Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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I've officially had Tanner the longest out of any of his 8 homes. Just over a year now. Understandably he gets a little anxious whenever his routine changes. I'm boarding him this weekend to take a road trip with a friend. I'll be bringing his food(pre-portioned) and bed in with him. It's the same place that we briefly took a training class at so he's somewhat familiar with it and they are fairly educated about dog behavior.
Is there anything else I can do to help lower his stress levels while he's boarded? I already gave instructions to ignore any whining or other anxious behaviors. When we come home we'll go back into NILIF boot camp for a few days until he realizes that his routine and home are still secure.
I'd love to just get a pet sitter but when Tanner gets anxious he gets destructive and will sometimes eat unedible objects. Underwear and socks(whole!) mostly. He also destroys door frames and I rent. I'd rather he be supervised the whole time.
We got a Thundershirt for Bailey and started having her wear it before we got to the kennel when we have her boarded. They would take it off after about 4 hours and said it seemed to make her calm down faster. Before that, she would pace like crazy and jump against the walls until she burned off enough energy to calm down. Also, we make sure we get her exercised as much as possible before we head to the kennel.
In a previous thread we got a suggestion from David Winner that seemed good at the time but we were never able to fully implement as much as we would have liked to. He said to try and do some dry runs at the kennel to get her used to settling in. Sort of like happy visits to a vet where you just visit and go through the motion to get them used to it in a positive way. We still want to work on that.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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It's one of those big sherpa mats from Leerburg. The seams are strong and kind of buried so I don't think he'll try anything with it. I trust it more than the smaller thin mats most kennels provide. He doesn't typically chew or shred anything. He swallowed the sock and underwear whole.
Cathy,
Have a GREAT time on your road trip! A few days vs 8 different homes.....he'll be fine.
Your attitude counts. Matter of fact and out the door.
I occasionally dog sit for people who have difficult to board dogs for a variety of reasons. I board them in my home. It never ceases to amaze me that dogs really do live in the "Now". Once the initial departure is over, they are fine with someone meeting their needs. It might not be you but it is good enough. Good enough is all they ask for.
However; I'm sure he will greet you with quite a reception upon your return. Who wouldn't be thrilled to be going from good enough to perfection?
I would leave something of yourself, like Bob said, vs. taking his bed. His bed is for his home. I think in this situation he will be likely to destroy the bed.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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Sheila already said my best suggestion: "Matter of fact and out the door."
No big goodbyes, no emotional "be a good boy." This should be treated by you as the most normal thing in the world--as if you leave him at this kennel every day.
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