5 Ways to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

When it’s time for vacation, you look forward to unwinding and escaping the stress and boredom of everyday life. Why not make sure your pet has an equally enjoyable and rejuvenating experience while you are away? Boarding your dog at Prestonwood Kennels is a thoughtful way to ensure your pet is cared for and entertained while you are away. To make sure you and your pet both have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation, here are some tips to prepare your dog for boarding:

1. Find the right boarding facility

You will want to consider the boarding facilities features. Location is key. It’s important to find a location that is convenient and easy to access on your way in and out of town. Another aspect to take into consideration is which services the boarding facility provides. Some animals may require certain medications and other special services that may not be provided depending on which facility you are choosing. A fun consideration is activities that your pet can participate in while boarding. Many boarding facilities like to include activities for the animal such as playtime, swimming, obedience training courses and fetch and frisbee days. Finally, as with your vacation, cost is a consideration. Most boarding facilities prices vary from $30 a night to $120+ per night.

2. Establish good crate habits

Once you have chosen the right boarding facility, you need to establish some good kenneling habits for your pet. Practice crate training. Establish the crate as a safe and calm place. The dog’s crate should be recognized as a safe and comfortable place for the animal. Get your pet accustomed to regular breaks. Your dog will not enjoy the kennel if they feel trapped or uncomfortable. Praise and reward your pet. Everyone likes to be rewarded and so does your dog, that’s why it’s important to reward them after a successful amount of time spent in their kennel. Never use it for punishment. If you use the kennel/crate as a punishment your dog will associate it with you being angry and will think of it as a bad place. Finally, Play crate games to create positive associations with the crate. To make the crate/kennel a happy place you should associate it with games and treats so your dog will think of it as a reward.

3. Get a clean bill of health

Make sure your pet is healthy before visiting any boarding facility. Get a clean bill of health from your vet, prior to your pet’s boarding. Vet checkups are very important to make sure your dog is in good health and will not be negatively affect any other animals during their time at the boarding facility. Make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. Most boarding facilities will not accept your dog if it is not up to date on its medications and vaccinations. Your dog must also be current on heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention. Be sure to refill any necessary prescriptions. Depending on the duration of your dogs stay, you may need to refill your dogs’ medications so they will have the necessary amount for their stay.

4. Socialize your dog

Before attempting to board your dog, spend time socializing - Boarding facilities can be noisy and crowded and therefore scary. Take your dog to the dog park. Many dogs can feel scared and intimidated in the presence of other dogs if they have not had the proper learning experiences, this is why it is very important to surround your dog’s environment with other dogs so they can get used to behaving around other animals. Walk your dog in unfamiliar places to build his confidence. Dogs like to be in familiar places because it feels safe to them, so getting your dog to spend time in unfamiliar environments will allow them to feel more comfortable in unfamiliar places thus making the boarding facility seem more welcoming and less intimidating. Spend quality time together. Quality time with your pet is a vital aspect in your relationship, ignoring your pet can cause them to act out to gain attention. In some situations, ignoring your dog can be used as a useful training tool, although in most scenarios it is best to treat your dog as an equal so that you can build a strong, loving relationship with them.

5. Pack a bag

Finally, in preparation for the big event, pack a bag! Packing your dogs favorite toys will make their stay at a boarding facility much more enjoyable and comfortable. Having familiar items will also help your dog feel safe at the boarding facility. Remember to take any special food. If your dog enjoys or is required to eat special foods packing them will make your dog’s stay comfortable. Don’t forget any prescription medications! Prescription medications are necessary for your dog’s health and well-being, and in some cases your pet can easily spread sicknesses to other animals if left unmedicated. Finally, pack a familiar blanket or bed. Having a familiar blanket or bed increases security and will help your pet fall asleep and stay asleep better.

Follow these tips and you’ll help your dog enjoy a pleasant stay, and you can enjoy peace of mind while you are away. For more information on preparing your dog for boarding, or for any questions about the boarding services we offer, contact Prestonwood Kennels today!