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The Best Way to Pick Up and Drop Off Your Dog at Daycare

Writer's picture: The Dog ZoneThe Dog Zone

How you drop off and pick up your dog at daycare might seem simple, but it’s a key moment that sets the tone for your dog’s day. How you handle these transitions impacts your dog’s behaviour and emotional state can make things easier for both you and us as your dog day-buddies!


Here’s a few nudges in the right direction :)


1. Stay Calm and Assertive

When you drop off or pick up your dog, your energy is the first thing they pick up on. If you’re feeling anxious or rushed, your dog will reflect that energy. Remember, dogs respond to calm, assertive leadership. If you’re confident and relaxed, they’ll feel more secure in their environment.


At drop-off, approach the situation with quiet confidence. Walk in with calm energy, hand them off smoothly, and leave without fuss. This helps your dog transition more easily into their daycare pack.


2. Avoid Emotional Goodbyes

It’s natural to want to give your dog a warm goodbye, but dogs don’t process farewells the same way we do. Overly emotional goodbyes—hugging, kissing, or using a high-pitched voice—can actually create anxiety in your dog. Dogs live in the moment, so when you turn leaving into a big deal, it confuses them.


Instead, say a quick, calm goodbye and leave confidently. This reinforces the idea that there’s nothing to worry about, and helps prevent separation anxiety.


3. Routine is Key

Dogs thrive on routine. They feel most secure when they know what to expect. Try to establish a consistent process for dropping off and picking up your dog. Whether it’s arriving at the same time every day or using the same routine—like making sure your dog is sitting calmly before you hand them off—routine builds trust and reduces stress.


Consistency helps your dog feel comfortable with the transition, knowing that every time you leave, you’ll come back in the same calm, steady way.


4. Pick Up With Calm Energy

At pick-up, it’s tempting to rush in, excited to see your dog after a long day apart. But if you approach with high energy, your dog will mirror that excitement, which can lead to overexcitement or even anxiety. Instead, walk in calmly, and don’t greet your dog until they’re calm too.


By rewarding calm behaviour, you teach your dog that excitement isn’t necessary and that calmness is what gets attention. This helps your dog stay balanced during the transition back home.


5. Walk Before You Drop Off

If possible, take your dog for a walk before daycare. Even just a short 10-minute walk can help burn off some energy and put them in a calm, relaxed state before entering the daycare environment. When your dog arrives in a balanced state, it sets them up for a more peaceful day.


Handling drop-off and pick-up with a calm, assertive energy, you’re helping your dog stay balanced and happy throughout their day at daycare. Remember, dogs thrive on calm leadership and routine—when you provide that, you’re setting them up for success.


Cheers! - Trina

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