Transitioning Dogs from Home Training to Group Daycare Settings

Your dog sits perfectly on command in your living room, but will they listen when surrounded by ten excited pups at daycare? Moving from the controlled environment of home training to the dynamic world of group daycare represents one of the biggest transitions in your dog’s social education.

Success isn’t guaranteed just because your pup has mastered basic commands at home. The daycare environment introduces variables that can make even the most well-trained dog forget everything they’ve learned. That’s why a thorough readiness assessment becomes crucial before making this leap.

Think of it like the difference between practicing piano alone versus performing at Carnegie Hall. Your dog needs to demonstrate consistent skills under pressure, not just when it’s convenient.

Evaluating Basic Obedience Commands and Response Consistency

Before your dog steps paw into a group setting, they need rock-solid responses to fundamental commands. We’re talking about commands that work when your neighbor’s cat strolls by, when the doorbell rings, and when squirrels launch their backyard invasion.

Start by testing the “Big Three” commands in increasingly distracting environments. Your dog should respond to “sit,” “stay,” and “come” within three seconds, even when you’re holding their favorite treat or toy. If they’re still giving you that “I’ll think about it” look, they’re not ready for the chaos of daycare.

Practice these commands during your busiest household moments. Can your dog maintain a stay while you’re cooking dinner and the kids are running around? Do they come when called during their most exciting backyard adventures? These scenarios mirror the high-energy distractions they’ll face in group settings.

Consistency matters more than perfection here. A dog that responds correctly 95% of the time at home might drop to 60% effectiveness in daycare. You want to start from a position of strength, which means near-perfect home performance before adding group dynamics.

Testing Social Behavior with Unfamiliar Dogs and People

Home training often happens in a bubble. Your dog knows your family, your routines, and your expectations. But daycare introduces strangers with different energy levels, handling styles, and communication patterns.

Arrange controlled meetings with unfamiliar dogs before committing to full daycare enrollment. Watch how your dog approaches new playmates. Do they respect personal space, or do they immediately invade another dog’s bubble? Red flags include excessive mounting, resource guarding over toys, or inability to disengage from play when the other dog shows stress signals.

Pay attention to your dog’s reaction to new people as well. Daycare staff need to handle, redirect, and manage your pup throughout the day. A dog that becomes anxious or defensive with strangers will struggle in this environment, regardless of how well they perform dog training exercises at home.

Test their handling response by asking friends to practice basic commands with your dog. Can a stranger get them to sit and stay? Do they accept gentle corrections from unfamiliar voices? These interactions reveal whether your training has created genuine obedience or just familiarity-based compliance.

Identifying Stress Triggers and Behavioral Red Flags

Every dog has triggers that can derail their best behavior. Successful daycare transitions require identifying these pressure points before they become problems in a group setting.

Watch for subtle stress signals during training sessions. Excessive panting, drooling, or pacing can indicate your dog is overwhelmed even in familiar environments. If they struggle with stress management at home, adding ten playmates and constant stimulation won’t improve the situation.

Resource guarding presents particular challenges in daycare settings. Test your dog’s reaction to having food, toys, or even attention “stolen” by others. Practice taking items away and giving them back, always rewarding calm acceptance. Dogs that freeze, growl, or snap when resources are threatened aren’t ready for sharing spaces with other pups.

Separation anxiety deserves special attention. Can your dog handle being left alone for the duration of a typical daycare day? Practice extended separations at home first. A dog that becomes destructive or excessively vocal when alone will likely struggle with the structured activities and rest periods that define quality daycare programs.

Determining Optimal Timing Based on Training Milestones

Timing your daycare transition requires looking beyond calendar dates to actual behavioral milestones. Age alone doesn’t determine readiness (though most facilities require completed vaccinations, typically with a minimum of 16 weeks).

Your dog should demonstrate consistent impulse control before joining group activities. This means choosing to sit instead of jumping on visitors, waiting for permission before eating, and stopping unwanted behaviors with a single verbal cue. These skills form the foundation for everything daycare staff will ask of your pup.

Consider your dog’s energy management abilities, too. Puppies and high-energy breeds need to show they can settle down when playtime ends. Practice “calm time” after exciting activities at home. Dogs that can transition from full-speed play to relaxed downtime will adapt more easily to daycare rhythms.

