Spending the day at Dogtopia in Portland can be a fantastic experience for your furry friend, providing them with opportunities for socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation that may be hard to achieve at home. However, after a busy day filled with excitement, your dog might feel overwhelmed or overstimulated when they return home. Just like how people need time to unwind after a busy day, dogs also benefit from transitioning back to their home environment.
Keep reading to discover how you can help your dog transition smoothly after a day at daycare, ensuring they feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.
Understanding Your Dog’s Needs After Daycare
Every dog has a unique temperament, and their energy levels can vary significantly after a play-filled day. Some pups may come home bouncing with excitement, while many others may feel a bit sleepy. Though we provide naptime and plenty of opportunities to rest during daycare, after a busy day, your dog may show signs of overstimulation, such as panting, restlessness, or even irritability. It is very common for dogs to exhibit sleepy, played-out behavior, which we like to refer to as the Dogtopia Daze.
Post Daycare Routine
After a full day of socialization, exercise, and education, your dog will be happily played out and ready to cuddle. It’s important that you bring them home to a calm, restful home after 8-10 hours of open play with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever).
When you arrive home, set up a cozy space for your dog to relax. This can be a favorite bed or a quiet corner with their cherished blanket. A comfortable environment helps them unwind and recharge. To further promote relaxation, consider minimizing distractions. Turn off the TV, dim the lights, or play soft music to create a calming atmosphere. This will help your dog settle in and wind down after the exciting day they just had at daycare.
We also recommend that you withhold water for about 30 minutes. During your pup's time at Dogtopia, they are encouraged to hydrate throughout the day and have unlimited water access in the playrooms. Even if they appear very thirsty, waiting until they calm down can help to avoid potential issues like vomiting or bloat. Additionally, you should wait one to two hours before feeding them to avoid any potential stomach upset.
Making Daycare Part of Your Routine
Establishing a consistent schedule for daycare days is essential for helping your dog understand what to expect, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security. By incorporating regular feeding, walking, and playtimes into their routine, you create healthy habits that reinforce positive behavior and contribute to their overall wellbeing. Dogs thrive on structure, and knowing when they’ll be fed, exercised, and socialized can improve their overall mood and reduce stress.
Ready to start a routine for your pup? Dogtopia had five daycare locations across the Portland area, including Cedar Mill, Pearl District, South Waterfront, Garden Home, and Lake Oswego. Find a Dogtopia near you to schedule your dog’s Meet & Greet today!