Bringing your beloved dog home after a stay at a boarding facility can be an exciting and emotional time. While you may be eager to welcome your pup back into the comfort of their own home, it’s important to be prepared for any potential changes in their behavior or temperament after boarding. With some planning and attentive care, you can help ease the transition and keep your dog happy, healthy, and comfortable after their time away. This comprehensive guide covers what to expect when picking up your pooch, tips for a smooth homecoming, potential issues and solutions, preparation strategies, choosing a quality dog boarding facility, and more.
Introduction
Picking up your dog after a stay at a dog boarding facility is an important moment. While you likely can’t wait for those excited licks and wagging tail upon reunion, your dog may exhibit some peculiar behaviors in their first days back home. With the right preparation and awareness, you can ensure this transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible for both of you.
The time immediately after dog boarding is pivotal for your pup’s wellbeing. Their behavior and temperament may fluctuate as they readjust to their normal routine. Being attuned to subtle changes will help you address any underlying issues and tend to their needs appropriately. With some care and attention, you can ease any anxieties and set your dog up for a comfortable homecoming.
Expectations After Dog Boarding
Understandably, your dog may act differently upon returning home from boarding. Here are some common behaviors pet owners often observe:
- Changes in appetite – Your dog may act hungrier or less hungry than usual. Boarding can disrupt regular feeding schedules and environments. Give them time to settle back into their routine.
- Increased thirst – The excitement and activity of boarding and homecoming can cause temporary dehydration. Allow access to fresh water but monitor intake to avoid vomiting from drinking too fast.
- Fatigue and restlessness – The stimulation and exercise of a dog boarding facility can leave your pup exhausted. Let them nap and relax as needed. Signs of restlessness may indicate lingering stress.
- Clingy behavior – Your dog may shadow you closely and want more attention upon returning home. Separation anxiety is common. Stick to regular schedules and activities to provide security through routine.
- Potty training accidents – Even well-trained dogs can have accidents after boarding due to disruption of regular bathroom habits. Be patient and take them outdoors promptly to reinforce training. Consider washing any soiled bedding or materials to remove scents.
- Diarrhea or vomiting – Change in diet, water, or stress can cause temporary digestive upset. Monitor symptoms and contact your veterinarian if they persist more than 24 hours.
Be attuned to any behavioral or temperament changes without overreacting. If monitored closely in the first days after boarding, most fluctuations will resolve on their own as your dog settles back in. Contact your vet with any persistent or concerning symptoms.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
You want your dog’s homecoming after boarding to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some tips to help ease the transition:
- Prepare their space – Make sure your home is ready for your pup’s return. Have fresh bedding, bowls, toys, and other necessities set up and waiting. Bringing familiar items from boarding can help too.
- Let them decompress – Dogs need time and space to settle down and decompress after the stimulation of a boarding facility. Allow for rest and relaxation in their first days back.
- Reinforce training – Gentle retraining and reinforcement of commands and routines after a disruption can re-establish security. Practice obedience drills and house rules.
- Monitor interactions – Gradually reintroduce your dog to other household pets, children, or guests. Monitor all interactions closely to ensure safe and calm behavior.
- Avoid overstimulation – It’s exciting to have your dog home but avoid boisterous greetings, long walks, excessive playtime, and too much attention all at once. Allow them to settle in slowly.
- Stick to their schedule – Maintain regular feeding, walking, play, training, and sleep schedules as much as possible. Familiar routines breed comfort and trust.
- Practice brief departures – Loss of confidence in being alone is common after boarding. Practice short separations to rebuild independence.
With attentive care and awareness, you can make your dog feel right at home after boarding. Be patient, nurturing, yet firm and consistent, to get your pup comfortable again quickly.
Possible Issues and How to Handle Them
While most dogs will settle back in smoothly after boarding, some may experience adverse effects like:
- Diarrhea or vomiting – Dietary changes and stress can cause stomach upset. Withhold food briefly and stick to bland foods like rice or chicken. Call your vet if it persists over 24 hours.
- Loss of appetite – Picky eating after boarding is common. Stick to regular feeding times and avoid changing foods. Appetite usually rebounds within a few days.
- Excessive urination – Accidents and frequent urination can indicate anxiety. Use positive reinforcement and stick to a regular bathroom schedule. Limit access to problem areas.
