Finding the right dog boarding option can be a challenge—doubly so for reactive dogs. How will your feisty pup cope in a kennel? What if they have a string of meltdowns? Can reactive dogs even go to boarding? The short answer? Yes!
With careful research and preparation, it is possible to put a reactive dog in a kennel or boarding facility. However, a successful stay depends on thoroughly vetting boarding facilities, training your reactive dog ahead of time, and communicating their needs to potential caregivers.
With insights from two professional trainers, we explore how to approach dog boarding for reactive dogs, from selecting a suitable facility to the viability of board-and-train programs. And if you find that boarding isn’t a good fit, we’ll also discuss appropriate alternatives.
How To Choose Boarding for Reactive Dogs
Not all boarding kennels can meet the unique needs of reactive dogs. Leigh Siegfried, founder and training director at Opportunity Barks, suggests looking for a small-scale, training-centric facility. The criteria she considers most important are staff experience and facility design.
Pick a more intimate facility
To board a reactive dog, choose a facility with
- Lots of visual barriers
- Low noise
- Low ceilings
- Separate quiet areas for relaxing
- Low dog-to-staff ratio
“Traditional care facilities are large and focused on maximizing capacity, with very little thought to design,” Siegfried explains. A sprawling, warehouse-like facility may increase your dog’s stress, but a facility with visual barriers, controlled noise levels, and low ceilings can help them feel more secure. Reactive dogs will do best in kennels equipped with separate, quiet areas for relaxing and decompressing.
Additionally, a lower dog-to-staff ratio is preferable. Fewer dogs means less overstimulation. It also allows dogs to receive more individualized attention and care.
Look for clear communication and experience
To get good care for reactive pups, prioritize
- Staff good at reading dog body language and deescalating dog conflicts
- Honesty—truthfully describe your dog’s reactivity
- Frequent communication from the facility
Equally important is the staff’s training and experience in handling reactive dogs. They should know how to diffuse stress, read canine body language, and avoid escalating situations.
Clear communication is key to a safe and minimally stressful stay. Always be fully transparent about your dog’s reactivity, alerting staff of your pup’s triggers and behaviors. Not only does this help caretakers respond to and manage your dog’s reactivity, but also helps them determine whether or not your dog is a good fit for their program.
This communication must go both ways, says Nandina Bogunović, a professional dog trainer and writer at Breed Atlas. “Boarding facilities should be willing to provide updates on your dog’s well-being and be open to instructions regarding the specific needs and triggers of your dog.”
Ensure safety protocols are in place
A good facility for a reactive dog will have
- Secure fencing
- Double gates
- A way to minimize dog interactions when needed
Since fearful dogs may try to run away, be sure to evaluate the facility’s safety protocols and security. “Check that the facility has secure fencing, double gates, and escape prevention measures,” says Bogunović, adding that the environment should also minimize interactions with other dogs.
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Questions To Ask Prospective Boarding Facilities
As you evaluate dog boarding facilities near you, it may help to have a list of questions specifically for reactive dogs. Here are a few things to consider in your search.
- Does the facility have separate, quiet areas for dogs who can’t be around other dogs?
- Is the staff trained in handling reactive dogs?
- What happens if your dog reacts or does something undesirable? How would they address this?
- What happens if your dog doesn’t get along with another dog? What happens if your dog gets attacked by another dog?
- What policies do they have to protect your dog or other dogs?
- For reactive dogs that can play with other dogs, how big are playgroups? How are they monitored? How often do they play? What does dog-to-dog play look like?
- Are dogs always supervised?
- How much human interaction will your dog have?
- What would the daily schedule look like during boarding?
- How often will your dog be taken out of their kennel?
- Where is the facility’s best place to walk a reactive dog?
- Will your dog go on solo walks? Is that an option you can pay for?
- Are the dogs given any enrichment or activities inside of their kennel? Can you leave your own KONGs, puzzle toys, or lick mats?
- What do feeding times look like?
- Do they give daily updates via videos, photos, etc.? Is there a live video feed?
- Is there staff that stays overnight?
- Do they offer trial runs or half-day daycare sessions?
Is a Board-and-Train Good for Reactive Dog?
A board-and-train program may be another good option for your reactive dog. These programs provide concentrated training periods and structure—a winning combination that can address reactive behaviors more effectively than weekly training sessions.
While board-and-train programs can help many dogs, Siegfried emphasizes that pet parents should have realistic expectations with results. Yes, these programs can be an excellent way to jumpstart your dog’s training. However, they’re just one step along what is usually an ongoing and non-linear journey.
Bogunović recommends selecting a board-and-train program run by trainers who are qualified and experienced specifically with reactivity. Look for programs that employ positive reinforcement and reward-based training and avoid those that use punishment or aversive techniques (often promising quick fixes).
Post-training support is also important. “An excellent board-and-train program is going to provide some follow-up support to ensure that training translates to the home environment,” explains Bogunović. “This can be in the form of in-home sessions, detailed training plans, and ongoing advice.”
Preparing Your Reactive Dog for Boarding
Training alone won’t fully prepare your reactive dog for boarding, but it’s a good place to start. “Behavioral modification and training is never going to be time ill-spent,” says Siegfried. She suggests building your dog’s confidence and comfort with:
- Being confined in a crate
- Having their collar or harness handled by a stranger
- Having a leash attached by a stranger
Additionally, you can work on gradually desensitizing your dog to their usual triggers through counter-conditioning techniques.
Bogunović recommends familiarizing your dog with the boarding facility with short visits or an overnight trial stay. You can meet with trainers beforehand, let your dog explore the grounds, and expose them to the various sounds they’ll hear during their stay.
You can also ask your vet if they think situational anti-anxiety meds are a good idea for your dog.
Familiar smells are comforting, so consider packing a worn t-shirt with your scent. You can also send along items that will help your dog feel calm and secure, such as a favorite blanket, bed, or calming toy. Enrichment tools, like KONGs or lick mats, are a good idea, too.
Just make sure to temper your expectations and realize there may be some hiccups along the way. “Sometimes you can do your best, and the dog can still present fear or stress for a few days during a stay,” admits Siegfried. Remember, reducing reactivity is an ongoing process, and it’s okay if your dog takes time to adjust.
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Alternatives to Dog Boarding
If boarding your spicy pup is not in the cards, there are still ways you can go on vacation with a reactive dog. First, you can hire a savvy in-home sitter. This option lets your dog stay in a familiar environment to minimize stress. If your dog is not people-friendly, Siegfried says it’s best to keep them confined when the sitter arrives.
Another option is seeking help from trusted friends or family members who can either stay at your home or have your dog stay with them. As Bogunović points out, having familiar faces around can help reduce your dog’s stress.
You could also hire a professional dog walker who’s familiar with handling reactive dogs. “This can be done in conjunction with having someone look after your dog in your home,” says Bogunović.
Some veterinary clinics offer boarding services with additional behavioral support. “These facilities often have staff trained to handle reactive dogs and can provide a more controlled and medically supervised environment,” Bogunović adds.
Finally, if it’s possible, consider letting your dog join your travels. While not feasible for every trip, with some training and planning, traveling with a reactive dog can be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
