Does Dog Daycare Help With Separation Anxiety?

Does Dog Daycare Help With Separation Anxiety?

If you’ve ever come home to chewed-up furniture, non-stop barking complaints from the neighbors, or a dog who seems completely panicked when you leave, you know how tough separation anxiety can be. It’s heartbreaking to see your pup struggle when you’re not around—but is dog daycare the solution?

The short answer: Dog daycare can provide relief while your pup is here, but it won’t cure separation anxiety on its own. Studies show that about 20–40% of dogs with separation anxiety continue to show symptoms even with regular daycare attendance. But don’t worry—there are ways to help your dog feel more confident when left alone, and daycare can still be part of a well-rounded approach!

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Why Doesn’t Dog Daycare Cure Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety isn’t just about being alone—it’s about being away from a specific person (usually their owner). While your dog may have a blast at daycare, it doesn’t teach them how to be comfortable when left at home. Think of daycare like a fun distraction—it helps in the moment, but it doesn’t address the root of the anxiety.

Imagine putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches. The band-aid (daycare) helps for now, but the real solution is treatment (behavioral training and desensitization).

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What’s the Best Way to Treat Separation Anxiety?

The most effective way to help your dog overcome separation anxiety is through behavior modification and gradual desensitization. This means slowly getting your pup used to being alone, starting with just a few seconds at a time and working up from there.

Professional help from a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist can make all the difference. They can create a customized training plan and help identify any triggers that may be making your dog’s anxiety worse.

We highly recommend working with a local resource like K9 Turbo Training, who specializes in evidence-based, force-free training methods and has extensive experience helping dogs with separation anxiety.

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How Can Dog Daycare Help?

While daycare isn’t a cure, it can be an important piece of your dog’s anxiety management plan. If you know you’ll be out for long hours, sending your pup to daycare prevents them from experiencing prolonged stress at home. Plus, it keeps them active, social, and engaged—helping to prevent other behavioral issues like destructive chewing or excessive barking.

Think of daycare as one tool in your toolbox, not the entire solution.

And if you’re considering overnight boarding, Canine To Five is a great option. During the day, your dog will enjoy the structure and stimulation of doggy daycare, and at night, we have an awake overnight attendant checking in on all of our guests and keeping the facility clean and safe. For pet parents who are feeling nervous, we also offer Text Message Pupdates and the option to add one-on-one enrichment sessions to give your dog some extra TLC while you’re away.

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Should You Tell Daycare Staff About Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Absolutely! Letting our team know about your pup’s anxiety allows us to provide extra attention during drop-offs and watch for any signs of stress throughout the day. Our experienced caregivers can also give you valuable insights into how your dog is adjusting and whether they seem to be improving over time.

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How Often Should an Anxious Dog Go to Daycare?

The ideal daycare schedule depends on your dog’s personality, anxiety level, and training progress. Many behaviorists recommend starting with 2–3 days per week rather than every day. This provides socialization and playtime while still allowing your dog to practice being alone at home.

Too much daycare can actually become counterproductive. Dogs need downtime to decompress, and if they’re always surrounded by other pups and people, they might develop a new dependency—becoming anxious when they’re not at daycare! Keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels and stress signals, and adjust their schedule as needed.

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Taking the First Step

The best thing you can do right now is reach out to a certified behaviorist who specializes in separation anxiety. Daycare can be part of your strategy, but a professional can help you create a customized training plan that sets your pup up for long-term success.

And if you ever need a place where your dog can safely play while you work on their training at home—or a trusted overnight option when you’re away—Canine To Five is here to help. With daytime daycare, overnight staff, one-on-one enrichment, and photo updates, we’re committed to supporting both you and your dog every step of the way.