Time For Routine Kennel Stays? How To Make Sure Your Dog Is Ready

Posted on: 27 December 2021

If you have plans to start traveling, but your dog is unable to go with you, it's time to start planning for their kennel stays. If your dog has never spent any time away from home, or from you, there are some extra steps you'll need to take. This is especially true if your dog becomes anxious when separated from you. If your dog has never stayed with a kennel service before, read the list provided below. You'll find four steps to help you prepare your dog for their kennel stay. 

Talk to Your Dog's Veterinarian

If your dog experiences separation anxiety when they're left alone for extended periods of time, the first thing you should do is talk to their veterinarian. Your dog may require medication for their condition. You might not realize this, but prescription medication can help your dog overcome the debilitating anxiety they experience when they're not with you. If the veterinarian does prescribe anxiety medication for your dog, be sure to bring it with them to the kennel. You'll also need to share this information with the kennel staff. 

Provide Proper Canine Training

If your dog has problems with behavior, now's the time to enroll them in a canine training program. Behavioral issues can cause serious problems during their kennel stay. This is especially true if your dog doesn't follow commands properly, or if they have aggressive tendencies. Enrolling your dog in a training program will help to eliminate the problem behaviors, which will help to ensure a safer, more relaxing kennel stay. 

Get Your Dog Used to the Crate

If you need to start leaving your dog with a kennel service when you travel, and they haven't been crate trained, now's the time to get them acclimated. During their stay, your dog will spend the bulk of its time in an individual kennel area. If your dog isn't crate trained, they may experience extreme stress or anxiety during their stay. To avoid that, utilize this time to get your dog used to spending time in a crate each day. 

Enroll Your Dog in Doggy Daycare

Finally, if your dog has a hard time being away from you for any length of time, this might be a good time to enroll them in a doggy daycare center. You can drop your dog off at the daycare center for several hours a day. Your dog will spend time socializing with other dogs, which will help them prepare for their time at the kennel.

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