The ideal timing often coincides with what trainers call “training consolidation” (usually after 4-6 weeks of consistent home practice). Your dog has internalized basic commands rather than just memorizing them. They’ve generalized their training to work in multiple locations and situations.

Remember that the benefits of dog training extend far beyond basic obedience. Well-trained dogs experience less stress, form better relationships, and enjoy more freedom in social settings. But rushing the transition before these benefits are fully established can create setbacks that take months to overcome.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off about their readiness level, take more time with home training. The top 10 reasons only apply when your pup is truly prepared for the experience.

Pre-Daycare Preparation: Building Essential Skills at Home

Strengthening Recall Commands in Distracting Environments

Your dog might come running when you call them in your quiet living room, but daycare presents a whole different challenge. Picture this: fifteen dogs playing, barking, and chasing each other while the daycare staff tries to manage feeding time. That’s when solid recall becomes absolutely crucial.

Start by gradually increasing distractions during your home training sessions. Call your dog while the TV’s on, during dinner prep, or when guests are over. If they ignore you completely, you’re not ready for the chaos of group daycare yet.

Practice the “emergency recall” technique used by daycare professionals. Choose a special word (not their regular “come” command) and pair it with high-value treats, such as small pieces of chicken or cheese. This becomes your daycare insurance policy when regular commands fail.

Work up to outdoor distractions next. Can your dog respond to recall when squirrels are present? What about when other dogs are playing nearby? These scenarios mirror the sensory overload they’ll face in dog training group settings.

Practicing Group Play Scenarios with Multiple Dogs

Many dogs arrive at daycare having played only with their household companions or perhaps one neighbor dog. The reality? They’ll be thrown into a pack of 10-20 dogs with varying play styles, energy levels, and social skills.

Organize playdates with different dogs before daycare starts. Not just friendly meetups, but structured sessions where you can observe and correct problematic behaviors. Watch for resource guarding, excessive mounting, or bullying tendencies that could cause issues in group settings.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language during these sessions. Stiff posture, raised hackles, or constant panting (when it’s not hot) signal stress. Dogs who can’t self-regulate during small group play will struggle in larger daycare environments.

Create artificial “pack” situations at home, too. Scatter multiple toys around and practice sharing. Use feeding stations in different locations so your dog learns that resources aren’t scarce. These exercises build confidence for the competitive dynamics of group daycare.

Conditioning Your Dog to Kennel and Separation Routines

Even the most social daycare facilities use kennels for quiet time, meals, or when dogs need breaks from group play. Your home-trained dog needs to accept confinement without anxiety or destructive behaviors.

Start with short kennel sessions while you’re home. Many owners make the mistake of only crating their dogs when leaving, creating negative associations. Instead, practice 15-30 minute sessions while you’re cooking, working, or watching TV.

Build up to longer periods gradually. Can your dog handle being crated for two hours while you run errands? That’s typically the minimum threshold for daycare readiness, since most facilities have mandatory rest periods throughout the day.

Practice the daycare drop-off scenario at home. Put your dog in their kennel, leave the house for 10 minutes, then return without fanfare. No excited hellos or guilty treats. This teaches them that your departures are routine, not emergencies requiring panic.

Establishing Consistent Feeding and Bathroom Schedules

Daycare facilities run on strict schedules, and your dog’s internal clock needs to match. Most facilities feed at specific times (usually mid-morning and mid-afternoon) and expect dogs to eliminate on command during designated potty breaks.

Shift your home feeding schedule to match your chosen daycare’s routine. If they feed at 11 AM and 3 PM, start adjusting your dog’s meals weeks before their first day. This prevents digestive upset and reduces accidents during the transition period.

Practice bathroom breaks on schedule rather than on demand. Take your dog out every 2-3 hours, whether they’re asking or not. Use a command like “go potty” consistently, so daycare staff can communicate effectively with your dog during outdoor time.

Consider the potty training fundamentals even for adult dogs. Some perfectly house-trained dogs regress in new environments due to stress or excitement. Refresh these basics before daycare to avoid embarrassing accidents.

Document your dog’s typical elimination patterns, too. Does your dog usually need to go 30 minutes after eating? Do they have specific elimination preferences (grass vs. concrete)? Share this information with daycare staff to set everyone up for success.

