Tips For Boarding A Dog With Separation Anxiety
Many dogs have some form of separation anxiety, especially younger dogs that yet become accustomed to being left alone. If you suspect your dog may have some anxiety – for example, they whine, scratch, or chew when you leave them alone – then you will need to take steps to prepare them before boarding the pup for the first time. The following tips can help both you and your dog prepare.
Begin Crate Training
The kennel crate can be a safe place for a dog with anxiety to retreat to. Choose a crate that is large enough for your dog to comfortably turn around inside of, and tall enough so they have head room when standing. Make the inside comfortable with blankets or a dog bed. The basic method requires first introducing your dog to the crate, then beginning to feed them in the crate. This then leads to closing the door – while you are home – for short periods of time. Finally, you gradually increase time in the crate until you can leave your dog alone in the crate for short periods of time. When it comes time to board your pet, they will be accustomed to kennel crates and view them as safe place. This can lessen the anxiety.
Choose an Active Kennel
The best kennels need to have relatively large exercise yards and they need to provide your dog with access to these yards several times a day. Kennels that make use of public areas, such as local dog parks, instead of an exercise yard, need to be committed to providing several walks for the dogs in their care each day. Spending too much time alone in a kennel can lead to boredom, which often turns into anxiety for dogs prone to the condition.
Bring Reminder of Home
A favorite blanket or toy goes a long way toward relieving stress. Ask the kennel about their policy on personal belongings. Generally, it is best that these are allowed since they can provide much comfort to your pet. You may even want to include your pillowcase or an old t-shirt you recently wore. These items will have your scent on them, which can be highly comforting to a dog. You can even use a pillowcase as a slipcover on their dog bed, which can help calm your pup's nerves.
It's a good idea to interview local boarding companies, like Crossroads Pet Resort, to find out their policies and methods for dealing with separation anxiety. They may be able to offer you more tips to help alleviate the stress and fear.