As a pet owner, you probably want your furry friend with you at all times. You might bring them with you when you have errands, when visiting family, or when you go on a vacation. Pets are often inseparable from their owners, but sometimes you have to go somewhere you cannot bring them. These include business trips, educational exchanges, or when visiting sick friends.
But just as frenetic as it is to prepare for a trip with your dog, it is equally hectic to prepare them for a few days or weeks without you. Some concerns of dog owners who have to leave their pets include discomfort in boarding and their dog’s anxiety. Before you leave for your trip, get these things covered to help both you and your dog cope with not being around each other.
1. List down what they need
Help your pet sitter or caregiver by noting your dog’s feeding schedule and your veterinarian’s contact information. Having a paragraph that describes your dog’s personality and temperament would also help them understand your dog’s needs. Aside from these, you should also list down things like how often the dog needs their water freshened and how often they need to be walked.
Keeping your sitter informed of toys, games, and treats your dog prefers is also essential. When sending your dog to a kennel or a dog daycare center, ask them if they allow treats and toys from home. If your dog cannot be at home, at least they can have a semblance of it, which would help them adjust quickly.
2. Choose the accommodations that suit their personality
When you leave your dog at a daycare facility, you need to be sure they can take care of your friend. Is your dog spirited, adventurous, and social? Or is he more reserved and shy? The facility you choose will determine how well your dog adjusts, so you must choose a place that can accommodate different activities and temperaments.
Having a place that values different types of activities is ideal. You would want to leave your pet with people who understand that disruptions in a dog’s life can lead to irregular sleep and feeding cycles. Choose people who are prepared to handle all sorts of breeds.
If you are leaving your dog at home, you need to think of other logistics issues such as what your dog will do when the sitter is not yet around. You must also secure the services of someone who can be there for the duration of your trip. It is a tricky situation when you have someone who can attend to your dog for the first few days but cannot commit to the entire schedule. Your caregiver should be around as much as possible.
3. Nothing beats good dog training
You and your furry friend would both be better off if you address issues before they become urgent. Things like excessive barking, growling at strangers, excessive marking of territory, and separation anxiety are common behavioral issues in dogs. These seem mild in daily life, but they come to the forefront when you have to leave your dog for a while. We offer high-quality and trusted dog training services at PAWS Bed & Biscuit. Our dog behavior specialists will help curb unwanted behaviors in your dog.
Conclusion
If your dog is one of your best friends, leaving them for even a short trip would be a big deal. However, you need to remember that it is also a big deal for your dog. Preparing them and their caregivers for your absence is essential. It also helps if you secure the services of a dog daycare center or a pet sitter who knows how to deal with your dog’s breed.
If you are looking for a dog training and daycare center in Mendon, MA, book a tour at our center today! Come for a visit to see how well of a fit we would be with your furry friend. Our environment ensures a clean, comfortable stay for your pet, and our staff are always on hand to supervise our guests.