Remember that consistency at home directly translates to success in group settings. Dogs thrive on predictable routines, and the more closely your home schedule mirrors daycare expectations, the smoother their transition will be.

Strategic Dog Daycare Transition Planning and Timeline

Creating a Gradual Introduction Schedule Over 2-4 Weeks

Your dog needs time to adjust to the bustling environment of group daycare. Rushing this process can undo months of careful dog training at home.

Week one should focus on brief visits (30-45 minutes) during quieter periods. Most facilities have calmer windows in the mid-morning or early afternoon, when fewer dogs are present. You’ll want to stay nearby for the first few visits, gradually increasing your distance from the facility.

During week two, extend sessions to 2-3 hours. This gives your dog time to engage with the pack dynamics without overwhelming them. Watch for signs of stress, such as excessive panting, hiding, or aggressive posturing. These behaviors indicate that you should slow down the timeline.

Week three introduces half-day stays (4-6 hours). By now, your dog should show comfort with the basic routine and key staff members. They might even start anticipating the visit positively.

Full days come in week four, but only if your dog has progressed smoothly through earlier stages. Some dogs need 6-8 weeks to fully adjust, and that’s perfectly normal.

Coordinating with Daycare Staff on Training Protocols

Professional daycare staff can either reinforce your home training or accidentally undermine it. The key lies in clear communication about your dog’s specific training protocols.

Schedule a detailed handoff meeting before your dog’s first visit. Bring a written summary of commands your dog knows, their response patterns, and reward systems that work best. If you’ve been using crate training, explain your dog’s crate schedule and comfort signals.

Discuss your dog’s trigger points honestly. Does your dog resource guard toys? Are they sensitive about being touched while eating? Staff need this information to prevent incidents and maintain training consistency.

Ask about the facility’s training philosophy. Some daycares use positive reinforcement exclusively, while others incorporate correction-based methods. Mismatched approaches can confuse your dog and slow their adjustment process.

Request specific staff members work with your dog initially. Consistency in human handlers helps anxious dogs feel more secure during the transition period.

Managing Home-to-Daycare Behavioral Consistency

Nothing derails dog daycare transition faster than mixed messages between home and facility. Your dog needs the same rules and expectations in both environments.

If you don’t allow jumping at home, ensure daycare staff enforce the same boundary. Dogs don’t understand that jumping might be acceptable during playtime but forbidden during greetings.

Maintain your home routine as much as possible. Feed your dog at consistent times, keep the same bedtime schedule, and continue regular training sessions. This stability helps them process the new daycare experience without additional stress.

The foundation training you’ve built at home becomes crucial during this transition. Dogs with solid basic commands adapt faster to group settings because they have reliable ways to communicate with handlers.

Consider sending familiar items with your dog – a favorite toy, a worn t-shirt with your scent, or their regular water bowl. These comfort objects bridge the gap between home and daycare environments.

Setting Realistic Expectations for the Adjustment Period

Most dog owners underestimate how long the adjustment period takes. Even well-socialized dogs typically need 2-4 weeks to feel comfortable in a new group setting.

During the first week, expect some regression in behavior. Dogs might temporarily forget house training, become clingy at home, or show increased anxiety. These reactions are normal responses to environmental stress, not signs of daycare failure.

Your dog might come home exhausted after early daycare sessions. Mental stimulation from navigating new social dynamics is incredibly draining. Plan for extra rest time and avoid overstimulating activities on daycare days.

Some dogs take 6-8 weeks to fully integrate, especially if they’re naturally cautious or have limited socialization experience. Pushing too hard during this period often backfires, creating negative associations with the daycare environment.

Celebrate small victories. If your dog enters the facility willingly or plays with one other dog, that’s meaningful progress worth acknowledging.

Documenting Progress and Addressing Setbacks

Keep detailed records of your dog’s daycare experience from day one. Note their mood before and after visits, interactions you observe, and any concerns staff report.

Create a simple tracking system – energy level (1-10), social engagement, appetite changes, and sleep patterns. These metrics help identify trends that might not be obvious day-to-day.

When setbacks occur (and they will), resist the urge to immediately pull your dog from the program. Most behavioral hiccups resolve with slight schedule adjustments or additional staff support.

Common setbacks include temporary food guarding, selective hearing on commands, or withdrawal from group activities. Address these quickly with daycare staff to prevent them from becoming ingrained habits.

