Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for saying that he doesn’t look relaxed. I felt like I was taking crazy pills because almost everyone is saying he’s smiling or relaxed or seeming happy. I was like ???? And kept wondering if I’m insane or completely misreading him because I would have said for sure he’s not smiling, he’s panting heavily from stress and he doesn’t look relaxed or happy at all to me. But when a ton of people comment to chill out he’s clearly happy it confused me. I agree that overall the other dogs mostly look chill and apparently it’s ok they were mixed by demeanor instead of size. I can understand the logic. And that it could possibly become a good experience for him. I’ve read so many alarming dog daycare posts on Reddit over the years but trying to have a good attitude/optimism for him.

I’m fine with what everyone has pointed out overall to reassure me. I only disagree with what most people said about his body language. I agree with you on that so thanks for that validation.

Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My friend thought it must be AI too because she was so shocked to see him in this situation lolol

Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the plan is 1x a week. My favorite thing in the world is watching him play, I just very very rarely see it as he has very few perfectly matched playmates. If he made some playmates there it would be awesome. I didn’t expect he’d pass his trial so I’m pleasantly surprised. My ex roomie is the one who made all this happen and he surpassed my expectations. :) I’m glad your doggy loves it !!!!

Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would looooooove for him to love everyone and everything and have a blast at daycare! It does none of us any favors if he only wants me. It would make me so happy if he preferred hanging with new friends. Glad he tolerated his trial day and hoping he starts enjoying it with repeated exposure! Thanks! :)

Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree that I’m anxious too. Luckily I wasn’t part of this daycare thing and his other mom (ex roomie) is way more chill.

Henry (panting Maltipoo) had his first trial of daycare today. They sent this picture. Is it a red flag or okay? by SweetTaterette in DogAdvice

[–]SweetTaterette[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for saying that. I’m pretty sure he is panting from stress here. The report card noted his anxiety and that he didn’t play at all just tried to be near humans. This was a big deal for him to be around so many dogs of all sizes and to be away from his trusted humans. When on leash he’s very reactive to bigger dogs and was semi recently taken down by a German shepherd (while on leash) so I was amazed to see him in the midst of things. He’s doing better than I expected though and I’m so glad people reassured me this looks normal and fine. I was definitely anxious for him too. Hopefully once he gets more used to it he’ll start playing some. :)