Tips for Boarding Your Anxious Dog: How to Help Your Pooch Feel at Ease While You’re Away
It can be really tough to leave your pet pal at home when you hit the road. It’s extra hard if your pup tends to freak out or can’t handle being apart from you. But don’t worrywith a bit of planning and picking the best place for them to stay, even a superstressed doggo can chill out just fine. This article is all about making things easier for your doggo so you can jet off without stress, confident that your tailwagger is in awesome care.
What Is Separation Anxiety and Why Does My Dog Have It?
Dogs get separation anxiety a lot, and it means they get upset and do stuff like howl their heads off, wreck things, or forget where their bathroom is when they’re all by themselves. Anxious dogs might pace back and forth, make lots of noise, or even hurt themselves waiting for you to come back. Figuring out why your furry buddy goes through this can really help you make sure they’re okay when you need to board them somewhere.
How Can I Help My Anxious Dog Feel More Comfortable in a Kennel?
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It can be really stressful for a nervous dog to spend time in a strange place with dogs they don’t know and people they’re not familiar with. This can make your dog’s fear of being apart from you even worse. So, it’s important to plan ahead in ways that will help your furry friend feel as relaxed as possible. Try these tips,
Introduce Your Dog to the Kennel Team
Set up some visits before the actual stay so your dog can become comfortable with the kennel and the caretakers. The more familiar your dog is with the humans and environment where they will be staying, the less worried they will be.
Do Test Runs
Begin by leaving your nervous pet at the kennel for just a short while, maybe an hour or two, before planning longer stays like overnights. Slowly getting them used to the idea with these short visits will help a lot.
Maintain Normal Routines
Try to keep your dog’s usual routine as much as you can when it comes to feeding, bathroom breaks, walks, and so on. Predictable routines make dogs feel safe. Make sure the kennel staff know exactly what your dog is used to and what they need.
Leave
A Soothing Personal Object
Give your dog their beloved toy, their own bed, or an old tshirt that smells like you to help calm their nerves and remind them that you will return soon.
The Best Boarding Choices for Nervous Dogs
Regular boarding kennels might not be ideal for every dog, particularly those who struggle with being apart from their owners. When you need to board your worried pooch, look for places where they can receive individual care and won’t feel as stressed out.
Pet Sitters in Your Own Home
Letting your dog remain at home under the watch of a sitter is often much less stressful than placing them in a different environment. Staying in a known setting is crucial for maintaining the contentment of anxious dogs.
Exclusive Dog Boarding
Good boarding establishments might have separate rooms available for just one dog at a time, which helps avoid excessive excitement and stress. Direct care from the staff can also help deal with your dog’s anxiety.
Boutique or AtHome Boarding Facilities
Some independent**Independent Pet Sitters Welcome Fewer Dogs into Their Homes**
Some pet sitters even welcome a small number of dogs into their own places. A homey, quieter setting with constant people around is perfect for many nervous dogs.
How Can I Find the Best Place for My Dog to Stay?
The choice you make should match your dog’s specific needs and what makes them anxious when alone. Follow these steps to pick the justright spot,
Set Up a GetTogether
See how your dog feels about the place and the people working there before you decide. Notice if they seem at ease and talk right away about any concerns.
Share Your Dog’s Story
Talk clearly about how your dog gets anxious without you and the things that usually upset them when you’re not around. Don’t forget to mention what they eat, any medicines they take, and so on. The more the staff knows, the more they can help your dog stay calm.
Start Asking Questions
Find out about how often someone will be watching the dogs, what happens in an emergency, and how many dogs each person takes care of. When you ask lots of specific questions, it helps figure out if the place is a good one.`
Listen to Your Gut
If something feels off about a boarding center, or if they don’t seem to care much about your furry friend’s feelings or yours, it’s probably not the best choice. Keep searching until you find somewhere that makes both you and your dog totally comfortable.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
Helping your anxious dog get used to being alone now and then can help make their stay at a boarding place much easier on them.
Try Leaving Them Alone Briefly
Begin with short moments where your dog stays by themselves. Give them fun puzzle toys filled with snacks to keep them busy when you’re not there. Bit by bit, extend the time you’re away.
Visit Beforehand
Bring your pup for quick visits so they can get treats and affection from the people who will take care of them later. This helps your dog link the boarding place with good things and cuts down on their fear of unfamiliar faces when it’s time to stay longer.
Get Them Used to a Crate at Home
Having a crate or kennel at home that they can hang out in helps prepare them for staying in a similar space while boarded, if that’s part of what the facility offers.
If you don’t have a crate, get one to use at your house. This will make your dog feel more at ease when locked up. Put something they’ve worn in the crate so it smells like them and makes them feel calm.
Take Along Comforting Items
Taking things that remind your pet of home to where they’ll be staying can help them feel safe. Don’t forget to bring their favorite toys, snacks, bed, and any other stuff that they love.
Advice for a WorryFree Stay
Planning ahead is key when boarding a dog that gets nervous easily, but these final suggestions can really help your furry friend have a pleasant time,
- Tell the boarding staff about anything particular like things that scare your dog, food they love, medicine they need, or other important notes. The more the staff knows, the better they can take care of your pup.
- When you first start boarding your anxious dog, keep the stays short. Don’t go straight for long breaks. let your dog get used to short periods first.
- Always use the same boarding place and people when possible. Each time your dog faces new settings and strangers, it could make their anxiety worse. Being consistent helps a lot.
- Stick to what they’re used to.
- Don’t kick up a big fuss when saying bye or when you come to get them. Keep cool and show them some love with kind words.
- Believe that it’ll all work out. Your pup might need a bit of time to get that you’ll always come back, and they’re totally okay while you’re gone. Be patient and consider how they feel.
When you have a dog that gets nervous easily, you’ve got to handle things with care, think about what’s best for them, and pick a place they’ll be comfortable in. If you put in the effort to make them feel safe, even dogs who hate being away from you can get used to staying at a kennel without freaking out. Follow these pieces of advice to choose the best kennel for your furry pal!