If progress stalls after 4-6 weeks, consider whether the specific daycare environment suits your dog’s temperament. Not every dog thrives in large group settings, and that’s perfectly acceptable.

Document positive changes too. Many dogs develop better social skills, increased confidence, and improved physical fitness through quality daycare programs. These benefits often extend well beyond the facility walls.

Addressing Common Group Training Dogs Challenges During Transition

Managing Overexcitement and Hyperactivity in Group Settings

The moment your dog steps into a group daycare setting, their excitement levels might skyrocket beyond anything you’ve seen at home. This overexcitement isn’t just enthusiasm (though that’s part of it). It’s sensory overload combined with the thrill of being around other dogs.

Most dogs experience what trainers call “arousal spillover” during their first few weeks. Your perfectly behaved pup suddenly can’t sit still, jumps on every dog they meet, and acts like they’ve forgotten every command you’ve taught them. Sound familiar?

Start by asking daycare staff to limit your dog’s initial group exposure to 15-30 minute intervals. This prevents overwhelming your dog while giving them time to process all the new stimulation. Between group sessions, your dog should have quiet time in a separate area or crate.

Practice impulse control exercises before each daycare visit. Have your dog sit and wait at the daycare entrance before going inside. This simple routine helps them shift into “training mode” rather than “party mode.” The staff should reinforce these same calm behaviors throughout the day.

When you pick up your dog, they’ll likely be wound up from the day’s activities. Don’t expect perfect behavior immediately. Give them 20-30 minutes at home to decompress before issuing any commands.

Resolving Resource Guarding Issues Around Food and Toys

Resource guarding often emerges or worsens during daycare transitions, even in dogs who never showed these behaviors at home. The competitive environment naturally triggers protective instincts around food, toys, and even human attention.

Watch for early warning signs: stiff body language around food bowls, hovering over toys, or blocking other dogs’ access to water. These subtle behaviors can escalate quickly in group settings if not addressed immediately.

Quality daycare facilities should feed dogs separately to prevent food-related conflicts. But toy guarding requires more nuanced management. Staff should rotate toys regularly and remove any items that trigger possessive behaviors in individual dogs.

If your dog shows resource-guarding tendencies, consider scheduling in-home dog training sessions focused on sharing exercises. Practice the “drop it” and “leave it” commands with high-value items before introducing group-play scenarios.

Never punish resource guarding behaviors, as this typically makes them worse. Instead, teach your dog that sharing leads to good things happening. When they voluntarily move away from a toy, immediately reward them with treats or praise.

Handling Regression in Previously Mastered Commands

Don’t panic when your dog suddenly “forgets” commands they’ve known for months. This regression is normal and temporary, caused by the mental overload of processing new environments, smells, sounds, and social dynamics.

The most common regression occurs with recall commands. Your dog, who comes running when called at home, might completely ignore you at daycare. This isn’t defiance but distraction, competing with exciting stimuli they’ve never encountered.

Start retraining commands in the daycare environment using higher-value rewards than you typically use at home. That basic kibble won’t cut it when competing with the excitement of playing with other dogs. Bring freeze-dried liver, cheese, or whatever makes your dog’s eyes light up.

Practice commands during quieter moments at pickup and drop-off times. This helps your dog generalize their training to the daycare setting without the chaos of full group activity. Gradually work up to practicing commands during more stimulating situations.

Consistency between home and daycare is crucial. Share your dog’s training cues and commands with daycare staff so they can reinforce the same behaviors you’re working on at home. Mixed signals will only prolong the regression period.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety and Stress Behaviors

Even dogs who handle being left alone at home might develop separation anxiety in daycare settings. The combination of new people, unfamiliar routines, and group dynamics can trigger stress responses you’ve never seen before.

Common stress signals include excessive panting, drooling, pacing, destructive behavior, or shutting down completely. Some dogs become clingy with staff members, while others hide in corners and refuse to participate in activities.

Gradual introduction is key. Start with short 2-3 hour sessions rather than full days. This allows your dog to build positive associations with the daycare environment without becoming overwhelmed. Increase duration slowly as your dog shows comfort with each stage.

