Getting Started: What Your Dog’s First Day at Dog Daycare Looks Like
At Hounds Town USA, we know that bringing your dog to daycare for the first time can be both an exciting and intimidating experience. If you don’t know what to expect for your pup, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! Hounds Town offers a fully interactive daycare experience that allows dogs to socialize and play in a pack setting, tapping into their natural instincts—meaning doggy daycare should appeal to their base inclinations. However, if you still have questions about your dog’s first day at Hounds Town, here’s what you can expect:
Before You Arrive: Getting Ready for the Big Day
Your dog’s first day at Hounds Town, whether they’re boarding or attending doggy daycare, is an exciting milestone. To make sure your pup’s first day goes smoothly, there are a few things to check off your list before arriving at your local Hounds Town. First, ensure that your dog’s rabies, kennel cough, and distemper vaccinations are up to date and recorded. This helps us keep all our Townies happy and healthy when your dog joins the pack!
If your dog is boarding with us overnight, we strongly recommend bringing their own food to their first day at Hounds Town to avoid stomach upset from a sudden diet change. If you forget or run out, don’t worry—we have house food available. With a little preparation, you can set your dog up for success in their first Hounds Town experience.
During the Day: Meeting the Pack and Exploring the Play Areas
The first day at Hounds Town is filled with new sights, smells, and other dogs, which is why we make sure each pup feels comfortable in the environment first. While some dogs jump right in, others may take a little time to adjust. Our team introduces each pup gradually, pairing them with dogs of similar sizes, temperaments, and energy levels. These specialized playgroups are part art, part science, and fully intended to ensure that your dog gets to experience a natural pack environment while they’re at Hounds Town.
Throughout the day, dogs rotate through different play areas to keep things exciting and engaging. These spaces allow them to socialize, exercise, and practice natural pack behaviors. No matter their play style, our specialized playgroups are intended to ensure that every dog gets the right mix of activity and downtime to keep them happy and fulfilled.
After Daycare: What to Expect When Your Pup Comes Home
A full first day at Hounds Town is a complete physical and mental workout for your dog. Since they’ll be playing all day, don’t be surprised if your pup comes home ready to snooze. This post-daycare exhaustion—which we proudly call the Hounds Town Hangover—is totally normal and a sign that they had an active, enriching day.
You may also notice that your pup is extra thirsty when they get home from their first day at Hounds Town. We provide fresh water throughout the day, but with all the running, wrestling, and exploring, your dog might still want to rehydrate. Over time, as they get used to doggy daycare, their post-visit tiredness and thirst will level out, but every visit will leave them happy, fulfilled, and eager to come back for more!
At Hounds Town, we believe in giving dogs an authentic experience where they can socialize, exercise, and just be dogs. Whether your pup is a first-time visitor or a seasoned daycare pro, they’ll always find a welcoming environment at Hounds Town. Ready to give it a try? Find your nearest location today!