Here’s how dog boarding can be a powerful tool in calming your pet’s nervous habits.
Your dog loves you — a lot. So when you disappear from home for a few minutes or hours at a time, it’s no surprise they wonder where you go (and when you’re coming back). Your absence sends them into a frenzy, causing stress for you and your pet.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often travel down a path of destruction. They chew on furniture, scrape up the floors, leave holes in the walls, and obliterate your prized possessions. We’ve even seen dogs chew through metal crates, leaving well-meaning pet parents baffled and confused.
What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is the extreme distress your pet feels when left alone. They’re not just missing you or feeling a little lonely. When they have separation anxiety, they behave differently.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Soiling the floors or other off-limit areas
- Chewing, scratching, and other destructive behaviors
Separation anxiety goes beyond a little whimper when you leave the house. It’s also not the result of boredom, where your pet might get into a little mischief when left alone to entertain themselves. In short, pets with separation anxiety are terrified to be left alone, which is why boarding provides a viable solution.
How can boarding your dog help with separation anxiety?
Contrary to popular belief, dog boarding isn’t just for overnight stays. Think of it as a doggie daycare, where your dog will be in good hands while you’re at work, school, or traveling. There are many benefits to dog boarding, including easing separation anxiety. Here’s why it works.
Boarding gives your dog something to do.
When you leave for work or any extended period of time, your dog loses the stimulation they receive when they’re with you. This can be triggering for dogs with separation anxiety, leading them to destructive behaviors and feelings of stress.
Boarding helps them realize they can survive without you for short periods. They’re well supervised and can be monitored for behavior and anxiety-related symptoms while you’re gone.
Boarding keeps your dog engaged and around people.
Dogs that board receive stimulation and activity from other dogs and humans. This stimulation scratches a physiological itch for dogs who can’t stand being alone.
Being around other people and dogs takes your dog’s mind off your absence. They don’t have as much time to miss you since they’re busy exploring new scenery and smells.
Your dog can use their energy constructively.
Sometimes, the need for stimulation is the cause of separation anxiety. In this case, the cause can also be the cure. Your dog will have more opportunities to run, jump, and play, allowing them to channel their energy constructively.
Many times, dogs return home from boarding tired and ready for a long nap. They’ve been entertained for hours and released their pent-up energy. This way, they can focus on safe and healthy activities rather than taking it out on your furniture, floors, and belongings.
Getting started with dog boarding
There are many different ways to deal with separation anxiety, from playing music or the television when you leave the house to using pet cameras that let your pet hear your voice remotely. Before trying any DIY methods to ease your dog’s separation anxiety, we recommend consulting your vet as well as a certified dog trainer. These are excellent resources that let you draw on their experience to find solutions that work for your dog long term.
And if you do plan to try boarding to help with separation anxiety, speak with your vet to ensure you have the proper vaccinations. Boarding facilities may require different vaccinations since your dog will be in the company of other canines, helping to keep everyone healthy.
Dog boarding can be a helpful tool that eases separation anxiety by providing your pup with a safe, social, and structured environment. A good facility and consistent care allows your dog to build confidence — and you can both feel more at ease when you’re apart.