Bring familiar items from home: a favorite blanket, toy, or even a piece of your clothing with your scent on it. These comfort objects provide emotional anchoring during stressful moments. However, monitor these items carefully to ensure other dogs don’t damage or steal them.

If stress behaviors persist beyond the first two weeks, consider whether group daycare is right for your dog. Some dogs thrive in smaller playgroups or prefer individual activities. Knowing how to handle your dog in various social situations helps you advocate for their specific needs.

Track your dog’s stress patterns by noting which times of day, activities, or group compositions trigger anxiety. This information helps daycare staff modify your dog’s schedule and environment to improve outcomes.

Maintaining Training Consistency Between Home and Daycare Environments

Establishing Clear Communication Channels with Daycare Staff

The foundation of successful training consistency lies in open, detailed communication between you and your Doggy Day Camp team. You can’t expect your dog’s progress to continue seamlessly if the daycare staff doesn’t understand your home training approach.

Start by creating a comprehensive training profile for your dog. Include specific commands they know, reward systems that work best, and any behavioral challenges you’re addressing. Most importantly, document exactly how you deliver each command and what response you expect.

Schedule a detailed handover meeting before your dog’s first day. During this session, demonstrate key commands and show staff your exact timing for corrections and rewards. This isn’t just about listing what your dog knows (it’s about ensuring everyone delivers training cues the same way).

Establish weekly check-ins with your daycare provider. These don’t need to be lengthy conversations, but they should cover what training elements were practiced, how your dog responded, and any concerning behaviors that emerged during group interactions.

Aligning Training Methods and Command Terminology

Nothing confuses a dog faster than hearing the same command delivered differently by various people. If you say “down” at home but daycare staff use “lie down,” you’re creating unnecessary confusion that slows progress.

Create a command dictionary that includes your exact wording for each trained behavior. Don’t assume “sit” means the same thing to everyone. Some trainers use “sit” for a quick position change, while others expect a sustained stay until the trainer releases.

Your Dog Training methods at home should align with daycare practices whenever possible. If you’re using positive reinforcement with treat rewards, but daycare relies heavily on verbal praise, discuss how to bridge these approaches effectively.

Pay special attention to correction methods. You might use a firm “no” for unwanted behaviors, while daycare staff might redirect attention instead. Neither approach is wrong, but inconsistency weakens the impact of training.

Consider asking daycare staff to observe a training session at your home. This gives them firsthand insight into your dog’s learning style and your specific techniques. Many dogs respond differently to familiar versus new handlers, so this observation helps staff adjust their approach accordingly.

Creating Reinforcement Schedules Across Both Settings

Your dog doesn’t understand why the rules might be different at home and at daycare. They need consistent reinforcement patterns that make sense regardless of location.

Coordinate reward timing with daycare staff. If you’re working on impulse control around food at home, daycare needs to maintain the same standards during meal times and treat distribution. This prevents your dog from learning that different locations have different rules.

Establish clear protocols for high-value rewards. Maybe special treats are reserved for particularly challenging commands or breakthrough moments. Daycare staff should understand which rewards to use for routine compliance versus exceptional performance.

Create backup plans for when your preferred reinforcement isn’t available. If your dog responds best to a specific type of treat, but daycare doesn’t carry that brand, identify acceptable alternatives that maintain training effectiveness.

Document any behavioral triggers your dog exhibits in group settings. Some dogs become more food-aggressive around other pets, while others get overstimulated by group energy. Daycare staff need strategies for managing these situations without undermining your home training progress.

Regular Progress Evaluations and Training Plan Adjustments

Training isn’t a static process. Your dog’s needs change as they mature and encounter new social situations. Regular evaluation ensures your home and daycare approaches evolve together.

Schedule monthly progress reviews with daycare staff. These sessions should cover which commands your dog executes reliably, areas where they’re struggling, and new behaviors that have emerged during group interactions.

Track specific metrics that matter for your dog’s development. How quickly do they respond to recall commands in a distracting environment? Can they maintain focus during group feeding times? Are they generalizing home-learned behaviors to daycare situations?

Be prepared to adjust your home training based on observations from daycare. Your dog might display entirely different behaviors around other dogs than they show at home. These insights often reveal training gaps that need attention.

Don’t hesitate to modify approaches that aren’t working. If your dog consistently ignores a command at daycare despite perfect compliance at home, the group environment might require different training strategies. Flexibility strengthens results rather than weakening them.

