When you drop your dog off to boarding kennels, what you really want to see is their tail wagging and lots of excitement to be there! We understand that leaving your furry family member in someone else’s care can be a bit “ruff”. We all want our pups to be happy, safe and have fun in their home away from home.
We take great pride in providing a kennel service unparalleled in Christchurch. But no matter how good a kennel is, we’re still asking our dogs to adjust to an unfamiliar setting, and that can be stressful for them when it’s somewhere they haven’t been before. So, we’ve put together our top tips to help you prepare your dog for our kennels, to ensure they have the most tail-wagging, stress-free experience possible.
Preparing Your Pup:
1. Book a Familiarization Visit:
Before the first big stay, bring your dog for a visit to sniff around and get familiar with our environment. Letting them meet the people who will be taking care of them will help them to settle faster when they return to stay overnight.
As part of that familiarisation, we will book you in for a half-hour assessment with your dog. Their assessment always takes place before your first booking and it’s essential in helping us understand your dog’s temperament. It makes all the difference when we’re creating a happy holiday for them by enabling us to place them into the social group that suits them best.
2. Give Day Care a Try:
Daycare is another great way to help your dog feel comfortable when they come for their kennel stay. If you have time before your holiday, we highly recommend your pup has at least half a day in daycare. This gives them time to play and relax in the same environment that they’ll be staying in – when they associate the kennels with positive, happy experiences, it helps to ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to check-in..
3. Remember Your Dog’s Vaccination Records:
All the dogs that come into our care have up-to-date vaccinations, this keeps our furry community healthy and happy! Bring your vaccination book along with you when you come for your assessment, that way we can ensure when you check-in at the kennels there won’t be any hold-ups. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, simply check with your vet.
4. Pack the Essentials:
Bring your dog’s favourite toys, blanket, and a piece of your clothing (remembering to name them first). Familiar scents can provide comfort and make them feel at ease, especially overnight when they settle down in their comfy run.
5. Create a Positive Departure:
Dogs can be sensitive to their owners’ emotions. If you’re anxious or upset, they could get restless too. Stay calm and positive when you drop them off. A quick, confident farewell helps your dog feel reassured.
6. Leave on a Happy Note:
If you like, you can provide a special treat or a favourite toy during your departure. This can help to create a positive association with their stay at Everything Dog.
7. Trust the Process:
Remember, dogs are resilient! They adapt quickly, and our team is skilled at creating a nurturing environment. Trust that your dog is in good hands, and they’ll be wagging their tail in no time. For updates make sure you’ve joined our parents page on Facebook. It’s the best way for you to keep in touch with all the fun they’re having while you’re on your travels.
Our Everything Dog Boarding Kennels are a Home Away from Home
Our experienced and passionate team is dedicated to ensuring your dog’s happiness when they stay in our boarding kennels. We don’t just ensure they’re comfortable overnight, we also include them in our normal day care routine, making sure they enjoy plenty of enrichment and socialisation – both inside and outside – right throughout the day.
At Everything Dog, we’re not just a boarding service; we’re a home away from home for your furry family member. Your dog’s happiness and safety are our top priorities. With a little preparation and a lot of love, together we can make your dog’s stay memorable, stress-free, and absolutely paw-some!