Bringing your dog to a daycare facility can be a great option when you work for most of the day, and you don't want your dog cooped up at home for hours. If you're interested in the services of a dog daycare but have never brought your dog to one before, there are several things that you can do to make your dog as comfortable as possible with their stay.
Instead of being unsure about what to do when bringing your dog to the kennel for the first time, consider the following tips that will help your dog be more relaxed during their stay:
Make Sure They Are Up to Date with Vaccines
Dog daycares will require all dogs to have proper vaccinations before staying for the first time, making it essential for you to bring your dog to the vet to have all of them done. From annual vaccines to the Bordetella vaccine, these vaccines will protect both your dog and other dogs at the kennel.
Getting written proof from the vet for the vaccines can ensure that you'll be able to check into the dog daycare without any conflicts.
Discuss Your Dog's Socialization Level
If your dog hasn't spent much time with other dogs at dog parks or at home, you need to make sure that the daycare facility is aware of this. Most kennels will simply allow your dog into a large space to play with other dogs, but some dogs may react negatively to this due to nervousness. In order for your dog to be introduced carefully, you'll need to make sure at the facility is aware of your dog's socialization level.
In some cases, you may want your dog to be walked regularly instead of being exposed right away to large playtimes with other dogs.
Limit the Length of the Daycare Stay at First
When you're unsure of how your dog will handle staying at a kennel for daycare, it may be a good idea to limit their first stay to a shorter period of time. Scheduling their stay on a day you have off from work can make sure that you're available if any issues arise.
Understanding what kinds of things that you can do to make your dog comfortable staying at a boarding kennel can make all the difference in how much they enjoy the daycare. With the tips above, you'll be able to avoid a lot of the issues with dog daycares and help your dog feel comfortable and safe.
Contact a company like Houston Dog Ranch for more information and assistance.
