Dogs can exhibit anxiety and stress when left alone in a boarding facility, leading to destructive behavior such as chewing and digging.
Separation anxiety can cause dogs to whine, howl, and bark excessively, disturbing other boarders and staff.
This behavior can be triggered by the dog's environment, including the lack of familiar scents and sounds.
Dogs that are not properly exercised and mentally stimulated may become restless and destructive.
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Early Socialization is Crucial
Early socialization is crucial because dogs learn about the world around them and how to interact with their family at a young age. This is when they develop habits that can lead to behavior problems later on.
Almost all dog behavior problems are created when dogs are puppies, so it's essential to socialize them properly during this time. People often give dogs too much freedom, too little structure, too much praise, or not enough praise, which can lead to unwanted behavior.
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Dogs need to learn obedience to trust their family and understand how to follow their lead. This helps them develop a better state of mind and feel secure in their relationships with their family.
By teaching obedience, you can help your dog trust that you have its best interests in mind, and that's especially important when they're fearful or showing aggression towards something.
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Understanding Canine Behavior
Every dog is different, and understanding their unique behavior, temperament, and needs is crucial for a smooth boarding experience.
At K9U, we take notes on a dog's behavior, temperament, and needs to tailor a plan that suits their individual requirements.
We may recommend a day with a trainer to determine what makes each pup tick, either while they're in our care or during a special evaluation.
A thorough evaluation helps us create a plan that addresses each dog's specific needs, making their boarding experience more enjoyable and stress-free for both the dog and their owner.
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Training and Development
Our training programs are designed to help dogs like Star, a three-year-old Pitbull, overcome aggressive behavior. She was able to accept people within one week of training.
We offer a Board and Train program that's perfect for dogs with behavioral issues. This three-week program allows our trainers to work closely with your dog to establish good communication.
For busy owners, our Boarding and Training program provides intensive, personalized training while your dog boards with us. This is a great option for dogs with special behavioral issues.
Our Day Camp Academy program is ideal for dogs that need to work on specific socialization or basic obedience skills. This program allows your dog to enjoy daycare while receiving individualized training.
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Training Video
We've seen remarkable transformations in dogs like Star, a three-year-old Pitbull who showed aggressive behavior toward people but made great progress within just one week of our Board and Train program.
Our trainers, like Sarah, work closely with dogs to establish good communication from the start, which is crucial for achieving results like Star's.
Star's owners brought her to us because of her aggressive behavior, showing that environment plays a significant role in shaping a dog's behavior, not genetics.
By establishing good communication, our trainers can help dogs like Star accept people and make significant progress in just a few weeks.
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Day Camp Academy
As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes providing them with a strong foundation for social and emotional development. Dogs who experience more hours of dog-care have significantly fewer social skills and poorer work habits as adult dogs.
The quality of daycare matters, but it's not as important as the quantity of pet care. Dogs who spend more time in non-maternal care are likely to exhibit lower levels of sensitivity and less positive parent-dog interactions, regardless of the quality and stability of the child care.
One way to give your dog a head start in life is through individualized day training, like our Day Camp Academy program. This program allows your dog to work on specific socialization or basic obedience skills while enjoying daycare.
Dogs who experience more center care continue to show more problem behaviors by age 18 months, and at age 24 months, they may exhibit more aggressive behaviors and impulsivity. By addressing these issues early on, you can help your dog develop into a well-adjusted and well-behaved adult dog.
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In our experience as a high-quality boarding and daycare provider, we've seen that dogs who came from "doggy day camp" or commercial pet care were less socially adaptable than dogs who came from pet sitter care. By choosing a high-quality daycare option and limiting the number of days your dog spends there, you can help prevent negative social and emotional outcomes.
Secure owner-dog attachment is critical for positive pack interactions, good social behaviors, balanced emotions, and exploratory behaviors. By focusing on building a strong bond with your dog, you can set them up for a lifetime of happiness and success.
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Boot Camp
Boot Camp is a great option for dogs with special behavioral issues. It offers intensive personalized training while boarding.
For busy people, Boarding and Training provides a convenient solution to regular training sessions. This way, your dog can get the attention they need without you having to be there.
Dog Boot Camp is a personalized solution that can be tailored to your dog's specific needs. It's perfect for dogs that need extra help with behavioral issues.
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Boarding Options and Services
Some boarding facilities offer private suites or rooms, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, especially those with separation anxiety.
Research has shown that dogs who board in private suites tend to exhibit fewer behavioral issues than those who board in group settings.
Dogs who are crate-trained may benefit from crate-free boarding options, which can help them feel more comfortable and secure.
However, dogs who are not crate-trained may not do well without a crate, and may even become destructive or anxious.
Providing a familiar object, such as a favorite toy or blanket, can help ease a dog's transition to boarding and reduce stress.
Many boarding facilities also offer exercise and playtime options, which can help burn off excess energy and reduce behavioral issues.
Some facilities may offer specialized services, such as medication administration or special diets, for dogs with specific needs.
It's essential to research and choose a boarding facility that meets your dog's individual needs and provides a safe and comfortable environment.
Related reading: Board Aggressive Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of kennel stress?
Common symptoms of kennel stress in dogs include excessive barking, loss of appetite, and digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting
Sources
- https://www.glasscityk9.com/dog-behavior-modification-training/
- https://k9uchicago.com/boarding-daycare-for-reactive-dogs/
- https://www.barneysranch.com/2015/08/18/what-to-do-if-your-dog-becomes-aggressive-at-the-kennel/
- https://prestigek9.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-boarding-and-training-for-your-dog-is-it-worth-it/
- https://www.holisticdogtraining.org/blog/2016/5/22/negative-effects-of-daycare-on-dog-development-and-nine-ways-to-prevent-them
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