Pets Limit Dog Boarding Stress with Preparation

Just like humans, your dog gets stressed, which can make Fido grouchy, hyper, or edgy. A stressed dog is much more likely to show aggressive behavior, so it’s important that your best friend enjoys a dog’s life, one that’s as stress-free as possible. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, especially when you need to go out of town for work or vacation. Whether you choose a doggie hotel in Seattle or boarding your dog with friends or family, here are a few tips for helping your best friend retain his sanity in your absence.

Condition Your Dog Early

Long before you begin packing for a trip, you should introduce your dog to the boarding or kennel environment. Take your pooch on a day trip to the dog boarding facility where he will stay overnight when you leave town. You can also condition your dog at home using your own kennel, garage, or a run in your yard. Condition your dog to be comfortable without you for longer periods of time during the day. This will limit anxiety when you must be away overnight or longer.

Socialize Your Dog

Boarding facilities will exercise your dog. Most use some form of group exercise, meaning the boarding dogs are put in a run or in a yard together. This can be an additional source of stress for your dog if he isn’t used to being around other pooches. If you haven’t made an effort to socialize your pet, there’s no time like the present.

Regardless of how well your pet gets along with other dogs, it’s important that group exercise is supervised, meaning a staff person is physically present while the dogs are outside together. Dog fights can occur even between the friendliest of dogs. It’s also best if small and large dogs are exercised in separate groups.

No matter how you choose to board your pet, either at a doggie hotel in Seattle or with friends and family, it’s critical to teach your best friend coping skills in the event you need to leave town for a few days.