Boarding a dog isn’t a cakewalk for every pet parent. After all, while dog owners usually are able to board their pups with ease, it isn’t the same experience anymore if yours is a difficult dog.
In fact, with a dog exhibiting reactive, aggressive, or anxious traits, the very thought of boarding them can feel overwhelming.
And it all begins with finding the right dog boarding service providers since not all facilities are equipped to handle such dogs.
But that said, boarding facilities for dogs with challenging temperaments do exist. All you’ve got to do is find one and know how you can go about boarding a difficult dog.
I know it’s easier said than done. And that’s exactly why I’ve detailed how dog boarding works for difficult dogs.
Read on, and know everything about boarding difficult dogs plus my dog boarding expert insights.
What is a difficult dog in the first place?
Before I explain the nitty gritty of boarding difficult pets, it’s important you’re able to identify whether or not yours is one such dog.
That’s because a mere display of aggressive or reactive behavior on some occasions doesn’t bring them in this category. On the contrary, A difficult dog is typically one that displays significant behavioral challenges constantly.
You can identity a difficult pet if they are:
- Reactive: They bark, lunge, or growl at people, other dogs, or stimuli.
- Aggressive: They are directed at humans, other pets, or both.
- Anxious: They experience extreme distress when left alone.
- Fearful: They are skittish or avoid unfamiliar situations, noises, or people.
Is there a dog boarding for difficult dogs?
Yes, boarding facilities for difficult dogs do exist. And although these aren’t any different from what a standard dog boarding is like, they have specially trained staff and equipment to handle unusual pet behavior.
You see, these dogs often require special attention and handling, something that regular boarding facilities might not be equipped to provide.
For instance, aggressive dog boarding and care calls for calm yet swift response from facility staff. Also, it involves use of special equipment to restrain the dog if they’re being violent or threatening the staff and other boarded pets.
Similarly, a dog with separation anxiety or fear will require dedicated care from staff who can empathize with these pets.
So at boarding kennels for such dogs, professionals cater specifically to these needs.
What are the different types of dog boarding for difficult dogs?
Now that you know boarding a difficult dog is indeed possible, you might want to start searching for one such facility already.
But before you do so, I suggest you fully acquaint yourself with the options available. This will allow you to pick a facility that’s best suited for your dog’s behavior.
All in all, here are the different facilities for boarding difficult dogs:
1. Specialized boarding Facility
A specialized kennel or boarding is one that is designed solely to handle pets with certain behavioral challenges.
For instance, there are boarding facilities focused exclusively on handling reactive and aggressive dogs.
At facilities like these, you can find professionals trained and experienced in managing behavior like anger. Also, they offer a controlled environment to minimize stress levels in your pup.
Meaning, if you are looking for a boarding for aggressive dog, this is the kind of facility you want to find.
2. Behavioral boarding
Behavioral boarding facilities combine lodging with training. Herein, apart from the standard boarding care and amenities, your pup will also be trained by licensed dog trainers.
Think of these as reactive or aggressive dog board and train where your pet goes through a full-scale training regimen during their stay.
In fact, while your dog is boarded, professionals work on improving their aggressive or hyper-reactive behavior. And this is particularly beneficial for dogs with aggression or anxiety issues.
3. In-home boarding
As the name suggests, a home dog boarding for difficult dogs involves your pet staying at the boarder’s home rather than a standard facility.
It is quite simple: You leave your dog with a trained professional in their home. Here, they get all the amenities of a boarding facility plus a homely environment and personalized care.
The fact that these boardings are less stressful make them perfect if your dog is generally fearful or anxious.
4. Veterinary boarding
In a lot of dogs, behavior challenges are often linked to pre-existing medical conditions. And for them, a veterinary clinic cum boarding can ensure their health and behavior are managed simultaneously.
Also called special needs dog boarding, these facilities have trained staff 24×7 who can monitor your dog’s health, administer medications, and address any behavioral concerns.
5. Private kennels with low occupancy
Private kennels are perfect if your pup is fearful of unfamiliar noises and presence, especially that of other pets. This is especially true if your dog is being boarded for the first time.
That’s because these facilities cater to fewer dogs and provide a quieter and more controlled environment for difficult dogs.
How to board a difficult dog?
For those of you who have already figured out the ideal facility type for your furry buddy, you’ve still got the boarding process ahead of you. And it matters more because this can be more tedious compared to the dog standard boarding procedure.
So, how do you go about boarding a difficult dog and make sure you actually board your pup before leaving town?
Well, I’ve simplified the process for you in six steps, which include:
Step 1. Find the right facility
Once you’ve finalized which one of the above facility types is right for your dog, you can look up for facilities that have experience handling difficult dogs. And while doing so, I suggest you read genuine reviews, visit in person, and ask questions about staff training and handling protocols.
Also, check if they’re equipped to handle specific needs like separate playtimes or one-on-one care.
Share all the details about your dog with the boarding facility including their behavior history, specific triggers, and day-to-day routine.
At the same time, you should provide standard information key to your pup’s overall boarding experience like instructions for medication, feeding, and preferred activities.
Step 3. Opt for a pre-emptive behavioral training
While facilities like pet boarding for aggressive dogs are well prepared to handle your pet, I suggest you work with a trainer to address specific behavioral issues beforehand.
For instance, you can work to desensitize your dog to being in a kennel for reduced stress. Similarly, teach them basic commands like “sit” or “stay” to give boarding staff tools to manage your dog.
4. Pack familiar things
Many dogs become reactive or anxious because of exposure to unfamiliar environments. So, if you carry along items like your dog’s bed, toys, or a piece of clothing like a dog NFL jersey with your scent, it will help them feel secure.
5. Do a trail stay
Before you board your dog full time, take my advice and arrange a short overnight stay to acclimate your dog to the facility. This can help them feel more comfortable when the actual time to board comes.
6. Board your dog
Finally, after a successful trail stay, you can go on and board your dog without worries of their care and wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions about dog boarding for difficult dogs
Is there a dog boarding for aggressive dog?
Yes, many facilities are equipped to handle aggressive dogs. Moreover, a lot of such facilities also offer aggressive dog boarding and training, where apart from accommodation they also provide behavioral training to your pup.
However, when it comes to boarding a dog with aggression issues, I suggest you look for specialized boarding options with staff experienced in behavioral training.
What is an aggressive dog board and train?
As the same suggests, these facilities both board and train aggressive dogs. Herein, your dog undergoes training by seasoned dog trainers throughout the day and rests in individual kennels through the night.
Which boarding type is ideal for dogs with severe separation anxiety?
If your dog has separation anxiety, my advice would be to prioritize in-home boarding or overnight dog sitting.
Also, you can look for facilities that offer one-on-one care and personalized routines for stress reduction.
What happens if your dog becomes aggressive during boarding?
For aggressive dogs, facilities have protocols in place. This includes isolating the dog or consulting with a behaviorist.
Final words
As you can see, not only is dog boarding for difficult dogs possible but there are also various facility types for you to choose from.
In fact, choose the right facility and even dogs with the most challenging temperaments can have a safe and comfortable boarding experience.
Looking for one such boarding facility for your dog?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than just a dog clothes brand. We bring top-of-the-line boarding infrastructure and seasoned dog care staff to Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
What’s more?
We’ve got you covered on a budget.
