Imagine if someone were to come into your home and take you away, dropping you into unfamiliar place where you didn’t know anyone or how long it would be till they came back to get you. If you can imagine that, you can probably understand how traumatic it can be for a dog to suddenly get whisked away to dog boarding, especially if it’s the first time they’ve gone there. That statement isn’t meant to make you feel guilty about leaving your dog somewhere while you go off on vacation. Instead, it is to get you thinking about how you can make the transition easier for your dog so they’ll be happy with dog boarding. Here are a few tips that can help:
- Introduction. Don’t have the first dog boarding experience be for a week-long vacation. Instead, arrange to have them stay overnight a couple times. If you have time and the budget to do so, plan several stays with each being an extra day. This helps solidify in their mind that you will be back, no matter how long it takes.
- Supply Food and Medicines. Some dog boarding places are happy to supply the food for you, but that isn’t the best thing for your dog. If you take the food they normally eat with you, they will feel more at home. Be sure to note the amount you give and details of any medication administration. One tip is to put each meal’s ration in a separate plastic bag and label it.
- Take Something That Smells Like You. It doesn’t matter if its an old shirt or something else. It can be reassuring for your dog to have something familiar when at a dog boarding facility. Also consider taking some of your dog’s toys.
- Choose a Top-Quality Dog Boarding Facility. Thinking back to the scenario of being removed from your home and consider how different you’d feel if you were stuck in a small room at a less-than-one-star motel rather than a deluxe suite with a pool and gym. This is not to say you need a 5-star luxury accommodation for your dog, but be sure the facility is clean and well-staffed, there are security measures, and your dog will get plenty of attention.
If you are looking for a dog boarding facility that will do everything possible to make your dog healthy and happy when dog boarding, turn to us at Dogs By Andy K-9 Services. We have two convenient locations to serve you and your dog. Call today to learn more.
