Dog Boarding In Canberra

Finding dog boarding in Canberra that is best for your pooch requires some care and serious investigation.

Whether you have a spritely bundle of furry energy or a chill, relaxed four-legged buddy, many dogs will have some reaction to a change in environment. Socialisation is key to preventing skittishness and lessening anxiety when they are faced with other humans.  It’s understandable if there are minor changes in their behaviour when in a new environment. Canberra-based services advertise a home away from home for your pooch but why do some have negative effects on them?

Drawing the line—what’s normal?

Being away from their beloved humans can be nerve-wracking for some of our four-legged friends.  It does feel like it’s the end of the world as they know it. They don’t know why you’re going, and when you’ll be back. All they know is that you’re gone and it feels like forever.

There are common behavioural changes that occur for some dogs during or even after boarding.  As long as they do not persist or escalate to more extreme symptoms:

• Whining and crying
• Disinterest in food and toys
• Light sleeping (waking up to the slightest sound or movement)
• Low energy
• Less name recall, less response to common obedience cues

Minimise your dog’s anxiety

Depending on the kind of socialisation your furry one has had throughout his or her life, they will react to separation in various ways. Minimise your dog’s anxiety by doing the following before you even need to get him to any dog boarding in Canberra:

• Practise time away from you.

Your pooch may be rattled if he’s only used to being with you 24/7. And while it may be difficult for him (and let’s face it, for you too), it’s prudent to get him used to not being with his own humans for a period of time. 

Start with playdates in friends’ homes or visits to trusted family members. Making the experience positive with treats and playtime will strengthen his confidence and ease separation anxiety.

• Build trust with other humans.

Similar to practising time away from you, learning to socialise with other humans is important for your dog.  Your pooch will need to realise that there is a source for her basic needs and comfort other than you. 

It breaks the heart a little, yes. But don’t worry—it’s not about completely throwing your bond out the window. You will always retain that special relationship with your pooch and get her ready to interact with other humans. It’s just a matter of exercising the art of letting go a little bit—for both of you. 

• Acclimatise him or her to new surroundings.

Letting go 101 also involves learning to adjust to new environments. Your usual walks around the neighbourhood and play sessions at the park are a great start. If done regularly, your pooch will start looking forward to trips to new places.  And, instead of feeling apprehensive about new smells and sights, he’ll see it as a fun opportunity to explore—under supervision, of course. 

• Establish familiar associations.

If you foresee a lot of trips without your pooch in the future, this can help a lot with easing your dog’s transition from home to boarding. Maintaining a form of consistency even with changes in environment is important.  It can be as simple as always remembering to bring his favourite toy, bowls and bed. 

Some pet parents also provide their own clothing or blankets so their furbaby can still ‘smell’ home. The scent provides a sense of security and keeps your best friend calm while thinking of his favourite human.

What’s right for your dog

Kennels are specially-built to cater for dogs and the Pet Industry Association of Australia provides guidelines on how to minimise stress and prevent any inhumane incidents in the facility.  However, the environment itself, accommodating several animals at a time, can be overwhelming for some dogs.

A certain number of staff are needed to ensure round the clock care for the boarders but, even then, having multiple guests to care for means major changes to your pet’s routine. That can trigger a lot of stress-related symptoms which can have adverse effects on some pooches.

This is why most pet parents prefer the house-based, personal and customised care of dog boarding in Canberra.  Canberra has a number of services that can recommend a dog minder for you but it always pays to do your own research. You never know if the ads are exaggerating quality of service especially if the minder and their home have not been inspected by the service.

Choose what’s right for your dog

Whether you choose kennelling or dog boarding in Canberra, you will need to be extra observant about how your pooch takes the whole experience.

When your pooch is cared for by a reliable, fully-screened minder they are much more likely to have a stress-free, enjoyable experience.

Prevention is better than a distressed dog

No one wants any of the scenarios mentioned here—and no one will pay for that! Trusting your pooch to another person is a huge deal—and a big responsibility. Meeting up with your prospective dog minder and seeing the home where your furbaby will be staying is essential.  When you do this you can assess the type of care he will be receiving when you’re gone. It also means that your dog will have met the minder and inspected the environment himself so won’t be left in a totally strange please when you drop him off for his holiday.

It’s also worth checking that he will be the only guest dog staying with that minder when he is there.  This can prevent him from being boarded with another dog who takes a dislike to him.  It will also ensure that he receives plenty of attention from the minder.

Checking for other clients’ reviews will also assure you that you’re choosing the right service. What advertisements won’t tell you, past customers will. Trust other consumers and learn from their experience so you and your precious dog will have a stress-free, positive experience—even while away from each other.

Read what “Don’t Fret Pet!” clients have said in their testimonials about our dog boarding service where we match your best friend with one of our carefully-screened, fully-supported dog minders.  If you prefer to search for your own pet sitter for dog boarding in Canberra, or other areas of Australia, visit our other online service – www.pawbuddies.com.au.

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