Leaving dog for the first time- Boarding

[Lovenest]

Anyone have any tips on how to make this as stress free fr my dog and myself. He has never boarded before with us, we rescued him when he was 1.5 and now he is 4. He does not like when we leave, he does not destroy things, but he does yelp. We took him there tonight for a "play date" and he seemed happy and played with all the other dogs. I am just wondering if I can do anything to help him adjust for the 4 days/3 nights he is boarded.


Thank you!

[Sailor]

You could leave him one of your shirts that you've worn for a few days. He can sleep with it in his bed or crate - sometimes having a smell from home helps.

[lifeguard]

Can you leave him for one overnight between now & then?

Get some rescue remedy. I'm sure my anxious pup would never have survived two plane rides as well as she did without it.

[foreverinbluejeans]

My son's dog made a nest out of clothes while my son and DIL were at the hospital having the baby. She was alone much of the time in the apartment for several days. I took her out and spent one night. I think the clothes idea is great!

[Ruthie's momma]

To help your dog...

*Bring along one of your t-shirts
*Bring along one of his toys (each of my dogs have a favorite stuffed animal...)

To help yourself...

*Bring a pic or two of your dog along with you (on your vacation)
*Call the boarders everyday or every other day to get an update on your dog

When I was a little girl, my mom and I would send our dog a postcard!

[nd_deadhead]

If your dog sleeps in a crate, be sure to bring it along. Take off the door so it doesn't get in the way. Toss in his favorite blanket and toy.

My dog always pouts on the way to the "puppy motel" when we go on vacation (yesm he knows the way!) - not because he doesn't like it there, but because he doesn't like to be away from us. Once we get there, he runs to each run in turn, sniffs noses with the occupant, and gives a big bark as if to say "I'm here now, and I'm in charge!" After he has done this with every dog, he runs back to the office, sits down next to the kennel owner and grins at her, as if to say "Well, Jeannie, what's on the agenda for today? I'm ready!"

Don't worry about your pup. Enjoy your vacation!