Some people prefer to board their dogs, while others like to have someone come to them. Which is really better for your dog? To put it simply, the answer really depends on your dog.
My name is Viola and I am an experienced pet-sitter and dog owner. I have been pet sitting for over 7 years and have been raising and training dogs my whole life. Today I'd like to share some tips on choosing the right type of care for your dog.
Let's talk about it!
there are quite a few factors to consider when it comes to picking the right choice for care for your dog. There are 5 main factors I think are the most crucial to think about:
Is your dog a dog-dog?
For some dogs, nothing is more anxiety inducing than spending time with other pooches. You have probably seen your dog around new dogs and also playing with others. Maybe you walked by another person walking their dog up the street, or maybe you make frequent visits to the dog park.
How did your dog respond? If you aren't sure, they haven't been exposed, or they can be a little aggressive when meeting new dogs- play it safe and have someone care for your pup in their home.
Not only will this keep you and your dog worry free, but it will keep other dogs safe.
On the other hand, if your dog is carefree and fun loving in these situations, then a packed kennel with countless friends to play with could be a wonderland option for them. Also consider an in-home pet sitter with other dogs your pup can enjoy while in their care, like me!
Is your dog a people-dog?
How is little (or big) Max or Spot when he meets your new friend? This could be a huge deciding factor for how to care for your pup when you're at work, on the go or out of town.
Consider how long it takes them to warm up to new people.
Dogs who are timid and shy may be better off at home. Yes, they will be shy the first time your in-house sitter stays the night, but eventually... they will warm up! Most pet-sitters have encountered at least 1 dog like this in their experience, myself included.
These guys are better at home because if gives them a comfortable space to warm up and will not be as difficult for them to adapt to. And they will, I promise!
If your dog is good with people you can certainly consider a kennel. But, I am more on the side of in-house sitting just for the sake of keeping your pet in a comfortable routine.
Do they have anxiety/separation issues?
If your dog has a heart attack every time you drop them off somewhere, please consider in house sitting! Your dog will benefit from nixing this out of their life altogether, and it's easy to see why.
The effects of stress can show in dogs in various ways including over grooming themselves, excessive itching or biting, and hair loss.
Personally, I have never boarded my dog. I'll always opt for a pet-sitter or family member to keep my pup feeling safe.
If your dog is a rescue or has been rehoused many times, visiting a boarding facility even once could be a very traumatizing experience and could worser or even create anxiety issues.
How do you/how does your dog feel about cages/rooms?
We have all seen boarders with walls lined with cages that the dogs sleep in. This is okay to some dog owners, and I get it.. but I also don't get it. Let me explain...
I am all for crate training at a young age. but there is a limit in my opinion. Anything excessive, 3,4 even 5 hours in a cage without a break is kind of cruel if you really think about it. Sometimes at boarders this is the case.
In my opinion, dogs are a part of the family. They have their own unique personalities and love harder than any other animal on this planet. If you wouldn't sit in a cage for 3 hours with nothing but a blanket, don't do it to your pup.
With in home sitters like me, you don't have to worry about any breaks in routine!
How convenient would you like your care to be?
Not to dog on boarding, but in-home care is incredibly convenient. You really only need to meet your sitter once to show them around the house and after that your pooch is in good hands! Generally, I will arrive at a clients house 2-3 hours after they leave and hang out with them throughout the day and stay with them at night. Then, I'll clean up and leave a few hours before you get home. Like you never even left!
This is one of my favorite things about having someone watch my pets in my house. Having to drop and pick up from a boarder isn't a crazy hassle, but it doesn't hurt to save time!
What do you think?
Did you find this article useful?
What is your experience with in-home pet sitters vs boarding facilities?
I'd love to hear from you in the comments.
Thank you for reading! 🐶
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