In this article, you will learn some helpful tips on how to prepare your dog for boarding. We will discuss the importance of finding a reputable boarding facility and what to look for during your visit. You’ll also discover how to ease your dog’s anxiety and make their stay more comfortable with familiar toys or blankets. Lastly, we will provide a checklist of essentials to pack for your dog to ensure their well-being during their time away from home.

How To Prepare Your Dog For Boarding

Are you planning on going out of town and need to board your furry friend? Boarding facilities can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your dog while you are away. However, it is important to properly prepare your dog for their boarding experience to ensure their well-being and minimize any anxiety they may have. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your dog for boarding.

Researching different boarding facilities

Before selecting a boarding facility for your dog, it is crucial to thoroughly research your options. Look for facilities that have good reviews and a positive reputation. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian. Their personal experiences and insights can be valuable in making an informed decision.

Reading reviews and asking for recommendations

Reading reviews about different boarding facilities can give you an idea of the experiences other pet owners have had. Look for feedback on the overall cleanliness, staff qualifications, and the level of care provided. Additionally, reach out to trusted individuals who have boarded their dogs before and ask for their recommendations.

Visiting the facility and checking their amenities

Once you have a shortlist of potential boarding facilities, it is important to visit each one in person. During your visit, assess the cleanliness of the facility, the size of the enclosures or kennels, and the quality of the bedding provided. Look for amenities such as outdoor play areas, exercise facilities, and any additional services they offer.

Updating Your Dog’s Vaccinations

Before boarding your dog, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Different boarding facilities may have different requirements, so it is important to know what vaccines are necessary. Make sure to obtain and carry your dog’s vaccination records, as the facility will likely ask for proof.

Ensuring your dog is up to date with vaccinations

Being up to date with vaccinations not only protects your dog’s health but also ensures the safety and well-being of other dogs in the facility. Vaccines such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine influenza are commonly required by boarding facilities. Your veterinarian can guide you on which vaccines are essential based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and any specific risks in your area.

Obtaining and carrying vaccination records

Always make sure to carry the latest copy of your dog’s vaccination records with you when dropping them off at the boarding facility. This will serve as proof that your dog has received the necessary vaccinations and is up to date. Some facilities may also require you to provide a record of their most recent fecal test to ensure they are free from parasites.

Preparing Your Dog’s Belongings

To help your dog feel more comfortable during their boarding experience, it is important to pack their belongings thoughtfully. Here are some essential items to include:

Packaging enough food for the duration of boarding

Calculate the amount of food your dog would consume during their stay and pack it accordingly. It is recommended to bring their regular brand and type of food to avoid any dietary issues. Additionally, provide feeding instructions and specify if any special dietary needs or restrictions are required.

Gathering familiar bedding and toys

Including familiar bedding and toys in your dog’s belongings can provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort. This can help reduce any stress or anxiety they may experience in a new environment. Make sure to wash the bedding and toys before packing them to keep them clean and fresh for your dog.

Labeling belongings with your dog’s name

To prevent any mix-ups with other dogs’ belongings, it is important to label all your dog’s items with their name. Use a permanent marker or stickers to clearly mark their food containers, bedding, toys, and any other personal items they may have. This will ensure that all their belongings are easily identifiable throughout their stay.

Creating a Routine Before Boarding

Dogs thrive on routine, and prior to boarding, it is important to establish and maintain a consistent daily schedule for your dog. This will help them adjust more easily to their new environment and reduce any stress or anxiety they may have. Here are some key aspects to consider when creating a routine:

Establishing a consistent daily schedule

Try to establish a routine that closely mimics your dog’s regular daily schedule. This includes waking up, meals, exercise, playtime, and bedtime. By maintaining a similar routine, your dog will feel more comfortable and secure.

Implementing regular exercise and playtime

Regular exercise and playtime are essential for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Prioritize regular walks, play sessions, and stimulating activities that your dog enjoys. This will help them expend energy and stay engaged, reducing the likelihood of restlessness or anxiety.

Maintaining regular feeding and potty break times

Consistency in feeding and potty break times during the boarding period is important to minimize any disruptions to your dog’s digestive system or elimination routine. Try to feed them at the same times they are accustomed to and take them for regular potty breaks according to their usual schedule.

Introducing Your Dog to New Environments

If your dog is not used to being in new environments, it is important to gradually expose them to different sights, sounds, and smells before boarding. Here’s how you can help your dog adapt to new environments:

Taking your dog on short trips outside the home

Take your dog on short trips to new places such as parks, pet-friendly stores, or even the boarding facility itself. Gradually increase the duration of these outings to help your dog become more comfortable being outside their familiar surroundings.

