Boarding Your Dog

What to Expect When Your Dog Returns Home after Boarding
By Robert Forto, PhD


One of the most common questions asked to us by our clients at Denver Dog Works is, “will my dog remember we when I pick him up?” Of course we all love our pets and most of us will go to the ends of the earth for them and the thought of leaving them in a strange place brings up connotations of horror. But let me assure you that is not the case. Denver Dog Works, and all reputable boarding kennels/training schools, treat your beloved pet as if they were their own.

“I just can’t be away from my dog…”

I like to tell clients its separation anxiety. No, not from the dog but you! Many clients are concerned that their dogs will not remember them or will become overwhelmed by home sickness, this is never the case. Children often spend more waking hours with their teachers than with their parents yet they never forget where home is. During training your dog is well cared for, very active, and enjoy the training experience. After all, every breed of dog exists today has been selectively bred because they serve a purpose in the service of man. They all have jobs. Today dogs that are not trained develop behavior problems. The reason is most often because they need some discipline, education and purpose in life. Obedience replaces that feeling with a feeling of value and purpose. As for you, rather than dwell on how much you will miss your beloved companion for a few weeks, consider the years of pleasure you and your dog will gain through professional obedience training. There are few things in this world as impressive as a well trained dog working in harmony with their owner.

“I am afraid my dog will only listen to you when he comes home.”
Well, that is a very valid concern. For most trainers there is only one person working with your dog. And when your dog returns he only listens to that person, or at least a person with that skill level (something we see all the time, a dog that has been trained somewhere else doesn't work for the owner, but works like a well trained dog for us). What happens is the dog gets used to being trained with a certain tone, cadence, and quality, so when you say the same things the dog doesn't recognize it. We at Denver Dog Works get around that by having at least 2-3 different experienced trainers a day work with your dog. And to help even more we also use our newer staff members help in training so that they don't sound "perfect" when giving commands. This makes it easy for you because the dog is used to hearing the same words, said MANY different ways. So all you have to do is build some respect, and you're good to go!Then there is the question about Respect that we often hear: “What is ‘Respect’ in dog training, and why is it important?”
Respect is the bond between you and your dog that says to your dog that when something else better is going on, and you say something, he should listen. Think about if your dog has his head in the trashcan, and you tell him to stop. If he stops, every time you say it, then that is respect. If he does not, then we can help with that with a few basic techniques.Follow-up Classes are So Important: “Why do I have to follow up with class?”
During the week(s) of training at Denver Dog Works, your dog is introduced to many new behaviors and skills. And when you get him home he will happily show you these commands when asked. But, it's like any new habit or resolution it's still fragile. So, if you do not follow up with more training the behaviors will begin to break down. So, just at the point when fragile behaviors start to waver, you start class. And during that class experience your dog gets the needed repetition and work to cement those behaviors. So can you be away from your dog for training?
Well, that is definitely one of the hardest parts of boot-camp (ok, its like the hardest part). But, think about it this way, if you are considering boot-camp, or the more intensive board and train, that means you have a special circumstance already that you need help with. If you do not get help now, will it weaken your relationship in the future? Also, if you consider the time you'll spend with your dog during his life, then a week or more to make your relationship better is not that bad.But, if you just can't stand to be away, Denver Dog Works does have our Intensive Day training program. It works as well, but takes longer to produce the results you want since he does not stay with us.

When you do finally get your furry friend home follow these simple steps to make his return most enjoyable:

Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you when you pick him up. Following a few simple steps will help ease the transition back to home life.

• Overexcitement may make a dog pant a lot and act thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty and had plenty of water available at the training facility. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until he settles down.

• Food: ditto. Be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the pet care facility and then limit the food and water you provide until he has settled back into home life.

• Walk your pet upon arrival or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.

• Give your pet some personalized attention — some play time or sitting and petting or brushing him will help him get through the excitement stage and calm down.

• A stay at a pet care facility can be very exciting and some dogs charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the facility exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot for the first couple of days they are home.

• Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule. Pets love following a schedule — it makes them feel safe and secure and remember to follow the rules your trainer has given you. Training starts the minute you get your dog home or bad habits will re-surface, Quickly!

I hope this helps. Remember that we are professionals and we love our jobs. Your dog’s care and safety is our first priority rest assured we take this very seriously. A board and train program, a boot-camp, a boarding stay and our day training programs are all ways that we, at Denver Dog Works, can help build a better bond with your furry friend. If you would like to inquire about any of our training programs call us anytime at 303-752-2818. We would be happy to speak with you.

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Robert Forto, PhD is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He hosts a weekly radio show called The Dog Doctor and can be found on iTunes. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at www.denverdogworks.com