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If the idea of leaving your dog at a boarding kennel makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Handing your beloved pet into the care of others and worrying about how they will deal with the separation can be stressful. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to prepare yourself and your dog for what can be, if handled carefully, a calm or even enjoyable experience.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Planning ahead for the day when you need to leave your dog at a kennel will save you from scrambling when the time is short. Call ahead or stop by to find out about:

• Vaccination requirements – In addition to ensuring that your dog’s regular vaccinations are up to date, ask about any additional vaccines that may be required including bordetella, commonly known as kennel cough. Since vaccinating your dog will not provide him with instant immunity, ask how far in advance he should be immunized prior to his planned stay.
• Medication protocols – If your dog requires any sort of regular medication, ensure that the staff is capable of storing and administering it properly.
• Drop-off and pick-up times – Be certain that you are clear on the hours of operation. While many boarding facilities have staff available day and night to care for their canine guests, that doesn’t mean the lobby always open.

Once you’ve gathered the details of the kennel’s requirements, be forthcoming in providing specifics about your pet, such as how they typically react to strangers and how they behave around other dogs. Exchanging as much information as possible and getting the necessities squared away in advance will reduce your anxiety, allowing you to focus on keeping your dog calm and happy at check-in.

Schedule a Doggy Daycare Meet and Greet

Perhaps the best way to reassure yourself that your dog will be fine in your absence is to schedule a short doggy daycare session at a time when there is no pressure. Many dogs love socializing so much that doggy daycare becomes a welcomed regular activity for them even when boarding is unnecessary. The ability to play, socialize and interact with other dogs in a safely monitored environment is a great perk for canines who otherwise have few opportunities to interact freely with others of their kind. If you keep the first session short so that your dog does not become overly stimulated or exhausted, you might find that they genuinely look forward to the days when they get to play and hang out with their friends.

Comforts of Home

When the play session has ended and your dog takes a break in their private room, they might like a few reminders of home to comfort them in their down time. Ask the kennel staff what items are allowed, such as:

• Toys
• Treats
• Food
• Bedding

Consider also bringing an old article of clothing with your scent on it to remind them that you’re not far away.

Your dog is a member of your family, and they look at you for guidance and reassurance. Call ahead and schedule a play session today, then confidently show them that doggy daycare is nothing to fear. Soon it will become a pleasurable outing that they will regard with joyful anticipation.

Let’s face it – your dog is happiest when they are with you getting plenty of attention and exercise. They are your best friend and you want them to be happy and tuckered out at the end of the day. In an ideal situation, you would be there with them to accomplish this. But, what if a busy schedule with work and other obligations makes this impossible? The next best thing to giving your dog your undivided attention might just be doggie daycare. Read on to see how doggie daycare can benefit your pup.

Socialization

Dogs are not born knowing how to act around others. Your dog needs to learn social skills. If they are not socialized they may become overly excited upon seeing other dogs. They might be aggressive towards them or they could be nervous. Strangers may also cause the same reactions in your best friend. However, by attending a daycare, your dog will learn to properly socialize with other dogs and people.

Exercise

You love your dog and would certainly agree that it is unfair to keep them locked inside all day with no exercise. They should be able to get outside for a walk at least once a day. Unfortunately, a busy workday may keep you from having enough energy and time in the evenings to take your dog for a walk. A dog who doesn’t get enough exercise often will be destructive. They have too much energy that they cannot burn off and they get bored. This leads to your dog finding ways to get some of his energy out in ways that aren’t going to make you happy. You might come home to find walls scratched, furniture and other items are torn as a result of your dog having too much energy and suffering from boredom. To ensure your dog gets properly exercised, doggie daycare is the solution. Your dog will be tired after a day of doggie daycare playing with their doggie friends. Not only that, but their caretakers will ensure they are tired at the end of the day by taking them for regular walks and playing fetch.

Potty Breaks

It is not good for your dog’s health to leave him inside for several hours without potty breaks. Most dogs will not use the bathroom in their living space. Therefore, if they can hold it until you come home and let them go outside. This situation can lead to kidney problems that can cause your dog discomfort and can become very expensive for you. If your dog attends daycare, you can be assured they will be given several potty breaks throughout the day.

As you can see, doggie daycare has many benefits. Just remember, a tired dog is a happy dog they will get the care and attention they need when you are unable to be there for them.