Your hard-earned vacation has finally arrived, and you’re deciding on the best option for your dog while you are away.
The idea of leaving your beloved pet is already unsettling, so you ask a friend or family member if they mind watching your dog, hoping the comfort of their home will ease your mind.
This choice sounds like the best option, but as a professional in the field, I would like you to consider a few key points to ensure your decision is the best for your pet.
A Professional Kennel Facility Offers a Controlled and Safe Environment for Your Dog.
Leaving your dog with a friend or family member might provide the comfort of a couch and home, but you can’t control how a friend or family member runs their home.
Between:
- A front door being left open
- Chocolate muffins on the kitchen counter
There are too many ways the environment could lead to your dog ending up in a compromising situation or, worse case, in the vet.
The last thing you want while on vacation is that phone call.
A kennel facility provides your dog with a controlled environment under the supervision of professionals, offering you a reassuring peace of mind that your dog is safe.
A Kennel that Your Dog is Comfortable and Familiar With is a Great backup plan In Case Family or Friends Fall Through.
Get your dog established with a local kennel facility that they are comfortable and familiar with, even when you have a friend or family member who offers to help out.
I have stories of numerous clients having to cancel their travel plans at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances with their planned dog sitter.
Having a backup plan in place, such as your dog’s kennel on standby, can ensure you are always prepared to board your dog, just in case.
Another reason to consider a backup plan is if your dog becomes too much to handle or if issues arise when at a friend’s or family’s place.
A similar situation occurred with a client who had a young dog. The friend’s dog continued to growl after being forced to share space with the guest pup, Riley. Riley was an immature pup who constantly wanted to play. Luckily, we had space to help!
That leads me to my next point.
Space and Resource Guarding
If the home you plan to leave your dog in has other pets, you risk space and resource-guarding issues. This is a common behavior in dogs where they become protective of their personal space or possessions, leading to potential conflicts with other pets.
Even if your dog is playpals together with the other dog, the dynamic of co-existing can change their relationship. We can all relate! It is one thing to hang out all day with a friend, but imagine sharing a couch, a bathroom, and even a water cup with them. I’m sure you understand my point about the situation your dog could be in.
There may also be issues with:
- Jealousy over attention
- Higher-value toys and bones
Your Dog’s Obedience/Manners
This point is especially true for clients who have, within the last six months, invested in a training program or who have just achieved major training milestones, such as:
- Potty training
- Trusting their dog out of a crate
Regression can occur when your pet is in someone else’s house and has a different routine.
It’s a fact that dogs and children thrive in a structured and routine environment. When your dog can predict regular events, such as let-outs and feeding times, it reduces stress and anxiety.
Breaking bad habits created while you were away on vacation is not what you want to deal with when you get back!
Recognizing An Emergency
We recently boarded a Doberman with whom we have an established relationship. He has been trained by us and boards at least one weekend a month. We are very familiar with his eating habits and energy levels.
A kennel worker immediately noticed he wasn’t acting himself. Because of our knowledge and established relationship with Otto, we knew it was unlike him to miss a meal and not patrol the yards during his let-outs. When he was lying down outback, it was enough for us to act.
He ended up having an obstruction and needed emergency surgery. He had ingested his owner’s socks.
A well-intentioned friend isn’t the same as professionals who know what to look for.
Preserving Relationships/Liability
When considering who to ask for help watching your dog, it is hard not to think about the worst-case scenario if something horrible were to happen.
- Who would be responsible for vet bills?
- What if your dog bit somebody while in their care?
I don’t want to stress you out even more, but this is a reality. All of these examples are, unfortunately, real stories from clients that led them to find The Doghouse. We would never want a relationship with a loved one to be compromised when there was a better alternative.
A successful vacation away is picking up a healthy dog and not stressing while you are away. Wherever you choose to leave your dog, remember that your dog’s safety and well-being should be your number one priority. Even if it’s with a friend or relative, I still encourage you to establish a relationship with a boarding facility, as it is a responsible choice for your pet’s safety.
Ready to Find a Safer Solution?
The Doghouse would love to meet you and your dog to set up a tour and evaluation to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
