Tips on Easing the Transition for Both Pets and Owners
Leaving your dog in boarding or daycare can be a challenging experience for both pets and their owners. While it’s natural for dogs to experience some anxiety when separated from their family, proper preparation can ease the transition and help ensure a positive experience.
Whether it’s your dog’s first time in care or they’ve stayed before, taking the time to prepare them (and yourself) will make the process much smoother.
In this article, we’ll share tips on how to ease the transition for both you and your dog, ensuring their stay is as comfortable and stress free as possible.
Why Preparation is Key
Preparing your dog for boarding or daycare is essential to reducing stress and ensuring their well being. Dogs are creatures of habit, and unfamiliar environments can cause anxiety. For pet owners, seeing their dog struggle with the separation can be emotionally taxing, but with the right preparation, the transition can be much less stressful for both you and your dog.
Properly preparing your dog will help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and with the staff, while also giving you peace of mind that they’re receiving the best care possible during your absence. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help your dog adjust to their new routine.
Step 1, Familiarise Your Dog with the Environment
One of the best ways to prepare your dog for boarding or daycare is to familiarise them with the environment beforehand. If possible, visit the facility with your dog before their stay. This allows them to get a feel for the sights, sounds, and smells of the place, making it less intimidating when they arrive for their actual stay.
Take some time to explore the area together, and let your dog get used to the different areas where they will be spending their time. The more familiar they are with the environment, the easier the transition will be.
Step 2, Introduce Your Dog to the Staff
Building trust with the staff is just as important as familiarising your dog with the environment. Before your dog’s stay, arrange a short visit to meet the staff who will be looking after them. This will allow both you and your dog to become more comfortable with the carers, and it gives you an opportunity to discuss any specific needs or preferences your dog may have.
You can also schedule a trial run where your dog spends a short amount of time at the daycare or boarding facility to get to know the staff and experience the routine. The more familiar your dog becomes with the staff, the less anxious they will feel when it’s time for their actual stay.
Step 3, Establish a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so the more consistent you can be with feeding, walking, and playtime in the days leading up to your dog’s stay, the better. If your dog is used to a particular schedule, it will be easier for them to adjust to the routines at the boarding or daycare facility.
Ensure that the facility is aware of your dog’s usual feeding times, favourite toys, and any special instructions for their care. This way, they can stick to a similar routine, which helps reduce any feelings of anxiety.
Step 4, Bring Familiar Items
Familiar scents and objects can provide a great deal of comfort to your dog when they’re staying in a new place. Bringing along an item from home, such as their favourite blanket, bed, or toy, will help them feel more secure and create a sense of familiarity in the boarding environment.
The staff at the facility will also benefit from these items as they can use them to create a comfortable, personalised space for your dog during their stay. A familiar item can provide a sense of comfort and security when your dog feels homesick or stressed.
Step 5, Work on Socialisation
Before boarding or daycare, it’s a good idea to start socialising your dog with new people, other dogs, and unfamiliar environments. This gradual exposure can help prevent any potential behavioural issues and increase your dog’s confidence when interacting with others.
If your dog is particularly shy or anxious, start with short trips to parks or dog friendly cafes where they can interact with other dogs in a controlled environment. This exposure will help them feel more comfortable in daycare or boarding with other dogs and people.
Step 6, Stay Calm During Drop Off
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to stay calm during drop off. Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on their owner’s emotions. If you show signs of anxiety or sadness, your dog may become more anxious too. Try to keep the drop off process as calm and positive as possible.
Give your dog a hug, say goodbye, and reassure them that you’ll be back soon. Keep the farewell brief, as lingering can make it more difficult for both of you. Trust that your dog will be well cared for and that they’ll adjust quickly once they settle into their new routine.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, you can help ensure that your dog’s stay at a boarding or daycare facility is a positive experience for both you and your pet. Familiarising your dog with the environment, introducing them to the staff, and sticking to a consistent routine will ease the transition and help your dog feel comfortable and secure.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to confidently leave your dog in the hands of caring professionals, knowing they’re in good hands.
Ready to book your dog’s stay at our boarding or daycare facility? Contact us today to arrange a visit or consultation, and let us ensure your pet’s stay is as smooth and comfortable as possible!
