Considerations for Behavior at Dog Boarding Facilities

Considerations for Behavior at Dog Boarding Facilities

The safety of their dog while at the facility is a major worry for dog owners considering dog boarding. It can be concerning to consider a potential damage caused by another dog when there are many dogs gathered in one area. It's crucial to understand how the facility keeps track of the pets under their care and whether they are equipped to deal with behavioral problems.

For the safety of all the dogs as well as the employees, boarding establishments will frequently give a free temperament test before allowing a dog to remain daily or on vacation. Of course there will be the occasional fight, but make sure to find out how the facility handles these fights and other behavioral problems that come through the door. If you don't recognize the warning signs, safe play can rapidly become a problem. It's important to instruct the staff at boarding facilities on what is proper and what is troublesome.

Training Requirements

For safe dog boarding, formal staff training is required. This involves interpreting dog body language, leadership abilities and taking command of diverse circumstances, group and play management, and how to intervene effectively if a problem arises. Employees should be consistent in their management and take proactive rather than reactive tactics. Common concerns to keep an eye out for are:

  • Highly anxious or reactive
  • Eating feces (own or others)
  • Humping (other dogs or humans)
  • Rough play or aggressiveness
  • Jumping
  • Barking
  • Mouthing or biting

Dogs, like humans, have a wide range of personalities and characteristics. Most of us miss the signs that a dog is transitioning from playful to dangerous. However, a good boarding facility should have taught their staff to see these subtleties and to know when to intervene and halt the behavior before it becomes a problem. Some dogs may be able to manage their impulses, while others may be too anxious to be in an enclosed location with many other dogs. These characteristics do not imply that the dog is a "good" or "bad" dog; rather, they must be treated effectively in doggy daycare.

Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Ask every prospective boarding facility how they deal with unruly pet behavior. Additionally, you should inquire about how they handle providing treats, food, and other resources to large and tiny breeds as well as whether they do so. Find out whether your dog will have their own kennel or room if they are staying overnight (and if you can request a specific location for your dog). Inquire about temperament evaluations and the criteria used in them. And don't get offended if your dog fails that test. Your dog's safety is just as important as everyone else's. You don't want your dog to spend days in an unhealthy environment. Your beloved buddy is safe at On the Spot Play and Stay, and our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions you may have about their care.

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