🐾 What a Trial Day Looks Like at Paws Play — and Why It Matters

Bringing your dog to a new daycare can feel a little nerve-wracking—for both of you. That’s why at Paws Play, we start every new pup with a trial day designed to help us get to know your dog, ease them into our environment, and make sure they’ll be a great fit for our pack.

Here’s how we approach it—and why we do things this way.

✨ Step 1: Let Them Take It All In

When your dog arrives, we don’t rush introductions or push them into the group right away. First, we give them space to sniff around, check out the environment, and get used to the sounds, smells, and people. We want them to feel safe and relaxed before anything else.

🐶 Step 2: Human Connection First

Before we introduce any dogs, we focus on the human connection. Our staff spends time interacting with your pup, building trust through gentle attention, praise, and observation. We want them to know we’re here to support them—not overwhelm them.

🐕 Step 3: Dog Intros—Slow, Steady, and Strategic

Once they’re feeling a bit more settled, we begin dog introductions. But we don’t throw them into the pack—we introduce one dog at a time, starting with the calmest dogs and gradually working up to the more playful or energetic pups.

We’re watching for:

• Loose, happy body language

• Comfort around new dogs (some nerves are totally okay!)

• Interest in engaging without overcorrecting or escalating

• Respect for space—both ours and the other dogs'

🔁 Step 4: Redirection, Recall & Boundaries

Throughout the day, we test how your dog responds to redirection and recall, and how well they read other dogs’ cues. Do they back off when another dog sets a boundary? Do they come when called in a new environment? These skills help us know they’re ready to be part of a group safely.

🧘‍♀️ Step 5: The Settle Test

This is a big one. After play, we expect our dogs to rest and reset. Whether crated or free-roaming, we need to see that your dog can decompress during down time. This helps prevent overstimulation, reduces anxiety, and creates a safe environment for everyone.

❤️ Our Philosophy: Progress Over Perfection

We don’t expect perfection. In fact, we love a good work-in-progress. As long as your pup has the foundational skills to thrive in a group—meaning they’re social, respectful, and able to rest—we’re happy to work with them as they continue to grow.

Chips first day at the Paws Play House

🔍 Questions to Ask Any Pet Care Provider

Whether you're exploring Paws Play or looking into other pet care options, here are a few important questions you should ask:

• How many dogs per person do you have?

• How many dogs per day, per room or area?

• How do you introduce new dogs into your group?

• What does a trial day look like?

• How many dogs do you take at a time?

• How do you handle redirection or conflict?

• Do you offer downtime, and how is that managed?

• What do you do if a dog shows signs of stress or overwhelm?

The answers should help you determine if their environment is structured, safe, and attentive—or if dogs are just tossed into a room and left to figure things out.

At Paws Play, every dog matters. We keep our group small and our standards high so your pup gets the care, structure, and connection they deserve.

If you're ready to book a trial day or just want to chat more, reach out—we’d love to meet your pup! 🐾