What to do before boarding your dog

Tuesday April 05, 2011 04:51pm

Yesterday I was invited pheasant hunting (last minute) by a good client and friend, Bill.  I couldn't go but I offered up my dog Gussi because I knew they needed a dog (maybe that's why I got invited).  I also knew that Bill would take good care of Gussi (I have "borrowed" his dog in the past) and I knew she would have fun!!!  I got up earlier then normal this morning for Gussi to go hunting and to pack her a bag.  In the bag I packed a bowl, water, a small first aid kit, Gussi's dinner, and some treats.  I also put Gussi's collar on her with all my contact info.  All day today I have been thinking about her.  I am sure she is fine and hasn't thought once about me, but shit happens when you're out in the field!  While thinking about Gussi I thought about all the people who leave their dogs in my care and what owners should do to get their dogs ready to be left for training, boarding, or even with a friend.

Here are my suggestions for having your puppy or dog boarded for training or while you are out of town:

• 1.  Any socialization out and about with your puppy or dog will help them adjust to being boarded at a kennel or with a friend               
• 2.  I suggest taking your puppy or dog and visiting the facility you have chosen before leaving them.  While visiting the facility also ask about their vaccine requirements.              
• 3.  I suggest leaving your puppy or dog for just a short visit at first.

If you plan on having your retriever puppy boarded and trained I strongly recommend Puppy Head Start.  Even if it is just for a weekend here or there, your puppy will be familiarized with all the things that it will encounter when coming in for training.  For example, the other dogs, noises, smells, the routine, and much more.  Giving your puppy some time to get acquainted with me and the kennel will be beneficial for its future training.

For puppies that will not be part of my retriever training program, I recommend the same thing.  Take your puppy to a nice kennel like Burley Ranch just for a night while you are in town and let them get accustomed to it. Then when you are planning a weekend away while your puppy is still young have them stay again.  People often tell me that they don't need to do such a thing because they "never leave town" and I say,  "Hopefully you will have your new puppy for ten years or more.  How do you know what you will be doing in the next 8 years?"

If you have an older dog I would do the same thing, although it takes longer for older dogs to get adjusted to new things.  With an older dog I would suggest leaving the dog for just a day or half a day.  If the dog warms up quickly to the new place don't worry about bringing them back until they need to be boarded.  If the dog has a hard time adjusting I would bring them back sooner then later, maybe the next day.

Finally, (I suggest this for dogs and puppies) bring your dog a few of its belongings: food-their own food it will be easier on their stomachs, thier bed, something small that smells like home for an example a towel that they have slept on and/or their favorite toy. 

I know Gussi wasn't being boarded with Bill, but because of all her socialization (and training) she is comfortable with anything from going hunting with Bill to staying in a kennel for a week. And on a side note Bill said Gussi did a great job for him and had a GREAT time.  Gussi always has a good time and so will your dog next time they are boarded if you follow my few easy suggestions.

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