- Destructive behavior – Chewing, scratching, or damage to home or belongings may stem from stress. Provide plenty of exercise, supervised interactions, and safe chew toys.
- Excessive barking or whining – Attention seeking behaviors reveal discomfort. Ease anxiety through routines, training reinforcement, and decompression time.
- Aggression or reactivity – Unfamiliar environments and dogs at boarding facilities can cause fear-based behaviors. Introduce household members and animals slowly post-boarding.
- Depression or lethargy – Persistent low energy or disinterest in food or play may indicate sadness. Provide extra love and schedule a vet visit if it lasts over 48 hours.
Be vigilant for any problematic symptoms and ready to intervene. With diligent monitoring and proactive solutions, these issues can usually resolve within a few days as your dog recalibrates.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding and Returning Home
Proper preparation before your dog’s boarding stay and after returning home is key to their wellbeing. Here are some tips:
Before boarding:
- Allow time to research and visit facilities to choose the right dog boarding option. Look for cleanliness, safety protocols, attentive staff, and suitable amenities.
- Schedule a pre-stay veterinary visit to confirm your dog is healthy enough for boarding and has proper vaccinations.
- Gather all necessary records, medications, foods, or belongings to provide the facility. Give detailed care instructions.
- Practice separation training and use items with your scent to increase comfort away from home.
- Take your dog on car rides to the facility parking area to acquaint them with the location.
- Keep goodbyes brief but upbeat when dropping off. Extended farewells can increase separation anxiety.
Upon returning home:
- Before entering, take your dog on a short walk outdoors for a bathroom break to avoid indoor accidents.
- Maintain a calm, brief greeting without excessive coddling which can spur clingy behaviors.
- Allow time for your dog to explore the house and yard to reacclimate to the environment.
- Gradually reintroduce household members or animals to avoid overstimulation.
- Stick close to your dog’s side during initial hours home to provide security and monitor behavior.
- Reinstate regular routines like feeding, potty breaks, playtime, training, and sleep to rebuild trust.
With proper preparation for boarding drop-off and pick-up, you can reduce anxiety and ensure a smooth transition in both directions.
Finding Quality Dog Boarding Facilities
Choosing the right dog boarding facility is key to your dog’s health and happiness while away from home. Consider these factors when researching options:
- Cleanliness – Facilities should be impeccably clean with regular disinfecting protocols. Look for good ventilation and climate control too.
- Safety and security – Examine enclosures, fencing, gates, and supervision practices. Dogs should never have unsupervised access to potential hazards.
- Staff – Well-trained, caring, and attentive staff with reasonable staff-to-dog ratios are ideal. Look for engaged interactions.
- Veterinary care – On-call vets, health monitoring, and partnerships with local practices provide peace of mind.
- Emergency protocols – Ensure the facility has emergency and disaster response plans to keep dogs safe in any circumstance.
- Amenities – Look for boarding amenities like outdoor exercise areas, enrichment toys and activities, cots or beds, meal catering, grooming services, etc.
- Sizes and grouping – Facilities should group dogs carefully based on size, age, and temperament for safety and comfort.
- Reviews and reputation – Read reviews and talk to previous boarders. Visit in person to judge quality before booking.
Taking time to vet potential boarding facilities ensures your dog’s stay will be secure, enriching, and as stress-free as possible.
Conclusion
Picking up a beloved pup after time away at a dog boarding facility is a big moment. While you’ll be eager for a heartwarming reunion, it’s important to be prepared for potential behavioral or temperament changes as your dog readjusts to home life. With attentive monitoring, adherence to routines, patience and care, you can ensure this transition is smooth and comfortable for your dog. Address any lingering stress or health impacts promptly and provide a nurturing environment. If difficulties persist, consult your veterinarian for guidance. Proper preparation for drop-off and pick-up will also minimize anxiety. By choosing a high-quality boarding facility and easing your dog’s return home, you can keep their health and wellbeing a top priority. With some planning and awareness, this transition can be easy for both owner and pet – allowing you to celebrate being together once more.
By choosing Soulmutts Toronto for your dog boarding needs, you can trust their exceptional amenities, caring staff, and dedication to your dog’s comfort will set them up for a smooth transition upon returning home.
