Like many other dog owners, you may also have to put your dog in a dog boarding while you are away. In order to make sure that your dog is happy and comfortable when you are not around, you need to do some things such as:
Asking For Kennel Recommendations from a Vet and Then Researching Them In-Depth:
Do this to find out as much as you can about them. Take a tour of each kennel to see things for yourself. Check out the cleanliness and hygiene standards. Pay attention to how organized the boarding is. Take a good look at the cages. If you had undertaken crate dog training in Sydney, staying in a cage won’t be difficult for your dog but it can definitely lead to anxiety. Besides, if your dog is old, he/she will need space to move around which is not really possible inside a cage. Find a boarding where dogs are kept in an open space or small rooms are built to keep them. Also, see if they provide toys and other things that could replicate the home environment for the dog.
Finding Out About Walking The Dog:
Ask the dog boarding how frequently they take dogs for a walk. Some do this twice a day while others do it more than thrice a day. If your dog is used to walking outside twice a day, the first option will be fine for her/him. But if he/she is used to walk and play outside for more than 3-4 times a day, the second option will be more appropriate. Check out whether they have a fenced-in walking area so that your dog can roam safely. If they don’t, ask whether their staff walks dogs or just lets dogs be outside for a while.
Ensuring a Healthy Diet for Your Dog:
Food provided in a kennel is likely to be different from home and when dogs are fed what they are not used to, it can turn out bad. It can lead to vomiting or even diarrhea. The best prevention for this would be bringing/sending food from your home. Feed your dog what he/she usually eats. That way, you can be absolutely sure about her diet. Make it clear to the kennel authorities how important feeding him/her the familiar food is. If your dog refuses to eat while in the kennel, ask if you can bring something that can be added to the food so as to make it appetizing for her/him.
Checking up on Your Dog’s Health
Stay in touch with the kennel regularly to make sure your dog is in good health. Most boarding facilities document the food and water intake, and other biological functions of dogs regularly. Go through those documents if your dog falls ill or becomes reluctant to eat. Ask whether you can bring your vet for a check-up.
Making Sure Your Dog Interacts With Other Dogs
Many dog boarding facilities organize sessions wherein the dogs are released from the cages to play together. No dog is kept leashed during these sessions unless it is sick. This playtime is very good for the body as well as mind of your pet. However, playing can sometimes turn into fighting. That’s why you should make sure that a trained staff member is always there during this session.
