When it comes to tips for boarding your dog for the first time, the main thing to remember is to start preparing your dog for their new adventure before you actually drop them off at the boarding facility. Even very friendly and curious dogs may become nervous when in a new place without their owner. Helping your dog become accustomed to this feeling for the first time will definitely make their first boarding experience go smoothly!
How can I make my dog feel better during boarding?
You can help improve your dog’s mood while they are at a boarding facility by packing them their favorite toy and blanket! They’ll have these items while they sleep, which can help relieve stress and anxiety!
3 Helpful Tips For Boarding Your Dog For the First Time
Our major tips for boarding your dog for the first time? Help them prepare by taking them over to a friend’s house, by taking them to doggy day care at the boarding facility for a few visits, and by always being honest to the boarding facility about exactly what your dog is like!
Sometimes dogs do better with in-home pet sitting, rather than going to a boarding facility. Often, these are dogs who are not very friendly, are very territorial, or have high anxiety when not at home. However, most dogs do wonderful at boarding facilities, and it really helps to prepare them for their stay!
Take Your Dog Over to a Friend’s House
Our first tip should be done a few weeks before you drop your dog off at the boarding facility for the first time. Take your pup over to a friend’s house — with or without a dog, it doesn’t necessarily matter — and leave your dog there for an hour or two. If your dog has never not been by your side, this is a great way to get them used to being without you for a small amount of time.
This also works if you leave your house, but have a friend come over and watch your pup while you’re gone. Basically, what you’re trying to do here is get your dog used to being around someone else that isn’t you. This step isn’t necessarily vital for every dog — but it is for dogs who have never been without their owner. Baby steps!
Take Them to Doggy Day Care For a Few Visits Prior to Boarding
If your dog is very friendly and loves going to new places and making new friends, you might be able to skip right to Tip #2. Take your pup to doggy day care at the facility where they will be while you go out of town. This allows your dog to really get to know the staff, the facility, and some of the other regular dogs who might be there.
It helps to do this a week or two before your dog’s longer stay. Take your dog to doggy day care a few times to help them really get to know the surroundings and grow comfortable there. Then, when you take them for boarding, they won’t be scared or frightened off!
Be Honest About Your Pup’s Likes and Dislikes
Lastly, it’s highly important that you’re completely honest about how your dog acts to the staff at the boarding facility. What does your dog like? What do they dislike? If your dog has a major dislike — such as if they don’t like a part of their body touched — let the staff know ahead of time!
Dog Boarding Your Pup Will Love
Looking for a boarding facility your dog will absolutely love? We’re here to help make your dog’s time without you as fun and engaging as possible! We take care of your pet as if they were our own. Get more information and make your reservation here!