Create action plans for regression periods. Every dog experiences setbacks, especially when adjusting to new environments. Having predetermined strategies helps both you and the daycare staff respond quickly and effectively to temporary challenges.

Long-Term Success Strategies for Group Daycare Integration

Monitoring Behavioral Changes and Social Development

Watching your dog’s social evolution during the transition period requires careful attention to subtle behavioral shifts. You’ll notice changes in confidence levels, play styles, and communication patterns as your pup adapts to group dynamics.

Start by establishing baseline observations from home training sessions. Document your dog’s typical reactions to commands, stress signals, and energy levels. This provides a benchmark for daycare behavior.

Track specific markers during Doggie Daycare sessions: Does your dog seek out certain playmates? Are they initiating play or waiting for invitations? How quickly do they settle after high-energy activities?

Communication changes often appear first. Dogs in learning groups develop more nuanced body language (they’ll start using play bows more effectively or moderate their approach to anxious dogs). These adjustments show healthy social development.

Watch for regression signs too. Some dogs temporarily lose house-training skills or become more clingy at home. This usually indicates overstimulation rather than problems with the program. Adjust pickup times or reduce daycare frequency until balance returns.

Implementing Advanced Group Training Techniques

Once your dog shows comfort in basic group settings, advanced techniques can strengthen their leadership qualities and impulse control. Group training requires different skills from one-on-one sessions.

Multi-dog recalls challenge even well-trained dogs. Start with small groups of three to four dogs, using high-value treats and clear verbal cues. Practice “stay” commands while other dogs receive attention (this builds patience and reduces jealousy).

Parallel training exercises work exceptionally well. Have dogs perform the same commands simultaneously but maintain individual focus on their handlers. This builds concentration despite distractions.

Rotation training keeps sessions engaging. Move between different handlers, locations, and reward systems throughout the session. Dogs learn to respond to various leadership styles and environmental changes.

Professional Dog Training programs often incorporate puzzle-solving activities that require cooperation. Dogs learn to wait their turn, share space, and problem-solve alongside peers.

Building Leadership Skills in Multi-Dog Environments

Natural leaders emerge in every dog group, but you can nurture these qualities in dogs who show potential. Leadership in dog daycare doesn’t mean dominance (that’s actually counterproductive in group settings).

True canine leaders demonstrate calm confidence. They de-escalate conflicts, initiate appropriate play, and help nervous dogs feel secure. You can encourage these behaviors through structured activities.

Assign helper roles during training sessions. Let confident dogs demonstrate commands for newcomers, or pair experienced dogs with nervous ones during activities. This builds their sense of responsibility.

Reward mediating behaviors immediately. When a dog steps between two overly excited playmates or gently corrects inappropriate behavior from another dog, mark that moment with praise or treats.

Create opportunities for decision-making. Set up choice scenarios where dogs can select toys, paths, or activities. This builds confidence and independent thinking skills that transfer to group interactions.

Remember that not every dog needs to be a leader. Some excel as peaceful followers, and that’s perfectly valuable in group dynamics.

Preparing for Special Situations and Emergency Protocols

Even the best-planned transitions encounter unexpected challenges. Preparing for various scenarios ensures you’ll handle them smoothly when they arise.

Weather changes affect group behavior dramatically. Indoor alternatives should be ready for rainy days, while hot-weather protocols should protect dogs from overheating during outdoor activities.

New dog introductions require specific procedures. Establish protocols for gradual integration, including separate arrival times, parallel activities, and supervised first meetings in neutral spaces.

Medical emergencies need clear action plans. Every staff member should know basic first aid, emergency contacts, and evacuation procedures. Practice these scenarios regularly with all team members.

Behavioral incidents require immediate response strategies. Whether it’s resource guarding, fear responses, or overexcitement, having predetermined intervention steps prevents escalation.

Board & Train programs often provide additional support for dogs needing intensive preparation before group integration.

Document everything during the transition period. Detailed records help identify patterns, track progress, and communicate effectively with pet parents about their dog’s development.

Ready to help your dog thrive in group daycare settings? Contact Hot Dog on a Leash today to discuss personalized transition strategies that set your pup up for long-term social success. Our experienced team understands that every dog’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support both you and your furry friend through this exciting milestone.