Exposing your dog to different sights and sounds

Expose your dog to various sounds and sights they may encounter while boarding, such as other dogs barking or new people walking by. Use positive reinforcement techniques to help them associate these new experiences with positive outcomes.

Gradually increasing the duration of outings

As your dog becomes more comfortable with short outings, gradually increase the duration of their trips outside the home. This will help build their confidence and lessen their resistance to spending time in unfamiliar environments.

Addressing Your Dog’s Anxiety

Some dogs may experience anxiety when separated from their owners or when placed in new environments. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, it is important to address and manage it appropriately. Here are some strategies to consider:

Seeking advice from a professional dog trainer

Consulting with a professional dog trainer who specializes in anxiety and behavior issues can provide you with valuable guidance. They can help you develop a personalized training plan to address your dog’s specific needs and anxieties.

Implementing desensitization techniques

Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the source of their anxiety in a controlled and positive manner. This can help them become more comfortable and less fearful over time. Work with your dog trainer or veterinarian to implement desensitization techniques specific to your dog’s anxiety triggers.

Using calming tools such as pheromone diffusers

Calming tools such as pheromone diffusers can help create a soothing environment for your dog. These diffusers emit synthetic pheromones that mimic the natural calming scents produced by mother dogs. They can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs.

Communicating with the Boarding Facility

Open and clear communication with the boarding facility is essential to ensure your dog’s individual needs are met. Here are some important points to address when communicating with the facility:

Providing detailed information about your dog’s needs

Inform the boarding facility about your dog’s specific needs, including their dietary requirements, medical conditions, allergies, any medications they are on, and any behavioral issues they may have. The more detailed information you provide, the better they can accommodate your dog’s individual needs.

Informing the staff about any medical conditions or allergies

If your dog has any medical conditions or allergies, make sure to provide the boarding facility with all the necessary information. This includes any medications they need, their dosage, and specific instructions for administering them. This will ensure that your dog’s health needs are properly addressed during their stay.

Sharing your dog’s preferences and habits

Let the staff at the boarding facility know about your dog’s preferences and habits. This can include things like their favorite toys, preferred activities, specific ways they like to be handled, and any calming techniques that work well for them. This information will help the staff make your dog feel more at home and tailor their care accordingly.

Ensuring Your Dog’s Safety

The safety of your dog should be a top priority when boarding them. Here are some important considerations to ensure their safety during their stay:

Checking the boarding facility’s security measures

Before boarding your dog, assess the security measures in place at the facility. Ensure that the enclosures or kennels are secure and that there are no potential hazards that could harm your dog. Look for features such as fences, locked gates, and surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of your dog.

Discussing emergency protocols with the staff

Inquire about the facility’s emergency protocols and procedures. Ask about their policies in case of a medical emergency or natural disaster, and make sure they have contact information for you, your veterinarian, and an emergency contact person in case they are unable to reach you.

Keeping identification tags and microchip information up to date

Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date identification tags that include your contact information. Additionally, ensure that your dog’s microchip information is current and registered. This will greatly increase the chances of being reunited with your dog in the event that they accidentally escape from the facility.

Saying Goodbye to Your Dog

Saying goodbye to your beloved dog before leaving them at the boarding facility can be emotional for both of you. However, there are some strategies you can employ to make the farewell a little easier for your dog:

Maintaining a positive and calm demeanor

Dogs are highly perceptive and can pick up on their owner’s emotions. Stay calm and positive during the goodbye process to help alleviate any stress or anxiety your dog may feel. Maintain a cheerful tone of voice and project confidence to reassure your dog that everything will be alright.

Avoiding prolonged goodbyes

While it may be tempting to spend extra time with your dog before leaving, avoid prolonging the farewell. Extended goodbyes can create unnecessary anxiety and make it more difficult for your dog to adjust to their new surroundings. Instead, keep the goodbye brief and reassuring.

Leaving a comfort item with your dog

To provide your dog with a sense of familiarity and comfort, consider leaving a personal item, such as a T-shirt or blanket, that smells like you. This can help ease their anxiety and provide them with a familiar scent in their new environment.

Conclusion

Preparing your dog for boarding requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable boarding experience for your furry friend. Remember to research different boarding facilities, update your dog’s vaccinations, prepare their belongings, create a routine, introduce them to new environments, address any anxiety, communicate with the boarding facility, ensure their safety, say goodbye in a positive manner, and provide them with the necessary comfort items. With proper preparation, you can confidently leave your dog in the care of a boarding facility knowing that they will be safe, happy, and well-cared for.