Disobedient dog boarding tips
Are you seraching for a kennel to board you disobedient dog? Before choosing a boarding facility for your dog it is important that you determine his or her requirements. There are many options available such as home boarding (where dogs are cared for in a home environment), pet sitting (where a carer will come and stay in your home) and the more traditional kennelling. The first two options are ideal for very young dogs, dogs on medication, elderly dogs and dogs that simply enjoy a high level of human company and the comfort of home.
Questions: Prepare a list of questions in advance. Any good boarding facility, whether home boarding or regular kennels should have the time to show you around while answering these questions. Make sure that what is on offer is feasible and therefore true.
Home Boarding. Home boarding should offer individual attention, and the utmost in care and comfort inside a home environment. When you arrive to visit, you should immediately feel comfortable and welcome. Since this is a more 'personal' service, you can expect your dog to receive the same home comforts as you have at your own home.
Kennel Boarding. If you are visiting a kennel facility, find out what they say they will do. If the kennel holds 100 dogs, and they claim to walk each dog three times per day, take a look at the amount of staff to determine if that is possible.
If they offer a varied diet and cater for special dietary needs, take a look in the food bowls and check that this is the case. A good facility should also ask you questions about the personality of your dog, his or her likes and dislikes -they will want to know about health and any dietary requirements. They will also ask that your dog is health warranted and this frequently means that your dog should have up to date vaccinations. They will also request an emergency contact number, your vet's details and frequently your pet insurance details.
Cost: Do not make the mistake of presuming that the facility that costs the most offers the best service. Frequently smaller facilities can offer more one-to-one attention and can cost less, however if a boarding facility is charging considerably less than others you should investigate this thoroughly. Weigh up the cost against the service offered. For example many facilities will have behaviourists and a vet on call. You will pay more for this, but it is well worth it.
Inspection: Staff should be available to give you a tour of the premises. Check for hygiene, security, space, noise levels, temperature regulation, ventilation to prevent disease and and maintain the comfort levels. Carefully note bedding and shelter. Take a look into food bowls and note the grade of food being served to the dogs - if it is not feeding time ask to see the food.. Make sure there are no dangers such as sharp edges, damaged runs or doors etc. Look for mentally stimulating and safe toys such as KONG toys and treat balls.
Understand the terminology: If a kennel offers ‘exercise areas’ this does not necessarily equate to your dog being exercised. A dog could be left in an exercise area with no stimulation, so ask for such terms to be defined. Opening times and operational times differ - check if and when your dog will be left unattended and most importantly for how long.
Communication: Speak to and watch staff. Try and get an understanding of how they interact with the dogs so for example if you have a large playful dog and he jumps up to greet you do not want this to result in him getting less attention because of this. Kennel staff should give as equal attention, as possible, to all dogs regardless. Ask their opinions on certain breeds and how they would deal with a first aid emergency to get an idea and overall feel for the facilities. Ask how they would deal with aggression or other behavioural problems, remembering that a good facility will promote reward and motivational based training and will understand that even non aggressive dogs may show aggression when boarded.
Recommendation: Ask your friends; family and vet to recommend a boarding facility, but remember you know your dog best.
Insurance: Make sure the boarding establishment has adequate insurance.
Once you've done your homework, you'll be able to drop your pets off, knowing that they are in good hands.... which means you can actually go off and enjoy your holidays!