Tips to Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable at a Kennel

Pets/Animals - Animal Care
By: clewand550 16-Mar-2011

Introduction:Boarding your dog at a kennel can be pretty intimidating and scary for any dog. Try to follow some of these tips at a young age so that if you do need to board your dog down the road, he or she will be more comfortable and not afraid of being left at a kennel.

01
Meet Other Dogs and People

Be sure that your dog is with dogs and other people at a young age. Have play dates set up for your dog. Take your dog to a dog park. There are usually dog parks at most cities these days. Be sure that your dog feels comfortable being with other dogs and can get a long with other dogs starting out at a young puppy age. Socialize your puppy with a variety of different age dogs, different breeds, and people of all ages.

You can also put your puppy in puppy classes. Puppy classes are great even if you don't plan on boarding your dog. Puppy classes not only teaches them good behavior but also gets them used to other dogs and people. This will help them learn to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Be sure to do this often with your dog so that they will feel comfortable being at a kennel.
02
Behave

Be sure to teach your dog how to behave. Your dog should know how to sit, stay, and lay down. These are very easy for your dog to learn and know. Your dog should learn that he or she should never jump on people. No matter if there is someone at the door, or there is food in someone's hand, or if the dog gets excited, your dog should never be allowed to jump on any person of any age. Your dog should learn this at a young age. If your dog is taught this at a young age, they will learn easier that this is never allowed. Your dog should understand that they are never allowed to take food out of someone's hand if it isn't for them. Your dog should never be allowed to bite anyone. This includes clothing, shoes, fingers, or anything that is not their toy or bone. Your dog should learn that when they are walking on a leash they should heel beside you and not pull on their leash. All these behaviors are important for them to know and understand if you plan on putting them at a kennel.
03
Touched

Your dog should feel comfortable being touched by other people. They should never be afraid to be petted, have their feet played with, or have their ears played with. Your dog should never feel jumpy or scared if someone approaches them or any reason. Be sure that they are comfortable being touched by all kinds of people. This will help them out if they need to be boarded at a kennel.
04
Kennels

Look around for kennels. Talk to other pet owners, veterinarians, and kennel owners to see which kennels are recommended. Visit various different kennels and see how they treat the dogs while you are there. See where they would be sleeping, playing, and eating. Check to see if the kennel is clean and if the play area is clean. Be sure to notice what kind of play area it is there. Ask them and try to pay attention to how much play time they will be having while they are at the kennel. Are the dogs kenneled up in small kennels, tied up, or loose and free to walk around Another important thing to notice is are the employees friendly to both you and the dogs.

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05
Visits

Have your dog do short visits to the kennel when you find one that you are comfortable with. Have your dog spend an hour or two at first and then maybe several hours before you leave them for an overnight stay. This will help your dog feel more comfortable with the surroundings. Your dog will get to know the employees and the employees will get to know your dog. Dogs always do better when they are familiar with people and places. Be sure to take something along with them that they are familiar with. Your dog will miss you and will probably feel better if they have your scent with them. Take one of their bones, toys, a small blanket, or piece of clothing so that it will have your scent on them to smell while you are gone.

Final Thoughts

These are all important things to consider if you plan on putting your dog in a kennel. Boarding is a dog is hard on them and on you. You want to make sure that they are being treated fairly and you want it to feel like home to them. You want them to feel as comfortable as possible.

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JennyHeart 3/1/2016 Flag This Comment

great list ab out a great topic. H5
snowfence 3/20/2011 Flag This Comment

Thanks for the top five tips on making your dog feel comfortable at a kennel. H5
IzzyDuncan 3/19/2011 Flag This Comment

Excellent suggestions to acclamate your pet. These look like they would work for cats, too!
leaper 3/19/2011 Flag This Comment

Great tips on getting a dog acclimated to staying in a kennel. My dog loves going to her spa/kennel!
jseven 3/17/2011 Flag This Comment

Great tips for boarding dogs at the kennel. I've never had to do it, but it would be hard.
hummingbirdee 3/16/2011 Flag This Comment

My dog also was mad when I left her at a kennel. She always had a sixth sense and knew when she was going. I would also suggest getting a shot for kennel cough. She got that once, too. My bad.
patriciac 3/16/2011 Flag This Comment

The first time I left my dogs at a kennel, I swear they were mad at me when I picked them up. Barely greeted me at all.
They didn't warm up to me till we got home. Poor dears.
litetender 3/16/2011 Flag This Comment

Very thoughtful list! I don't have a "kennel" per se, but do board for a few select people. I always find it helpful, and think it also helps the dog, if the people write a list of what the dog's commands are, feeding schedule, any issues he might have, etc. It's also best for the dog when the people bring the dog's own diet.
goodselfme 3/16/2011 Flag This Comment

Great list for considerations with dog boarding in a kennel.This is always a hard thing for me to do as it probably is with all pet owners. Your tips help to soothe the event.