The decision to board your dog can sometimes be very difficult. Your dog may get restless, especially if they are home alone, and you may feel guilty when you have to leave your furry friend behind when you are out of town. However, taking your dog to a boarding facility can be ideal in many circumstances. The following article weighs the advantages and the disadvantages of boarding a dog so you can decide whether it is a smart decision.
Why You May Feel Guilty About Boarding Your Dog
You may feel sad to leave your dog by himself all day, but you may also feel sad to leave him at a boarding center; such feelings are understandable, but there are so many things to consider.
You may worry about their care if you board them. Of course, it is normal to be concerned about whether your dog will receive the same amount of care, attention, exercise, etc., as you can give. Choosing the correct boarding center is important.
Dogs are loyal to their human “parents,” and they will miss you. This knowledge makes you feel guilty about leaving them in the first place because they may think you are gone for good. They may not understand that leaving them to board is temporary.
Benefits of Boarding Your Dog
Socialization and fun: Animal boarding has options for play and programmed interaction. This allows your dog to interact with other dogs and people so that they do not get bored or lonely.
Consistency: Boarding centers will try to maintain the number of meals or the times your dog is taken for walks. This is done for the sake of dogs because with pets, consistency is key.
Safety and supervision: Just like hiring your friend to babysit your dogs, boarding facilities are created for the same purpose. Your dog will be safe and well-looked-after by well-trained staff all day and night.
Alleviation of boredom or anxiety: For several reasons, dogs become bored, anxious, or develop other problems while being left alone for a long time. Boarding enables your dog to always be with a companion.
Choosing a Boarding Facility
Do your research: Visit several facilities, get acquainted with employees, and talk with them about the rules and standards. This will provide a peek into how much care your dog will receive.
Check credentials: Make sure the center has their necessary permits, and all the employees know how to care for dogs.
Read reviews: Search the web for reviews of the center, and speak with their customers. This gives a clear view of a specific facility from those who take their dogs to be boarded.
Trust your gut: Pay attention to your dog’s reaction toward the facility and the people working there. This will give an inclination on whether or not their needs will be met when boarding there.
Easing the Transition
Bring familiar items: Make sure that you transfer your dog’s familiar blanket, toys, and snacks from your own home to the facility to make them comfortable, and Skype or Facetime them to give them the familiar feeling of home.
Book trial days: Many centers allow prospective residents to visit the premises on trial before they spend considerable time in the facility. It will help your dog get used to these surroundings, so they won’t get confused or stressed from being in a new place.
Give extra playtime: Give your dog extra individual play time and time out for a walk. This will keep them happily occupied.
Say a proper goodbye: When you deliver your dog, spend five to ten minutes with them before leaving and letting them play with the dogs. This helps to carry out a smooth transition.
Over time, you need to remind yourself that whatever is causing you anxiety or stress is only temporary. Remind your dog that boarding is only for a limited time – and soon you will be back!
Enjoy the peace of mind. Trust that you’ve chosen a good facility and that your dog is well cared for. This allows you to have fun and enjoy your holidays.
Some Things to Do Instead of Leaving Your Dog In a Boarding Facility
Pet sitter: Get a pet sitter or dog walker to accompany your pet during your absence in the house or occasionally. This is to ensure your dog remains comfy, too, as it can be put in the same environments it is accustomed to.
Doggy daycare: If you don’t have to travel for many hours, use dog daycare during the day. This will limit the time away.
Bring them along: Pets can sometimes be accommodated when you are going on trips. This avoids the two of you being separated.
Ask a friend: While you are away, have another familiar person sit with your furry buddy. Ideally, someone you are close with, might want to babysit your dog at your home. It also lets your dog stay at home.
Conclusion
Everyone gets a certain degree of guilt when boarding their dog. If the dog boarding center is appropriately selected, then it will provide you relief that your dog is in a safe and sound area, that he/she is happy, and is getting proper care. Your dog will get more socialization and exercise, and can even have fun with new friends leading you to believe that this is the best decision for your pet.
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