YOUR WALKING BUDDY

Stay out of the Dog House
This Holiday Season

By Christine Anderson

Plan on traveling this holiday season but need to leave Fido behind? In the commotion of planning for holiday travel, finding a place for your dog can easily be forgotten.

You’ll make it easy on yourself — and your dog — if you research boarding facilities now, make reservations a few weeks in advance of your trip, and update your dog’s vaccinations.

A wide variety of options are available, including dog daycare/boarding, traditional kennels, and in-home care. These cater to the needs of every kind of dog, regardless of age, activity level, health, and temperament. It is important to make sure the lodging you choose is appropriate for your dog.

An increasingly appealing and accessible option is the combined dog daycare and boarding facility. Dog daycare facilities generally consist of a large room (or rooms) in which dogs are allowed to run, romp, and play together under the watchful eye of daycare attendants.

As opposed to traditional dog boarding facilities in which dogs are kenneled the majority of the time, here dogs enjoy exercise and socialization during the day and only enter a boarding kennel at night to sleep. This environment can be very beneficial to your dog as exercise induces the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other chemicals that make your dog happier and better able to deal with stress.

Separation anxiety can often be successfully managed by copious exercise and social stimulation. Additionally, the social aspects of daycare have the potential to teach your dog to interact better with other members of his species as well as boost his overall confidence. Be mindful that this option is best suited for dogs that are happy to play with others and have the physical ability to do so. Make sure your dog is comfortable in this environment by trying a few days of daycare before making a boarding reservation.

When choosing a daycare/boarding facility there are several factors to keep in mind. These include the size and quality of nighttime accommodations. Kennels should be large enough for dogs to stand and turn around in comfortably. It is also important for dogs that are not from the same household to have their own sleeping quarters. The number of dogs boarding is also a factor, since a large number of boarding dogs can create stress and anxiety in normally content animals. A large number of boarders can also make it harder for staff to notice if your pet needs extra assistance or veterinary care.

Strict adherence to veterinarian-recommended vaccination schedules is essential to reduce the transmission of disease. Make sure the facility requires documentation of proper vaccinations from a veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with the facility’s training/educational philosophy.

What steps are taken when a dog exhibits inappropriate behavior? Are you comfortable with those measures? Make sure to fill kennel staff in on any behavioral problems your dog has been exhibiting. Give them a list of your dog’s environmental and food allergies as well as any other medical conditions your dog has.

Let’s face it — not all dogs are cut out to play together all day long. An alternative to traditional boarding and daycare/
boarding facilities are rural boarding kennels that have large outdoor/indoor runs. Many of these facilities offer walking services, a great way for your dog to get much-needed exercise and entertainment. This environment may be more suited for dogs with behavior problems. Keep in mind that a dog displaying aggressive or inappropriate behavior is often signaling stress or fear and likely does not have well-developed coping mechanisms. This makes it all the more essential to minimize the stress; otherwise your dog can more readily become injured or ill.

Other options to explore are in-home dog sitters and dog walkers. Verify that these professionals are licensed and bonded and be sure to request references.

Most importantly, you must feel good about the facility in which your dog will stay as well as the people who will care for your dog. Start early so you can see several facilities and avoid having to make a hasty decision.

Christine Anderson, owner of Wag the Dog, can be contacted at 503-238-0737 or visit to www.wagthedoggiedaycare.com for more information.

Christine hanging with the pack in the large group play area.

Miles smiling before a slide ride in the puppy play area. Below: Schotzy thinking about taking the leap.