Are Dogs Happy When Boarded?
Like sending your children to school or camp, some dogs do well in boarding facilities and others do not. It’s important to understand why this is.
Experts recommend that pet parents do a trial overnight stay before boarding their dog for an extended amount of time. This helps them get used to the new environment and reminds their pet that they will return.
They’re Exhausted
When you are away from your pet, they can feel a bit of separation anxiety. Dogs can’t understand why you would leave them in an unfamiliar place with strangers, and they often have no idea what is going to happen while they’re there. This can cause a lot of stress for the animal, which can make them act very differently once they get home. They may eat less, sleep more, or become withdrawn and depressed. They might also begin to self-mutilate as a way of dealing with the stress and anxiety.
Most dogs will be exhausted when they get home from boarding. This is because kennel life can be very stimulating for them, with lots of new smells, friends to play with, and different experiences that they aren’t used to. This can be a lot for any dog to cope with, so they will likely need a few days to rest and recharge before they start acting normally again.
Some pets will come home and seem ravenous, as if they’ve been starving for a few days. This can be worrying for some owners, but it is actually completely normal. Your dog will have been fed according to the schedule agreed before their stay, and they may simply not have eaten as much as they usually do when they’re nervous in unfamiliar territory.
You might notice that your dog seems a little more clingy than usual when you pick them up from boarding. This is also completely normal and is a result of their separation anxiety. They will want to spend as much time with you as possible after being away from you for so long, and they’ll need lots of reassurance that everything is alright.
Many dogs will also have a change in their eating habits when they get back from boarding. They’ll be hungry and might eat more than usual, which can upset their stomachs if they haven’t been used to this before. Try to give them space and not feed them as soon as they come home so that they don’t eat too much too quickly.
They’re Happy
If you’re looking forward to a long vacation, but aren’t sure what to do with your dog while you’re gone, Dog Boarding Chico is a great option. While your pup may feel a bit confused by being left in a new place with strangers, most dogs have a great time at their boarding facility and love seeing their owners when they return.
Dogs go from being the center of their owners’ lives to being in a strange place for a few days or weeks when they’re boarded, so it’s not surprising that some of them can get upset. This is known as separation anxiety and can manifest in various ways such as chewing or barking, urinating or defecating where they shouldn’t, or even refusing to eat.
The key to a happy boarding experience is having the right preparations in place and finding the right boarding facility for your dog. To help ease your pet’s anxiety, you can leave them with a familiar blanket and some old toys from home that will make their temporary living space feel like a little piece of home. A kennel with a team of staff who are experienced in caring for nervous pets is also a good idea, as they know how to soothe and comfort your pet and get them settled quickly.
Once your pet is comfortable at the kennel, they can start to play with other dogs in a monitored environment. This is one of the best things to do for your dog, as it improves their quality of life and supercharges their training. Dogs are social animals and they crave interaction with other people and animals. While playing with other dogs, they can practice and learn a lot about socialization and pack behavior from the other dogs.
When your dog is boarded, they can also enjoy a variety of different meals. This is a great way to give your dog a break from their regular diet and introduce them to new foods without them feeling stressed or anxious about the change.
If you’re worried about your pet being unhappy at the boarding facility, try to have them stay at the facility for only a few nights at first. Or, drop them off for an afternoon of doggie daycare, as this is a less stressful and more familiar experience for your pet.
They’re Not Missing You
Most dog owners understandably worry that their dogs will miss them while they’re away. This may cause some destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or urinating in the house. In some cases, these behaviors can be a sign of separation anxiety, which requires attention from a veterinarian.
However, it’s important to remember that your dog doesn’t know that you are leaving him when he goes to boarding. To him, you’re just going on an outing with other friends for a day or two.
When you return, your dog will be extremely excited to see you and wag his tail nonstop. He will also likely want to immediately start playing with you and your other furry family members.
Many boarding facilities will change your pet’s diet during their stay. This can be a stressor for some pets, and it’s best to stick with your pet’s usual food if possible. If the boarding facility does not offer your pet’s preferred brand of food, you can ask them to serve your pet what they would normally eat at home.
It’s also a good idea to bring your dog’s favorite treats, toys, and something that smells like you. This can help boost oxytocin levels, which will make your dog feel more comfortable and remind him that you love him.
In a recent study, researchers found that dogs do not realize how long they have been left alone and are still happy when their owners come back. It’s possible that the longer they are boarded, the more they will learn to adapt to this situation and the less they will miss you.
Most experts recommend that you do a test run before leaving your dog at a boarding facility for an extended amount of time. A short overnight trial or even an afternoon of doggie daycare can be a great way to get your dog used to the boarding environment and ensure that they will enjoy their stay. It will also give you peace of mind to know that your dog is in safe hands! You can even take a look at the facility’s website to check out live feeds of your pet!
They’re Safe
If you’re like many pet owners, you want to ensure that your dog is happy and safe while you’re away. Boarding is a great solution for that, but it’s not right for every dog. Finding a place with the right balance of socialization and playtime (with other dogs and people) and relaxation is key. Here are a few tips for making sure your pup has a positive boarding experience.
The first time your dog boards, it’s best to do a trial run. A 24-hour stay can help your dog adjust to being without you and get familiar with the kennel environment before a longer trip. This is especially important if your dog suffers from separation anxiety or is easily stressed in new situations.
When choosing a boarding facility, be sure to visit and meet staff members in person. This will give you a better feel for the personalities and character of the staff and will help you choose if they’ll be a good fit for your dog. Ask about their background and how they have experience caring for pets. They should be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease about leaving your dog in their care.
It’s also a good idea to bring your dog’s food from home for their stay. This will ensure that they get the proper nutrition while there and make them feel more at home. Also, if your dog needs medication during their stay, be sure to bring it with you along with instructions on how to administer it.
Dogs can sometimes act a little different for a few days after returning home from boarding. This is a normal reaction to readjusting to their environment and being back with their family again. Some dogs may be extra clingy while others may ignore their owner for a day or two.
Overall, most dogs are happy when they’re boarded. It’s just the same as sending kids off to camp or nursery school – some love it and others dread it. With a bit of preparation and the right facility, you can rest assured that your dog will enjoy their time away from you.
Like sending your children to school or camp, some dogs do well in boarding facilities and others do not. It’s important to understand why this is. Experts recommend that pet parents do a trial overnight stay before boarding their dog for an extended amount of time. This helps them get used to the new environment…