Guide
Getting your dog used to care: How the start succeeds
August 20, 2026 · 5 min read
A change in care is initially unfamiliar for most dogs. New smells, new people, new routines — that takes time. With a few tried-and-tested measures, settling in can be made noticeably more relaxed for both dog and owner.
1. Start with a personal introductory meeting
Before actual care begins, there should always be a calm, unhurried introductory meeting — without time pressure, in a familiar environment or at a neutral location. This allows the dog to assess the new caregiver at their own pace, instead of being placed directly into an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar dogs.
2. The trial day as a gentle start
A single trial day shows very reliably how a dog behaves in a new environment: do they seek closeness or withdraw? Do they react calmly or stressed to other dogs? These observations form the basis for care that truly fits the dog’s character — not the other way around.
3. Bring something familiar
A blanket, a toy or a chew item from home carries a familiar scent and acts like a small anchor point in the new environment. Especially in the first few days, this can make a real difference.
4. Rely on fixed routines
Dogs orient themselves strongly by repetition. Similar pick-up times, a fixed routine for arrival and goodbyes, as well as clear rituals provide security — and reduce separation stress on both sides.
5. Pay attention to group size
Many behavioural issues in day care simply arise from overstimulation in groups that are too large. A small, manageable number of dogs allows the caregiver to recognise signs of stress early and, if needed, give individual dogs the chance to retreat — this is exactly the core philosophy of our own day care.
6. Bring patience
Some dogs need one attempt, others several, before they fully relax. This is normal and no cause for concern — open communication with the caregiver about observations and progress helps continually adjust the process.
Questions about getting your dog used to Pfoten-Pfad.ch? Arrange a no-obligation introductory meeting — we’ll go through every step together with you.