Are you travelling for the festive season or taking a summer holiday? Going out of town is an exciting change of pace for us humans. But the change in routine can be tough on our dogs. And it can be extra hard for nervous dogs who thrive on consistency. So, what’s a pet parent to do? Is dog boarding for anxious dogs even possible?
We consulted two trainers with expertise in separation anxiety to help you navigate your options. So, if you’re nervous about leaving your anxious dog, don’t worry! Here’s what to do:
- Research the right accommodations
- Do some pre-trip training
- Prep all your dog’s supplies in advance
- Leave a detailed care plan
We break down the steps so you can enjoy your holiday travels, knowing your sensitive pup is in great hands.
Should You Board an Anxious Dog?
Deciding whether or not to board your anxious pup is a tough call—and it’s one without a definite “yes” or “no” answer.
According to Amanda Dwyer, a certified separation anxiety pro trainer and owner of Westward Hound, pet parents must weigh the severity and type of anxiety their dog experiences. Assessing your dog’s stress levels and how they typically react to new people, places, and other dogs will help you choose a facility that best meets their needs.
Is it stressful for a dog to be boarded?
It’s not necessarily stressful for dogs to be boarded. Home boarding is likely to be the least upsetting option for them, as they can receive more dedicated care. Some nervous dogs can be okay in a kennel, provided the environment and amenities are set up to minimise stress, not amplify it.
If your dog fears new people and places, look for boarding facilities that give anxious dogs time to become comfortable before your trip. “Many offer daycare services and half days, which can be a great way to expose shy and anxious dogs gradually to the new place and staff,” Dwyer explains.
Is boarding a dog with separation anxiety possible?
Boarding dogs with separation anxiety is possible, but there are a few things to consider. For instance, you’ll want to know if the dogs will be confined to a kennel and left alone for long periods.
Dwyer points out that some small home-based operations may be more able to accommodate a dog’s need for someone to be home at all times. Kennels may require dogs to be alone for long stretches of time—which can be traumatic for dogs with isolation distress. For these pups, consider pet sitting over kennel boarding.
Aleksandr Potashev iStock
How To Choose Boarding for Anxious Dogs
To find a boarding facility that offsets the stress of being in a strange place (and your anxiety about boarding your dog), look for the following green flags.
- Low staff-to-dog ratio
- Calm, quiet, and small facilities
- Visual barriers between dogs
- Close playgroup supervision
- Lots of individualised attention and exercise
- Opportunities for enrichment
- Staff experienced with anxious and reactive dogs
- At least one staff member with qualifications that show training in handling anxious and reactive dogs, such as Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) accreditation or a Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) diploma in dog behaviour
- Positive reinforcement and positive interrupters for behaviour issues
What’s the staff-to-dog ratio?
One of the best ways to find a good fit is to ask questions of your kennels or pet sitter. One of the most important things to know is the minimum number of staff per shift and the maximum number of dogs allowed at the facility. “Experienced staff can handle a fairly large group of well-socialised dogs,” says Dwyer. “But if the ratio is too great, they won’t be able to keep up with both hygiene and play dynamics.”
Home boarding facilities must have a maximum of eight dogs per staff member, according to Animal Welfare Regulations. In a boarding kennel, each staff member will have 25 or fewer dogs to care for, if they’re in line with regulations. This can make home boarding with the right sitter a more suitable arrangement than kennels for anxious dogs.
You’ll also want to find out if any staff stay on-site overnight. If not, your dog will be alone for nine or more hours in the evening.
Is the facility set up to minimise stress?
Khris Erickson, a dog trainer who specialises in separation anxiety, advises getting a tour of the facility and checking out the area where your dog will be kept. The best boarding facilities for anxious dogs will be small, calm, and quiet. Usually, home boarding is best.
“Assess the noise and activity level to see if it will be stressful,” she says. “Stay away from facilities where there is non-stop barking and large numbers of dogs in the same space.” Visual barriers are another helpful aid to keep stress to a minimum.
How are playtime and socialisation coordinated?
“If dogs are allowed to socialise during their stay, I would want to know what methods are used to keep playgroups safe and enjoyable for all the dogs,” says Dwyer. She recommends asking whether playgroups are divided by size, age, and temperament.
