# Optimal PiDog shutdown method **URL:** \ **Category:** Robotic kit for Raspberry Pi\ **Created:** [April 14, 2025, 8:09pm UTC](https://forum.sunfounder.com/t/optimal-pidog-shutdown-method/3049 "2025-04-14T20:09:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![carbone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@carbone](https://forum.sunfounder.com/u/carbone)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 8:09pm UTC](https://forum.sunfounder.com/t/optimal-pidog-shutdown-method/3049/1 "2025-04-14T20:09:49Z")
What is the best way to shut down PiDog? Do I need to ssh into it and shut it down with sudo shutdown? The switch on the HAT works, but is it a safe shutdown? ---
**Author:** ![SunFounder\_Moderator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@SunFounder\_Moderator](https://forum.sunfounder.com/u/SunFounder_Moderator)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2025, 6:41am UTC](https://forum.sunfounder.com/t/optimal-pidog-shutdown-method/3049/2 "2025-04-15T06:41:02Z")
For safety and power-saving purposes, we recommend turning off your PiDog by unplugging the power switch on the robot hat when not in use. ---
**Author:** ![carbone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@carbone](https://forum.sunfounder.com/u/carbone)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2025, 11:38pm UTC](https://forum.sunfounder.com/t/optimal-pidog-shutdown-method/3049/3 "2025-04-15T23:38:23Z")
That is what I have been doing, but I was concerned that switching off the power using the switch on the robot HAT did not do a “safe” shutdown. I guess you are telling me that it does. ---
**Author:** ![SunFounder\_Moderator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@SunFounder\_Moderator](https://forum.sunfounder.com/u/SunFounder_Moderator)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2025, 3:27am UTC](https://forum.sunfounder.com/t/optimal-pidog-shutdown-method/3049/4 "2025-04-16T03:27:15Z")
Yes, to shut down, turn off the **Robot HAT** – this will cut power to the Raspberry Pi.