dogs. This introduction is carefully supervised to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe. Staff observe how your dog interacts to decide which group fits best. Some dogs prefer small, calm groups while others enjoy high-energy play.
- Playtime and Rest
Dogs have supervised play sessions both indoors and outdoors. The indoor playrooms and outdoor areas have toys and equipment to encourage exercise and fun. Playtime is balanced with scheduled nap periods to avoid overstimulation.
- Meals and Medication
If your dog needs food or medicine during the day, bring it along with instructions. Staff will follow your directions closely to keep your dog on their regular routine.
- Updates and Pick-Up
After the day, staff usually share feedback about your dog’s behavior, energy, and socialization. This can help you track how your dog adjusts and enjoys daycare.
Benefits of Dog Daycare
- Physical Activity: Helps keep your dog fit and healthy.
- Social Skills: Teaches your dog how to interact with other dogs safely.
- Mental Stimulation: New smells, sights, and play keep your dog engaged.
- Behavior Improvement: Regular activity can reduce destructive behaviors at home.
Want to dig into the emotional side of daycare? Don’t miss Mental Health Benefits of Dog Daycare You Shouldn’t Overlook where we explore how social environments ease anxiety and boost your pup’s overall well-being.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Daycare
Visit the Daycare Beforehand
Take your dog for a visit before the first official day. Let them explore the environment with you. Meeting the staff and sniffing around helps reduce anxiety later.
Our post How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Day at Dog Daycare includes a checklist you can follow to make this intro visit super smooth.
Update Vaccinations and Health Checks
Daycares and dog hotels require proof of up-to-date vaccinations to protect all dogs. Talk to your vet and get records ready. Healthy dogs create a safer environment for everyone.
Need more info? Read: What Vaccinations Do Dogs Need for Boarding?
Practice Socialization
Expose your dog to other dogs and people in controlled settings before daycare. This helps your dog learn proper social skills and reduces stress in group play.
Need some inspiration? Making Pawsitive Connections: Socialization at Dog Daycare shows how dogs gain confidence through safe, structured group play.
Teach Basic Commands
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” give daycare staff ways to manage your dog during playtime and transitions. Practicing these at home benefits your dog’s behavior at daycare or at the dog hotel.
What to Bring to Daycare
| Item | Purpose |
| Collar and Leash | Needed for safe arrival and pick-up |
| Vaccination Records | Proof required to attend daycare |
| Food and Treats | For meals and positive reinforcement |
| Medication | Any daily medications your dog needs |
| Comfort Item | Favorite toy or blanket to ease anxiety |
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to bring. Our post How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Day at Dog Daycare walks through everything you’ll want to have packed and ready.
Tips for a Smooth First Day
- Keep arrival calm and quick. Long goodbyes can increase your dog’s anxiety.
- Don’t over-excite your dog before drop-off. Stay calm and confident.
- Exercise your dog before daycare. A tired dog handles new environments better.
- Communicate clearly with staff. Share any concerns or special instructions.
You’ll also find helpful reminders in our article How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Day at Dog Daycare, including what to tell staff and how to ease separation.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Separation Anxiety
It’s normal for some dogs to feel nervous the first time. Talk to the daycare or dog hotel team about how they can help. Bringing a comfort toy or blanket can make your dog feel safer.
If your dog struggles after their first few visits, check out How to Help Your Dog Adjust After Returning from Dog Boarding. Many of the same tips apply when dogs return home from daycare too.
Overstimulation
If your dog is shy or easily stressed, ask about quieter playgroups or shorter visits to build up comfort.
You can also revisit Making Pawsitive Connections: Socialization at Dog Daycare for ideas on helping anxious dogs feel more comfortable.
Health Concerns
If your dog has allergies or medical issues, give detailed info to the staff. A clear plan reduces risks.
Why Pet Owners Trust The Canine Club
The Canine Club is a trusted doggie daycare in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood since 2009. Formerly known as Sobo Dog Daycare, it offers dog daycare, overnight boarding, and grooming services with a focus on safety and comfort.
Here’s what makes The Canine Club different:
- Experienced Staff: Professionals who know how to handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
- Spacious Facilities: Large indoor playrooms and outdoor yards with plenty of room to run and explore.
- Live Webcams: You can check on your dog during the day from anywhere.
- Tailored Care: Services adapted to your dog’s unique needs, including special diets and medication administration.
Want to see how we keep pups engaged through every season? Take a look at The Guide to Year-Round Dog Daycare: Keeping Your Pup Active.
Whether your dog is meeting other dogs for the first time or needs a place to stay overnight, The Canine Club creates a calm and friendly environment designed around your dog’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long should my dog stay on the first day?
Start with a half-day or a few hours to help your dog adjust comfortably.
We explain how to ease into a new routine in How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Day at Dog Daycare. - What if my dog doesn’t like other dogs?
Our staff will work with you to create a plan suited to your dog’s comfort.
Read Making Pawsitive Connections: Socialization at Dog Daycare to learn how even shy pups can benefit from a structured social setting. - How often should my dog go to daycare?
It varies by dog; some attend daily, others a few times weekly.
The Guide to Year-Round Dog Daycare: Keeping Your Pup Active explains how consistent schedules and seasonal activities can boost your dog’s well-being. - Can I bring medication or special food?
Yes, bring all medication and detailed instructions for your dog’s care. - Can I watch my dog while they’re at daycare?
Yes, we offer live webcams so you can check in anytime.
Give us a call at (410) 539-7626 or visit our website to learn more. Let’s work together to ensure your pup stays happy, active, and well-socialized!
At The Canine Club, we know every dog is different—and that’s why we offer flexible, personalized care that fits your pup’s unique needs. Whether your dog needs a full week of daycare, an occasional play day, a fresh grooming session, or a safe, comfortable stay while you’re away, we’re here to help.
🌐 Explore our services:
📞 Call 410-539-7626
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