If the boarding facility does not have dogs socialise with each other—or your dog doesn’t enjoy the company of other dogs—ask what amount of attention and exercise each dog gets daily, or go for a home boarding arrangement in which there are few or no other dogs.
Is the sitter or staff prepared to handle anxious dogs?
You can inquire about the sitter or staff’s experience in dealing with separation anxiety or other types of behavioural issues like reactivity. “During your tour, observe the staff’s interaction with the dogs, making sure they can not only handle the dogs but are also friendly and compassionate,” adds Erickson.
Do they use positive reinforcement methods?
Avoid facilities that resort to harsh methods for addressing problem behaviours. “Ideally, unwanted behaviours would be minimised with time-outs or positive interrupters instead of harsher means like loud noises or spray bottles that could make an anxious dog (or any dog) more uncomfortable,” says Dwyer.
Are the dogs given opportunities for enrichment and exercise?
Regular exercise is critical for blowing off steam and reducing stress. “Your dog should have opportunities several times a day to get out of their kennel and exercise,” says Erickson. “They should also be given enrichment items such as food puzzles and interactive toys daily—even if the owner needs to provide them.”
Other Dog Boarding Options for Anxious Dogs
Sometimes, boarding with other dogs is too overwhelming for nervous pups or unsocialized dogs who may have missed their socialisation window in puppyhood. But that doesn’t mean you can never leave the house—there are alternatives to traditional boarding kennels for anxious dogs.
Pet sitters are often a great fit for dogs who don’t do well with boarding. As Dwyer points out, some sitters will also stay in your house, which may be the least stressful option. “Anxious dogs can be very sensitive to disruptions in their routines, and sometimes having someone stay in their home and walk them in familiar places can be less overwhelming than staying in a completely new environment,” she says.
How Can I Help My Dog With Kennel Anxiety?
If you do choose to board your dog in kennels, the more times you can meet with the care providers in advance, the better. Set your dog up for success by giving them enough time to get used to the facility and staff.
Erickson also suggests a trial stay for half a day or overnight—or attending day care at the facility, if available. That way, you can see how your pup handles the environment while helping them become accustomed to it. If the boarding facility offers a live video feed, assess how your dog is doing during their short stay.
How can you get an anxious dog used to a sitter?
If you’re hiring a sitter, plan at least one meet-and-greet before you go out of town. Many house sitters are also dog walkers, so scheduling a few walks beforehand is a good way to acclimate your dog before leaving them.
“Try and allow the sitter to interact with your dog in ways that build a relationship, such as playing and giving the dog treats,” Erickson advises.
Reactive and anxious pup Roo enjoys head skritches during a trial run with her pet sitter. Image via Elizabeth Holbrook
Other ways to help your nervous pup
Both experts recommend sending your pup off with a comforting item that smells like you, such as a worn T-shirt or towel. Additional items you may want to pack for your pup include:
- Anxiety aids, such as a ThunderShirt, calming collar, or calming treats
- A few favourite calming toys
- Their favourite bed or blanket
- High-value chews, KONGs, or lick mats (provided the facility is willing to distribute them)
- Veterinary and emergency contact information
- Your dog’s food and feeding instructions
- Medications and thorough directions for administering them
Dwyer encourages pet parents to talk to their veterinarian about their dog’s behaviour and symptoms before travelling. Anti-anxiety meds may also be an option to ease your pup’s stress.
Note that you’ll need a prescription for anti-anxiety medications or sedatives, and there are no legally approved over-the-counter sedatives available for UK dogs. If no suitable licensed veterinary product is available, a vet may prescribe a human medicine or one made specially by a vet or pharmacist. Speak to your vet about the options for your dog.
The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for your dog when you go out of town. Make plans with a trusted pet sitter experienced with anxious dogs. Prepare your pet in advance, pack wisely, and project calm confidence when you leave. You’ll travel with peace of mind and come home to a happy dog!
Further Reading
- 5 Behaviours That Make Dogs Nervous, and What to Do Instead
- Is Your Dog Stressed? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding the Signs
- How To Help a Dog Who’s Afraid of Everything
