Preparing For Your Dog's First Boarding Experience
Posted on: 30 November 2018
As much as you love your dog and hate leaving him or her behind, there are times when this might be necessary. The first time you leave your dog at the boarder will be the hardest. However, there are some ways you can prepare for this first experience to make it easier on the both of you.
1. Visit the boarding facility beforehand.
A month or two before you plan on leaving, take your dog to visit the boarding facility you'll be using. This benefits the both of you. When your dog arrives to stay, he or she will be a little more familiar with the place and will therefore be less anxious. You will also have a greater awareness of and confidence in the facility, having visited already, so you will feel more comfortable leaving your furry companion there.
2. Check your dog's vaccine records.
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all of his or her vaccines, including parvovirus and kennel cough. These diseases spread quickly in boarding facilities, so your dog must be vaccinated for protection. In fact, most facilities require it! Checking for vaccines well in advance ensures that you have plenty of time to get your dog a booster at the vet, if needed. You can then be confident that he or she has had the necessary time for immunity to develop between the vaccine and the boarding experience.
3. Talk to the vet about calming medications.
Some dogs do not take being away from home very well, especially the first time you send them to the boarder. If your dog is already on the anxious side, talk to the vet about calming medications you can administer on the day you take the dog to the boarder. Administering a dose just in case can ease the transition and also help you feel more confident. Your confidence will rub off on your dog, making the experience even easier.
4. Have a friend visit.
Arrange to have a friend who your dog knows and loves visit him or her in the kennel while you are away. Knowing that your dog will see a familiar face can make it easier for you to leave him or her behind. Plus, you know that if anything goes wrong at the boarding facility, your friend will be able to report back to you.
With the tips above, your dog's first time staying at a dog boarding kennel will be more enjoyable.
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