How Do I Prepare My Dog For First Boarding?
Many pet owners prefer to board their dogs at Dog Boarding Chico rather than leaving them at home. While it is understandable that the separation can be stressful for the dog, the owner should do all they can to ease their pup's anxiety.
Some things that may help your dog feel more comfortable include bringing their favorite toys, some food they love and blankets that smell like you. These steps should make the first boarding experience a success for both you and your furry friend!
Get Your Dog Used to Being Away From You
Some dogs become anxious when they’re left alone in a unfamiliar place. They may think that their owner is not coming back, so they start barking or whining. This can be extremely stressful for both the dog and the owner. In order to prevent this from happening, it’s important to get your dog used to being alone before you ever need to board him.
This can be done by gradually increasing the amount of time that you leave your dog. Ideally, this should be done over the course of weeks before you need to take a long trip. However, this is not possible for everyone, so a good alternative is to hire a petsitter or a friend to watch your dog while you’re away.
To desensitize your dog to the idea of you leaving him, practice with him when you are at home. Let him stay with you in a room or area of the house while you go out for a few minutes and then come back in. Repeat this several times a day, varying the length of time that you leave him for each session. This will help him learn that when you return, it is not a big deal.
Once you are ready to board your dog, do your best to schedule the drop off and pick up as close to the same times as possible. This will keep his expectations consistent and help him to feel more calm during his visit. If you can, try to drop your dog off in the morning, as this will give him plenty of time during the day to adjust to his new surroundings before it’s time for bed.
Bringing your dog’s favorite toys and treats can also help distract him from his anxiety. It is important that he stays occupied during his stay so that he can focus on having fun and not on thinking about you. Bringing his favorite bed or blanket can also help him to feel more at home.
Remember to say your goodbyes in a calm manner. Your dog can pick up on your emotions, and if you’re feeling stressed or upset about leaving him, it will make him more nervous.
Socialize Your Dog
The goal of socialization is to help your dog become accustomed to new people, sights, sounds and smells in a positive way. It is easiest to do this when they are puppies, because they are fearless and curious about everything around them. This "window of socialization" is from birth through about 16 weeks, and introducing your dog to different situations and people during this time will help them learn to accept new things throughout their lifetime.
Dogs who miss out on this important window of socialization often develop behavioral issues, such as aggression and fearfulness. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, this is why early socialization is so important.
In order to get your dog acclimated to other people and dogs, start by introducing them to other dogs on their terms. For example, if you take them for walks, find a dog that seems calm and let them meet on neutral territory like the park or on a walk around your neighborhood. If your dog seems comfortable, give them treats and allow them to interact as much as they want. If they show signs of being uncomfortable, such as excessive barking or growling, back away from the situation and try again later.
Once your dog is comfortable interacting with other dogs, they are ready to be introduced to unfamiliar humans. Start by bringing them to pet-friendly stores, where they can get used to a variety of sights, sounds and smells. You can also ask friends and family to visit your home on a regular basis to spend quality time with your pup. This will help them feel more at ease about spending time with strangers when they are at the boarding facility.
Once your dog has gotten used to meeting new people, it's time to start bringing them to the boarding facility on a trial run. This can be as simple as dropping them off for a day of daycare or even a short overnight stay. This will give your dog the chance to experience a new environment without you being there, and it will also help them build trust with the staff at the facility.
Give Your Dog Some Chews
If you plan on leaving your dog with a boarding facility for the first time, it’s important to give them something to chew while they’re away from you. This is a great way to keep your pup busy while they’re away from home and can even help with teeth cleaning. Some options include rawhide chips, pig ears and bull pizzles. These items are usually safe for most dogs to chew and may provide more entertainment than your dog’s regular toys. However, you should always be careful when choosing chews for your pet and avoid anything that could be a choking hazard.
If your dog has never chewed these types of items before, you should start introducing them slowly to them. It is best to start with a small piece and work your way up to a larger chew. This helps with the transition because your dog will be able to get used to chewing the larger item over time.
You should also rehydrate the chews before giving them to your dog. This can help with digestion and ensure the chews last longer. You can rehydrate them in hot water for about 25 minutes. Lastly, you can try to make your chews more interesting by hiding treats in them. This will make your dog want to dig through the chew to find the treats.
You should also bring your dog’s medications and a copy of their vaccination record with you to the facility. This will make sure the staff is aware of any prescriptions or medical needs your dog may have. Additionally, you should make sure your dog is up to date on all of their vaccines including the DAPP Vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus). You should also give your dog a rabies shot at least one week prior to boarding. This is required by most boarding facilities to prevent diseases and illnesses from spreading to other pets. Additionally, it is a good idea to get your dog a bordetella vaccine which will protect them from kennel cough. This vaccine is not required by all boarding facilities but is recommended for many.
Bring Your Dog to the Facility
A boarding facility isn’t the same as your home, and a new environment can be very stressful for dogs. It’s always best if you can bring your dog to the facility for a day or two before their stay. This will give them a chance to get used to the people and surroundings and become comfortable with the idea of being away from you for long periods. During this visit, you can also tour the facility and meet the staff. You can ask questions about how they will care for your pet and discuss any concerns you might have.
You should also be sure to leave detailed instructions for the boarding staff. Depending on the facility, this may include what time of day your dog normally eats and if they have any special medication or supplements that they need to take. You should also provide them with contact information for a local veterinarian in case there is an emergency while you are gone. It’s a good idea to include the name and phone number of a friend or family member as well in case the boarding facility is unable to reach you.
Bringing your dog’s favorite toys and blanket from home can help make them feel more comfortable during their boarding stay. This will give them something to play with and cuddle with while they are away from home, helping reduce their anxiety. You should also pack a few long-lasting chews so that your dog will have something to do while they are at the facility and keep them from getting bored.
It’s also a good idea to pack some of your dog’s favorite treats. This will not only help them to feel happy and secure, but it will give the boarding facility an opportunity to treat your dog during their stay. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your dog’s collar and at least one leash. Sending an extra is always a good idea in case the first one gets lost or chewed on during their stay.
Boarding can be a great option for you and your dog when you need to be away from each other for extended periods of time. Follow these tips to prepare your dog for their first boarding experience and to make it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for both of you.
Many pet owners prefer to board their dogs at Dog Boarding Chico rather than leaving them at home. While it is understandable that the separation can be stressful for the dog, the owner should do all they can to ease their pup's anxiety. Some things that may help your dog feel more comfortable include bringing…