Does My Dog Like Daycare? Key Signs to Look Out For
For many dogs, long hours spent home alone can lead to boredom, anxiety, or excess energy. During busy times of life when you don’t have the chance to bring your dog for a walk as often as you would like, daycare becomes an essential. If your dog spends much of the day without social interaction or stimulation, doggy daycare may be exactly what they need.
Every pet parent worries about the safety and happiness of their dog while they’re away, whether their pup is at daycare or at home. Here’s how to know if your dog likes daycare through dog body language and behavior:
They’re Excited When You Drop Them Off
One of the biggest indicators that your dog enjoys daycare happens before you even drop them off. Dogs who love daycare often show visible excitement when they arrive, such as wagging tails, perked ears, eager pulling on the leash, or happy barks. If your dog can’t wait to head inside and greet their pack, it’s a strong sign they associate Hounds Town dog daycare with positive experiences, play, and social time.
Their Body Language Is Relaxed and Confident
Dogs communicate through their body language, so it’s important to recognize movements that indicate excitement or eagerness. When your pup feels comfortable at daycare, you’ll notice loose, relaxed movements rather than stiffness, hesitation, or attempting to hide. Soft eyes, a naturally wagging tail, playful posture, and ease around other dogs are all dog body language that signals that your dog feels safe and confident in their environment. At Hounds Town, our specialized packs help new dogs settle in naturally, allowing them to interact at their own pace and feel at home with their pack while you’re away.
They Have a Hounds Town Hangover
After a full day of running, playing, and socializing, a tired dog is a good sign. Many dogs come home from Hounds Town’s dog daycare happily worn out, ready for a long nap and a quiet evening. That post-daycare calm is what we refer to as the Hounds Town Hangover, and it means that your dog got the physical exercise and mental stimulation they need while they were playing with their pack. A fulfilled dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and more likely to relax at home.
They’re Less Anxious at Home
Regular doggy daycare can lead to noticeable behavior improvements beyond the playroom, because dogs who play with their pack exert the energy that makes them anxious at home. Dogs who attend daycare often show better social skills, reduced anxiety, and improved behavior overall. Consistent interaction with other dogs helps reinforce appropriate play and communication, while routine exercise can reduce restlessness and excess energy. At Hounds Town’s dog daycare, your dog will leave feeling well-rested and less stressed after all-day pack play.
They’re Comfortable in Their Pack
At Hounds Town, dogs are grouped by size, temperament, energy level, and play style, instead of primarily by breed. This pack-based approach helps ensure every dog feels comfortable and included, making daycare a positive experience for both confident pups and those who need a little extra time to settle in.
If your dog shows excitement at drop-off, relaxed body language, happy exhaustion, and improved behavior at home, chances are they’re having a great time at daycare.
Ready to see how your dog thrives in a natural pack environment? Learn more about doggy daycare at Hounds Town and find your nearest location today.