What to Expect on Your Dog’s First Day at Daycare

Adrienne
Jun 19
3 min read

So, you’ve booked your pup into GC Dog Co's doggy daycare — YAY! Whether they’re a social butterfly or a little shy to start, we’re so glad to welcome them into our pack.

We know that leaving your dog in someone else’s care (especially for the first time) can feel a little nerve-wracking — but we’re here to make it a positive, happy experience for both of you!

Here’s what to expect on your dog’s first day with us at GC Dog Co, based on our location on the beautiful Northern Gold Coast.

Drop Off: From 7:30am

We open bright and early! Drop-off is available from 7:30am, and most dogs arrive between then and 9:00am. This gives everyone time to settle in before the fun really kicks off.

Feel free to arrive a little earlier on your dog’s first day so we can greet you properly and go over any final questions or notes.

First-Day Nerves Are Totally Normal

Just like the first day at school or a new job, it’s completely normal for your dog to feel a little nervous. New environment, new smells, new friends — it’s a lot to take in! You might notice your pup is a little clingy at drop-off, or that they’re more reserved than usual.

This is totally normal! Most dogs settle in quickly once they’ve had a chance to sniff around, meet our team, and say hello to a few friendly faces.

We're experienced in helping dogs adjust at their own pace, and we always go slow with introductions on Day One.

What the Dog Daycare Day Looks Like

Throughout the day, your pup will enjoy:

Structured group play with dogs of similar size, temperament, and energy
Rest breaks when needed (especially important for newbies!)
Access to toys, enrichment activities, and cosy spaces
Supervision and care from our experienced dog-loving team

We post regular updates on our Instagram and Facebook stories, so you can follow along and see what your dog is up to.

Our Philosophy

We believe daycare should feel like a second home — safe, calm, enriching, and filled with love (and a little silliness). We take the time to get to know each dog individually and build genuine bonds, so you feel confident leaving your best mate with us.

Whether you're here every week or just popping in occasionally, you're part of the GC Dog Co crew — and we’re so happy to have you!

How We Group & Supervise Dogs

Safety is everything to us. We match dogs by size, temperament, energy levels, and play style. This helps prevent overwhelm and encourages healthy socialisation.

Your dog will be supervised at all times by trained, caring staff who genuinely love what they do. Our indoor-only setup on the Northern Gold Coast is fully secure, clean, and designed to support play, rest, and enrichment.