by Jean Ann Carrigan, owner of Ms C’s Bed & Biscuits
Dogs form strong attachments to their owners, owners provide necessities of life, food, water, shelter and love. So, is it any wonder being out of their owner’s presence causes some anxiety? During 2020, with people not leaving their homes, dogs became accustomed to constantly being in the owner’s presence. Thankfully in 2021, “stay at home” orders are lifted, people are traveling, and dogs are ready to attend doggy day, dog sitting, & overnight camp.
Prepare your dogs properly for attending camp. It’s important for owners to help their dog feel comfortable attending camp, reassuring the dog a safe, secure, comfortable environment. Your dog needs to understand your absence from him is endurable & temporary. Camp should be fun! When choosing the proper doggy camp (boarding facility) for your four legged kids, interview each facility.
Questions to include during the interview:
• What vaccinations do you require?
• What is the cost? Is your resort “all inclusive” or “ala carte”? What is included in the quoted price?
• What schedule do you operate Monday through Friday vs weekends and major holidays?
• How many dogs do you allow playing together at a time? What is your playtime staff to dog ratio?
• Does each dog, or dogs from the same family have their own individual kennel/suite or do dogs from different families stay together? (If separate kennel/suites, what is the size?)
• Is your building temperature controlled? What temperature do you keep your building? (Dog’s temperatures normally run 101 to 102.5 degrees. With many dogs together in a building, the building can get mighty warm if not controlled properly.)
• Do you provide food, or do we bring food from home, what about treats? (You want to keep the dog on the same food regimen as home. The dog is in a different environment, the diet should not be different than at home.)
• How large is the play yard & outside area? Where do the dogs go potty? How often is that area clean/sanitized?
• What measures do you take to settle the dogs down at night?
Prior to attending camp assure you know the policies regarding dog’s personal toys, treats and owner’s personal clothing item. Consider “Kong” toys which may be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to provide entertainment for the dog while they are in their sleeping/quiet quarters, plus an article of clothing that smells like the owner, an old T-shirt worn but not washed. These items lend a calming stimuli for the dog during quiet/resting time.
When parents leave the dog at camp, departures should be kept quiet, calm and happy. Parents sets the mood for the camping experience when entering the facility. Do not indulge in long “good byes”. Treating the dog as if they are entering an extended family member’s home assist in providing a serene feeling for everyone. Allow the resort staff to greet dogs in a happy, quiet, composed demeanor. Petworks has local pet boarding care available throughout the United States.
Attending “day camp” prior to extended overnights, to familiarize the dog to the new environment is a great idea. Just like two legged kids, your four legged kids (dogs) love attending camp if prepared properly for the new experience.
About the Author
Jean Ann Carrigan is the principal/owner of Ms C’s Bed & Biscuits, East Tennessee’s upscale, all suite, premiere boarding and grooming spa. Pet parents can choose from a diverse suite of accommodations for both large and small dogs, with separate areas for shy or special needs; with choice of deluxe or standard. Secluded domain for cats with separate ventilation system. The resort is a new facility, built in 2008 with all indoor, climate-controlled suites.
