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Easing Stress When Boarding Your Dog

By: Pinnacle Pets Play & Stay

6/19/23

If you plan on going on that long-awaited family vacation and the thought of boarding your dog leaves you feeling uneasy, you’re not alone.

It’s natural for dog parents to feel anxious about boarding their furry pals for the first time.

Don’t worry. There are some things that you can do to help make your and your dog’s boarding experience as stress-free as possible.

First, do your homework. Investigate the boarding facility you plan on leaving your dog with.

Questions to ask include:

  • Does the facility look and smell clean?
  • How do the staff interact with you and your pup?
  • How are the online reviews of the facility?
  • What do they do in case of Emergency?
  • How many potty breaks do they get a day?
  • Do they get to go outside?
  • Is the facility temperature controlled, especially in the winter and the summer?
  • What are the vaccination policies?
  • What do they do if your dog gets sick?
  • Do they have an overnight attendant in the building?

Having some of these questions answered can help reassure pet parents that their pup is in a safe and clean environment while they are gone.

Any new situation for you or your pet can be unsettling.  Humans and animals develop a preference for the familiar because familiarity lessens stress.

At Pinnacle Pets, we understand this and encourage a visit for you and your pet prior to boarding. Taking a tour of our facility, having an opportunity to ask questions and see where your pet will be staying, and understanding their routine while you are away, can be comforting and decrease anxiety. We even allow your (fully vaccinated*) pet to accompany you on your tour.

Sometimes planning a ‘day boarding’ experience for your pet prior to your vacation is beneficial. It allows your dog to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a boarding facility for a short practice trial. This can familiarize them with their new surroundings prior to their actual boarding dates. The facility should be able to tell you how your pup acts during his stay and whether he settles in easily.  It also teaches your pup that the boarding experience is temporary, as they will get picked up and go home again.  

Things to pack for your pup to help them ease into their boarding experience include packing a familiar object with your scent, like an old blanket or worn T-shirt. Other items to pack include their favorite chew toys, treats, dog food, and any medications they are on. At Pinnacle Pets, all dogs are given a raised bed, but you are welcome to bring your own. Double-check that all of your contact information is current and correct.

Another stress reliever for some dogs includes exercise. Signing them up for group play or individual enrichment sessions can offer an outlet for dogs with high energy levels.

Some dogs may not be as high energy but would enjoy some one-on-one time with a staff member to pet and snuggle them.  

Dogs are acutely aware of our emotional state and respond with a sense of insecurity when we inadvertently show distress. Anxiety is contagious. Dogs can empathize with their owners and detect and respond to the owner’s anxiety with a heightened sense of anxiety of their own.

Dog parents can help their pups acclimate to their surroundings much better if they keep their own anxiety in check.  When leaving your dog at the boarding facility, be upbeat and positive.

Homeopathic stress reducers that are safe and effective include lavender oil diluted in water. Lavender oil is a natural homeopathic stress reducer that has a calming effect on dogs. It can be sprayed on bedding, skin, and fur to decrease anxiety and stress. In addition, lavender oil repels fleas and ticks, is soothing to the skin, and makes your dog smell great!! There are some instances where diluted lavender oil should not be used, including on kittens, cats, and puppies, or dogs with allergies to lavender. Always check with your vet before trying any new product on your furry pal. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound that can be derived from hemp and is non-psychoactive and non-habit-forming. It has been found to be anxiety-reducing in people but there have been limited scientific studies in dogs. Because it is still a relatively new compound, there is little known about dosing standards and side effects. Always check with your vet before administering any new product to your furry friend. 

In severe cases of anxiety, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medications such as Trazadone to help alleviate more severe symptoms. Trazadone has been studied and found effective in reducing stress in situational fear and anxiety in dogs. Getting the correct dose with your veterinarian is essential for the medication to be beneficial while not too sedative.

Lastly, make sure that the boarding facility you choose has open lines of communication to let you know how your pet is doing with their boarding experience. You should be able to call anytime during operating hours to check in on your pooch and get your questions answered. If you need to leave a message, you should receive a return call within a reasonable amount of time.

Doing your homework and choosing the right boarding facility is the first step in providing a stress-free boarding experience for you and your pet. Preparing your pooch for success is just as important.

The tips above can help make your dog’s boarding experience as worry-free as possible.  

Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions and get comfortable with your chosen place. It is important for you and your pet that the facility caring for your dog is safe, responsive, trained, and caring.

