Making the kennel transition a bit easier
Posted in Blog on June 20th, 2008 by adminYou have weighed your options and decided that leaving your pet at the kennel is the best thing for him. He will be able to socialize with other people, socialize with other dogs, and get plenty of exercise. Leaving him there can be tough, but you will both get through it! Now, it?s time to pack some things for your pooch to take along. Here are a few suggestions to make your pet?s stay a little more fun.
Before you pack any item, talk to the kennel. Some places have rules against you bringing things from home, while others welcome the idea. It is really about making your dog?s stay as pleasant as possible. So, if there are some things that you think are necessary for your dog to have in your absence, talk it over with the kennel first. It is easy to work things out!
The first thing to do is make a list for the kennel. The list needs to include your dog?s schedule (hopefully they can stick to it as much as possible), medication, if the require a dog training collar system, their food intake, and anything else you think the kennel needs to know. They should already have all of your contact information, but it is a good idea to include it again.
Your pup loves familiar things. Does he have a special dog pet bed that he sleeps on? If so, then take that with him. The familiarity will allow him to be calmer and relaxed in the new, strange place. Don?t wash the bedding before you leave your home. Even if it is filthy, he will enjoy the recognizable smells. Throw in a blanket or an old shirt of yours, too. The odors of you and the household will also ease his stress. Just like the bedding, try not to wash the extra item before you send it with him.
Toys are always a great carry along. Grab his favorite toy to keep him company. Don?t go out and buy new toys. New toys are great when your pup is in his everyday environment; new toys at the kennel will be strange to him. He will love the companionship of his old toy friend. If you must buy a new toy, then try to buy something like a Kong Biscuit Ball. The Kong Biscuit Ball holds treats inside. Your dog will enjoy the playtime as he tries to get the treats! Kong?s are also a good way to keep your dog occupied while you are away.
What?s more familiar to a dog than the food he eats everyday? The kennel will provide meals for your dog, and he probably will not mind what they provide. However, it is a good idea to send along a day?s worth of food just to help him get through your initial leave. If your dog is picky, then you may work something out with the kennel where he can eat his food the entire stay. Just remember that food is included in your bill, so you may not want to pay for it twice. Sending along some of his favorite treats is never a bad idea!
When it is time to take your dog to the kennel, try to keep his schedule. If it is time for him to eat, then feed him before you leave your home. If you normally take him on a morning walk, then do so. Also, talk to the kennel about trying to keep him on his normal routine. This may not be possible, but it is worth asking. When you arrive at the kennel, do not make a big fuss about leaving him. Make sure he is checked in and everything is ready. Then, just pat him on the head and leave. He can sense when you are sad, upset, or anxious; and, in turn, can cause him to be sad, upset, or anxious. Once your trip is over and you arrive back at the kennel, try once again to keep your cool. You will both be overly excited to see each other, but not making a big fuss will help with future kennel visits.
Leaving your dog in their dog crate or kennel which can be a great retreat for him, but there are things that can help ease his initial stress. It?s important that you keep your dog on his normal routine and leave plenty of familiar things with him. Bedding and old toys are perfect items to accompany your dog to the kennel. Speak with the kennel before you pack his things.
Different kennels have different policies. If you do not make a big fuss about leaving, then future kennel visits will be much easier!