New Dog? Puppy Daycare Checklist (Vermont Edition)

By Tails On Trails Pet Resort · Wilmington, Vermont

Welcoming a new puppy into your life is pure magic — the tiny paws, wagging tails, playful curiosity, and endless love. But puppies also need structure, exposure, and socialization to grow into confident, well-balanced adult dogs.

Daycare is one of the best environments to support your puppy’s development, especially when done safely and intentionally. Here in Vermont, where dogs are part of our everyday adventures — from mountain trails to village strolls — early socialization helps your pup navigate the world with confidence and calm.

If you’re preparing your new puppy for daycare at Tails On Trails Pet Resort or anywhere in Southern Vermont, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Required Puppy Vaccinations

Before a puppy can safely join daycare, they must have completed specific core vaccinations.

Your puppy should have:

✔️ At least 2 rounds of DHPP for your puppy (everywhere, not just Vermont)

This protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza.

✔️ Bordetella (Kennel Cough) for your puppy, especially for dog daycare. Recommended by vets everywhere, not just in Vermont, for all puppies attending group environments.

You wouldn't want your pup to miss out if their vaccine expired, so make sure to get it every year!

✔️ Rabies for your puppy, and every year or every 3 years, as a grown dog.

Required once your puppy reaches the appropriate age (typically 12–16 weeks).

These vaccinations help protect your puppy and every dog they meet at their favorite dog daycare in Vermont!

2. Basic Puppy Social Skills

Your puppy doesn’t need to be “perfect” to start daycare — that’s what socialization is for! But they should show early signs of:

• Curiosity around other dogs

• Ability to separate from you briefly

• Comfort meeting new people

• Willingness to explore new environments

We introduce puppies slowly and safely, pairing them with gentle, compatible playmates.

3. Feeding & Snack Instructions

Young puppies often require more frequent feeding schedules.

Before daycare:

✔️ Bring your puppy’s own food

✔️ Share exact feeding times

✔️ Note any allergies or sensitivities

✔️ Include treats you approve

We follow your home routine closely to keep your puppy’s day predictable and comfortable.

4. Pack Comfort Items from Home

Puppies thrive when they have something familiar.

We recommend packing:

• A blanket that smells like home

• A favorite toy

• A soft chew

• A small comfort item

These help reduce first-day jitters and make the transition easier.

5. Consider a Short First Day

For many puppies, a shorter introductory session is the healthiest approach.

This helps them adjust to:

• new sounds

• new playmates

• new routines

• separation from you

• gentle structured play

At Tails On Trails, we design first-day experiences that are calm, controlled, and positive — never overwhelming.

6. Potty Training Expectations

Puppies are still learning!

We expect young puppies to have:

✔️ accidents

✔️ short attention spans

✔️ quick bursts of energy

✔️ frequent potty breaks

That’s part of the process.Our focus is to support your training routines, not replace them. Consistency between home and daycare creates faster results.

7. Puppy Energy Management

Puppies experience the world in joyful bursts — high-energy play, followed by deep naps.

A healthy daycare routine includes:

• play

• rest

• potty breaks

• water

• quiet time

We carefully manage stimulation to prevent your puppy from becoming overly tired or overly excited.

8. Early Socialization Prevents Behavioral Issues Later

Daycare provides safe exposure to:

• new dogs

• new surfaces

• new humans

• new environments

• structured routines

This prevents common adult-dog problems like:

✔️ fearfulness

✔️ reactivity

✔️ anxiety

✔️ poor communication

✔️ aggression

✔️ overexcitement

The younger your pup practices safe, positive socialization, the better their behavior will be for life.

9. Vermont-Specific Considerations

Our local environment provides unique socialization opportunities:

• snow

• wind

• cold temperatures

• mountain villages

• ski crowds

• busy seasonal tourism

Early exposure (in safe, controlled ways) helps your puppy grow into a confident, adaptable dog — ready for every Vermont adventure.

10. Trust the Process — Your Puppy Will Thrive

Your puppy may feel unsure the first day or two. That’s normal.

Within a short time, you’ll notice:

• improved confidence

• calmer behavior at home

• better communication

• healthy social habits

• positive energy release

• deeper bonding with you

Daycare is a gift to your puppy’s development.

Final Thoughts

Sending your puppy to daycare is one of the best investments you can make in their emotional and social wellbeing. It offers structure, routine, safe play, and early exposure to the world — all crucial elements for their growth.

At Tails On Trails Pet Resort, we specialize in offering a loving, safe, developmentally supportive environment for puppies.We help them build confidence, learn communication, make friends, and enjoy every new experience in a controlled, nurturing setting.

Your puppy’s journey is just beginning — and we’re honored to be part of it.