What to Do If Your Dog Gets Kicked Out of Day Care

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most common conditions that dogs experience.

Dogs with separation anxiety might pace, whine, or try to escape when their people leave, which can cause difficulties in the day care setting. This stress is difficult on both dogs and their pet parents, not to mention tough for day care sitters to manage while looking after other dogs.

Excessive barking

It’s perfectly natural for dogs to bark. However, constant barking often signals that a dog feels uncomfortable or stressed. It can also disrupt the other dogs at day care, making it difficult for sitters to keep things calm.

According to a dog day care worker on the r/dogs subreddit, dogs who bark excessively are likely stressed and would do better at a different day care.

A mismatched play style

Every dog plays differently. Some love rougher play, while others prefer calmer play.

Problems can arise when play styles clash. A dog who plays rough might unintentionally scare—or even hurt—a smaller dog or one who prefers gentler interactions.

This doesn’t mean your dog’s play style is wrong, of course. It does mean they might have a better time with playmates who have a similar energy level and play style.

A preference for being alone

Not every dog wants a big group of friends. Some would much rather play alone at home with a family member, dog sitter, or one other pup.

You might worry your dog is unhappy if they spend most of the day sleeping, avoid other dogs, or have little interest in play. But they may simply have a lower social battery and prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Lack of training or social skills

Some dogs haven’t had much practice being around other dogs, so they don’t know how to interact with them.

A dog with limited social skills might miss basic play cues, like when another dog needs space. They may also struggle with commands like “leave it” or “come,” which sitters at doggy day care often use.

Basic training at home or working with a professional trainer will help dogs build these skills over time.

A day care that isn’t the right setup

A dog may get rejected from day care because it’s simply not the right space for them.

For example, a high-energy day care with several clients might work well for some pups but overwhelm others. Dogs who prefer to be outside might not do well in a mostly indoor space.

One pet parent on the r/puppy101 subreddit shared that their dog had difficulties at a large day care but did better at a smaller one. In short, sometimes the solution might involve switching the day care.

Can I Reintroduce My Dog to Day Care?

In some cases, you can successfully reintroduce your dog to day care. This adjustment period can take anywhere from a few visits to a few weeks, so give your dog time before you decide whether it’s working.

If you think your dog enjoys day care but needs support having a positive experience, Kohanski recommends working with a reinforcement trainer who specializes in dog play and body language.

You can also practice training on your own, following these steps:

1. Head to a dog park with treats, but stay outside.
2. Sit far enough away that your dog can watch calmly.
3. Reward calm behaviors, like sniffing the ground or lying down.
4. Move closer over time—but only as long as your dog stays relaxed.

Alternatives to day care

If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy day care, even after some adjustment time, you may want to consider other options. You still have plenty of ways to keep your dog happy and active.

• Enrichment activities: Sniff walks, puzzle toys, and trick training can help meet your dog’s needs at home. You can also hire a dog walker or sitter on Rover if you need extra support.
• Other day care options: If your dog does okay with day care in small doses, consider half-day day care. You could also search for a dog sitter who cares for one dog at a time or only takes small groups in a home setting.
• Play dates with neighbors: A one-on-one play date with a familiar dog can offer a lower-pressure way to socialize, without the intensity of a full group setting.