There are many establishments that offer dog boarding services. When thinking about boarding your dog at a kennel it can be a worrisome time for both dog and owner.
Dog boarding kennels will vary in quality and what kind of standards they maintain.
Before you decide which dog boarding kennel to leave your dog at, it is worth considering these points.
What are the hygiene standards like?
If your dog is going to be kept in a kennel environment, it is vital that hygiene standards are kept to a maximum. Various diseases can be spread very rapidly in the kennel environment.
Make sure you visit the kennel when they are not expecting you. That way, you will get to see first hand whether the kennels are clean and whether excrement and urine have been removed.
When you visit the kennel, ask about their contingency plan for coping with an outbreak of kennel cough or other contagious disease. Also ask which veterinarian they use and if he is on call. A lot of contagious diseases need isolating very quickly.
Will your dog be exercised regularly?
A lot of dog boarding kennels offer a daily dog walking service. It is imperative that your dog gets at least ONE walk per day. Preferably two or three.
Your dog will be cooped up for quite a while and a good exercise regime will keep your dog happy and healthy.
Are there any dog grooming services included?
Enquire about what grooming services will be available for your dog whilst staying at the kennel. Grooming your dog regularly at home is essential for keeping your dog clean and healthy. They will need grooming when they are staying at the kennels too.
Once you have made your decision about which boarding kennel you are going to use, the time will come to say goodbye to your dog and leave them. Here are a few tips to make things a bit easier for you AND your dog.
1) Try and remain calm. On the day you are packing up to go, just act as though nothing is different.
2) Make sure you include your dogs’ favorite blanket, bowl, cushion or any other favorite items. This will give your dog a lot of comfort when at the kennel. Also try and include some of his favorite foods.
3) Pack his favorite toys as well. Anything to remind him of home will be a great help.
When it comes to the part where you have to say goodbye, try not to string it out. Say your goodbye and then walk away (as hard as that may be!). Being over attentive and drawing out a long goodbye will distress your dog more when you finally leave. Keeping an air of 'normality' will help your dog immensely.
One final point. If you have two dogs, ensure that they will get on when confined to a kennel. Otherwise you may have to have two separate kennels. One for each dog.