*Pinnacle Pets requires written documentation of current immunizations:
Bordetella, Rabies, Distemper, and an annual negative stool sample for parasites.
Water play

Mild to Moderate Physical Activities

The encouraging news is that alleviating boredom doesn’t have to be physically demanding to be effective. This is especially helpful for older, medically frail, or low-energy dogs. Engaging in light (non-strenuous) activities with your pup provides mental exercise that challenges and tires their brain.  

You can do a few simple things to keep your pet engaged without spending much time. One idea is to periodically rotate their toys. After being stored for a while, each toy will feel new and exciting again. 

Another fun activity is to stage a scavenger hunt by hiding small treats or toys around the house. This can turn into an enjoyable adventure for both you and your furry friend.

If the weather permits, consider engaging in “scent walks”. The ratio of a dog’s to a human’s olfactory capabilities is 10,000 to 100, 000 times stronger than a human’s. Dogs use their nose to explore and understand their world. A scent walk differs from regular walks in that the dog is encouraged to use their nose to explore their surroundings at their own pace and direction (on leash, adhering to safety/social limitations, including but not limited to busy streets or the neighbor’s prized garden gnome). 

Older, smaller, or disabled pooches that are beyond their leisurely strolling days may appreciate car rides around the neighborhood, countryside, or local park.  Even in the years when a dog’s physical abilities fade, their delight and gratification from the sights, sounds, and smells of different environments remain intact. It’s always considered a bonus day if there is a ‘pup-cup’ at the end of the ride.

Another enjoyable activity (and great photo opportunity) is the classic “bobbing for apples”. Understanding that if you, like me, call Ohio ‘home’ at this time of year, it is very likely frigid in your backyard during the winter. An apple bobbing hack is to set up the fruit-drowning operation in the bathtub/shower.  Grab a large plastic bowl (preferably with a wide base) or a bucket, and place it in the shower or bath. Fill the vessel with cool to lukewarm water, then add the apples (cored and peeled). If preferred, chunks of watermelon, raw carrots, blueberries, cut-up bananas, cucumber slices, strawberries, or other dog-friendly fruits and vegetables can be used. Some vegetation will sink; some will float. Which one does your pup like best? Get your camera ready for some hilarious action. 

Additional ideas for mental stimulation when you can’t get outside include using slow feeders, frozen treats/Kongs, and puzzle games (See DIY ideas below).

Higher Energy Activities

Canine companions with higher physical activity needs may enjoy stair sprints using a laser pointer to chase or a game of Tug-of-War with an old knotted T-shirt. 

Hunting breeds (Retrievers, Pointers, Spaniels, Hounds, Beagles, etc.) are especially fond of the game of fetch. To play, place a tennis ball in an old sock and toss it down a hallway for retrieval (stairs work well too). 

Herding breeds (Corgis, Collies, Shepards, Aussies, Sheep Dogs, etc.) may enjoy a herding ball to maneuver about the house. Herding balls come in various sizes and are available in many pet stores or online. 

Don’t forget you can get involved in the fun too. Remember the game, Hide-and-Seek, from childhood? Guess what, dogs love it as well!! Have someone hold onto your pup in a room while you go and hide. When ready, have your best buddy come ‘find’ you. 

Tug-of-War can be a fun way to bond, release energy, and satisfy the “prey drive.” That said, if done incorrectly, it could harm their teeth or inadvertently cause behavior problems. Check out https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/is-tug-of-war-bad-for-dogs/ for further information and safe play guidance. 

Hawk 1

Not all dogs are inclined to socialize with other dogs, but if your pup is a ‘social butterfly’, consider arranging ‘play-dates’ with other dogs*. Consider the following recommendations for optimal matchmaking when choosing a playmate for your pup. Both dogs should be close in age and size, with similar play styles (e.g., roughhousing vs. gentle play). It is crucial that playdates are supervised at all times. Often, body language is the first clue that things are not going well between “friends,” and it is time to separate to keep everyone safe and happy.

Knox

DIY Toys/Puzzles **

Many dogs enjoy brain teasers, which serve as great distractions, but they can quickly get expensive. Luckily, there are some Do-It-Yourself (DIY) toys and puzzles that are easy to construct with inexpensive materials found around the house. 

Busy Box: Find a cardboard box and fill it with crumpled up paper, cardboard, paper towel rolls, smaller boxes, clean rags, or other ‘safe’ disposable items that your dog can tear into. Sprinkle some treats (or plain kibble) in the box. Let your dog rummage through the box to find the delectable nibbles. This easy build simulates natural foraging behaviors in the wild.

Tubular Fun: A quick and easy game starts by placing a few treats inside a toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tube, then folding the ends inwards to close. Allow your pup to figure out how to access the tasty morsels inside.

