Boarding a reactive dog can be a hugely daunting task, but with the correct information, preparation and approach, it can be done smoothly.
We have explored far and wide to find some of the most valuable insights from seasoned reactive dog owners. In this post, experienced dog owners share their invaluable tips and experiences to help you ensure your reactive dog's boarding experience is as stress-free and successful as possible.
Understanding Reactivity in Dogs
Firstly, let's discuss what reactivity is. Reactivity in dogs manifests most commonly as excessive barking, lunging, or fearfulness in response to specific triggers, such as other dogs, strangers, or new environments. As dog owners, we must understand that reactivity is often rooted in fear or anxiety, rather than outright aggression.
Preparation is Key: Luna’s Boarding Story
Luna, an 8-month-old Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), was beginning to show signs of reactivity. Her owners, unfortunately, faced a significant challenge when planning their destination wedding, which required finding a boarding solution that could accommodate Luna's needs. She's described by her owners as primarily having on-leash reactivity, but she generally did fine (albeit a bit shy) in small, calm group situations.
Gradual Introduction to the Boarding Facility
Luna's owners found a local daycare and boarding facility. After a phone call explaining Luna's reactivity, the daycare agreed that it would be best for Luna to undertake a trial period that consisted of some brief visits. They started with short visits, allowing Luna to stay for just 15 minutes in a calm, small dog group. Gradually, these visits extended to an hour and eventually half a day. Over a handful of sessions, Luna adapted to the environment, and the facility staff became familiar with her needs.
Tip: As above, search for a boarding facility that offers gradual introduction sessions and is willing to work at your dog's pace.
Benefits of Daycare Visits for Reactive Dogs
While we don't necessarily advocate for leaving reactive dogs in daycares due to their fearfulness, this scenario worked well for Luna. Regular daycare visits helped Luna burn off excess energy and become more comfortable around other dogs and people. These visits not only prepared her for boarding but also improved her overall reactivity.
Tip: Frequent daycare visits can be beneficial for reactive dogs, providing them with a variety of socialisation opportunities in a controlled environment. Ensure the daycare is licensed appropriately and has individuals trained to deal with reactive and aggressive dogs.
Home Boarding: A Calmer Alternative
We have family members who own a Weimaraner that is riddled with separation anxiety and it's safe to say, he doesn't fare well in a boarding facility. One time I had the privilege of picking him up before his parents returned from their trip and upon arriving at the facility, I could hear his howling from the car park. In saying this, some dogs find traditional boarding facilities overwhelming. In such cases, home boarding can be a more calming and appropriate option.
Success with Services like Rover and Pawshake
One reactive dog owner shared their positive experience using Rover, which is a service that connects pet owners with home-based pet sitters. While this option is largely dependent on the type of reactivity your dog has, it can work well in a lot of circumstances.
For Katie and her pup Hank, by meeting the sitter in advance and discussing her dog's reactivity, she was able to ensure a smoother transition. By laying out some of the initial ground rules of "don't interact with him immediately," and "just ignore him," Hank was able to get familiar with the dog sitter and adapted well, with and without other dogs around.
Tip: Consider home boarding for a more relaxed and familiar environment. Meet the sitter beforehand to ensure they can handle your dog's specific needs and so that your dog can be familiarised.
Leveraging Training Facilities
Do you already take your reactive dog to a training facility? If not, we definitely recommend reading about the Benefits of Group Training Classes. Many training facilities also offer boarding and can be an excellent option for reactive dogs. These facilities often have experienced staff who are accustomed to handling behavioural issues, and more often than not, the trainers who already know your reactive pup will be handling their day-to-day happenings.
Specialised Boarding Options
One owner found a training facility that provided boarding services and accepted reactive dogs. The facility used "vision blockers" to minimise visual stimuli and offered private play sessions, reducing stress for their reactive dog.
Tip: Look for boarding facilities associated with training centres. They often have specialised accommodations and experienced staff who understand the inherent needs of your reactive dog.
Your Local Veterinarian Office and Vet Techs
Honestly, this is an underutilised resource. However, vet techs, with their extensive experience in handling various behavioural issues, can be a great option for pet-sitting your reactive dog.
We recommend calling your local veterinarian office to see if the services are offered first and if not, shop around. Many offices do offer home visits and boarding, and they are more often than not open to pet-sitting reactive dogs and managing reactivity.
Tip: Ask your vet or local veterinary office if their techs offer pet-sitting services. Many do this as a side job, or via the veterinary office. Their expertise can absolutely be invaluable to reactive dog owners.
Tips for a Smooth Boarding Experience
Provide the Pet Sitter or Facility with the Correct Tools
You already know the ins and outs of managing your reactive dog, but the person or facility looking after your reactive dog may not. Provide a short information sheet about the requirements of your pup, particularly any management tools like head collars or harnesses that are necessary for controlling them.
Seek the Advice of a Professional
Are you extra nervous about leaving your dog with someone else? Seek out the advice of a professional dog trainer or dog behaviourist to help ease your worries. Often, our anxiety rubs off on our pups and more often than not, they're a lot happier and calmer than we think they're going to be during boarding.
Conclusion
We promise that boarding your reactive dog doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By choosing the right facility, gradually introducing your dog to the environment, and considering alternative options like home boarding and vet tech sitters, you can ensure a successful experience.
A bit of patience and preparation can go a long way. So before beginning boarding, consider looking at some of our other tips and advice blogs about Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques and Understanding Reactive Dogs.
