It is sad to admit that unfortunately there are just some places you can’t bring a dog, your honeymoon, the hospital, on a business trip or just to relax on a family holiday. There are also times when it is more convenient to have your dog not at home because of events that may be stressful to them such as an evening with friends, fireworks on a holiday, an overnight party for your kids or DIY project around the house.
It’s helpful to have a place you trust in your back pocket when you have to separate from your pup. And the worst time to look for that place is at the last minute. Even before you become a dog owner you should begin thinking about contingency planning in case you have to be away.
Early in your life as a pup parent, you should look into visiting dog day care facilities in your area so you can make an informed choice without a hurried need. If you wait until the last minute, the place you have to choose may be full, or may be a bad choice for your dog’s needs.
Gut Instinct
Trust your nose when you are visiting a potential dog daycare or boarding facility, make sure that the entire place is clean and orderly. Elite Canine Club gives you the ability to view our homes with a meet and greet including a free daycare pass to see if your pup will settle in our home environment. If a home boarder is hesitant about showing you around their home this is a warning sign.
All responsible boarding and dog daycare providers will be fully licensed, insured and registered with their local council, they will also ask you about your dog’s vaccinations and will require proof of certain vaccinations. Don't be shy when asking to see all credentials as this is your pups safety you're trying to have peace of mind for.
On your visit, make sure you can see how and where your dog will sleep. Dogs are den animals and prefer “safe” space so open sleep arrangements often do not permit your pup to fully rest. When dogs are not rested, just like kids the day after a lively party, they can become grumpy and clumsy leading to injuries so having a contained, safe space for your dog to rest while boarding is essential.
Stress constitutes an Unhappy pup
The more familiar the place you choose to board your dog, the less stressful it will be. This is why you should always attempt to bring your dog to visit and play prior to a stay whenever possible. Since dog’s process time very differently, dropping them off and picking them up for a few days of play at different points prior to a stay will greatly lessen your dog from stressing once the boarding stay begins. Not only does it help them become familiar with the place and the boarding family, it shows them that my parent drops me off and my parent picks me up. It also helps us get to know what is your family member’s “normal” behaviour looks like so if they do become stressed, they can better identify that during the stay.
Other items to help your dog have a stress free stay include bringing something familiar for bedtime such as regular bed, a shirt that smells like home and you always want to bring their regular food.
While it is ok to feel sad when you leave your beloved pup, doing so can cause your dog to sense your discomfort and become upset. Keep the goodbyes short and sweet just like any other fun day at daycare and you can come back to find that your dog enjoyed his “Holiday” just as much as you did!
To find out more about our boarding and daycare services please click here
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