​Simple Snuffle-Mat: Grab an old towel and some treats. To begin, lay the towel on the floor and scatter some treats across it. Then, fold, roll, or knot the towel to contain the treats, creating a challenging puzzle that rewards them for their efforts. This also works well with their kibble to slow down dogs who inhale their meals. Check the internet for images of various towel-folding techniques to increase difficulty. Generally, the looser the roll, and the bigger the treats, the easier the game. To increase the challenge, use smaller treats and a tighter towel wrap. For the super motivated, you can even tie a cord or strip of cloth around the towel roll to add to the excitement. If you are crafty and have some extra time, you can make more elaborate snuffle mats using a rubber pad and a yard of fleece. See the Animal Humane Society web page for directions. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-make-snuffle-mat#:~:text=One%20yard%20of%20fleece%20fabric,at%20least%20two%20different%20colors.) 

Squeaker Toys: If your dog loves squeaker toys, as my dog does, and you appreciate frugality, then I have four words for you. Dog Toy Squeaker Replacement. Over the years, I have spent unmentionable amounts of money on soft toys (stuffed and unstuffed) for my dogs to joyfully destroy. The torn carcass is usually collateral damage, resulting from the dog’s innate desire to dig out the squeakers while producing that hapless sound associated with a fading wild animal. At last check, one could purchase 50 squeakers online for less than ten dollars. These can be stitched back inside previously ravaged stuffed pet toys for pennies on the dollar. Another option is to throw a couple of squeakers into a partnerless sock and securely tie off the end. If your dog is anything like mine, they likely won’t notice or care that their new ‘squeaky toy’ is missing eyes and fur. If your furry pal prefers the stuffed version of the ‘squeaky toy’, you can purchase a bag of fluff at your local hobby or discount store.

Crinkly Toys: Create fun and entertaining toys using empty water bottles. Construct a “crinkly” toy using an empty water bottle in an old sock. Another use for discarded water bottles is to create a simple rolling treat dispenser. To craft this, remove the label from the water bottle and discard the cap. Place small treats or kibble inside, then let your pup roll it around the floor to release the treats. Using soft treats makes it easier to adjust their size by cutting them smaller as needed.

Tug Toy: Craft a quick and easy tug toy using an old T-shirt and a pair of scissors. Begin by cutting off the sleeves. Next, cut the material into strips and braid them together. Tie a knot at each end to prevent unraveling. Enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch with your furry friend

Puzzle Toy: Fashion a puzzle using an old muffin tin and a few tennis balls. Place a few small treats in some of the muffin tin holders. Cover treat-filled and empty cup holders with tennis balls. Allow your pooch to sniff out the treats and remove the tennis balls to access a yummy snack. At the beginning, you may want to swap out the tennis balls for something lighter (like wadded-up paper balls) to cover the treats until your pup gets the hang of it.

Practice Training Commands

Teaching your pup some tricks is a fun activity that you can both enjoy and offers additional opportunities to exercise their brain. The bonus is that these playful antics can be great for showing off your fantastic pup at your next dinner party!

Start with simple tricks like sit, down, spin, shake, stay, hand-to-nose targeting, and how to fetch a specific named toy. After accomplishing the basics, you can advance training to include: play dead, spin, balance a treat on their nose, weave between your legs, crawl, back up, bow, or even put their paw over their eyes. 

Break down the tricks into simple steps and use small, high-value rewards. Keep training sessions short, lasting between 5 and 15 minutes, aiming for once or twice a day, depending on your dog’s attention span. This will help keep your dog happy and engaged. You can find additional resources for DIY trick training online. One option is to hire a professional trainer to help you and your dog start your training journey on the right foot.

On a side note, dogs are food-motivated to different degrees. Consider yourself lucky if your dog thinks he hit the lotto with a raw carrot.  Some more discerning pups barely raise an eyebrow at a grilled steak with lobster topper. If your furry friend is of the latter orientation, you may need to experiment or get creative with the treats that make your pup pounce.

Day stays

Conclusion

When it’s cold outside and you can’t take your pet out for exercise as often as you’d like, there are still ways to keep them mentally engaged. A range of simple games and high-energy activities, along with toys, can help them release pent-up energy, reduce destructive behaviors, prevent depression, build their confidence, strengthen the bond with your furry companion, and break the tedium of the winter months. 

 

*For the well-being of your pet, ensure that their play date is free of disease/parasites (i.e., fleas, ticks, worms, skin infections, etc.) and all their vaccines are up to date.

**Always supervise your pet when using both DIY and commercially available entertainment products.