Tip of the Month: Short Goodbyes… Long Hellos!
As a “custom care” dog boarding kennel I see many -- many dogs! Owners are often anxious or worried to leave their family dogs for any length of time (kinda like leaving your kids at their first daycare, I understand)! Whether it be with family, friends, a pet sitter or a professional dog boarding kennel there are a few tips that will help all of you relax and enjoy your time away from one another.
Three pieces of my best advice anytime you leave your dogs behind…
- 1) be sure to take your dog for a meet and greet introduction at your dog’s destination
- 2) leave something with them that smells like you
- 3) keep your personal goodbyes short and your hellos long and exuberant
1) Once you have your dog’s boarding arrangements reserved (and confirmed) and your travel plan in place, please make the time to take your dog for an introduction meet and greet visit at your dog’s destination. Dogs, like humans, tend to ‘stack’ or ‘trigger’ emotionally, meaning when their senses are alerted to one thing and then another and another, their emotional fitness, is tested. Often dogs loose their composure and balance if that emotional triggering becomes too layered or intense. As an example, when dogs come here for an introduction visit, they observe the drive; then on leash with their owner beside them, they instantly get a sense of the dog ‘zen’ energy of the place; they observe their surroundings, smell and sniff everything while having a walk about with my company also (moving their feet is key) – hopefully, they will relax enough to mark some spots. While I don’t approach or pressure new dogs, I give them time to approach and retreat from me as cautiously as they need. I may sit down to help them feel less intimidated. They hear my voice and feel my presence, they may get a treat from me or their owner, if they are calm and interested. It’s all about getting acquainted and ticking those boxes so that when dogs return to stay overnight, they are familiar with me, the location and feel comfortable to go into their kennel to find all their personal belongings – and maybe a treat too - all good!
Dogs are smart, observant and one of the things about them I love so much is that they live in the moment. They take it all in and wow, what a difference I see when the same dog comes back after a pre meet and greet visit to stay over. There isn’t anything ‘new’ and they can just settle right in with what I refer to as a ‘seamless transition’. Owners report that their dogs start wagging their tails kilometers away, they happily jump out of the car and generally pull their owners in to the kennel wanting to stay rather than being nervous, wary and feeling overwhelmed or fearful in the deep end of their emotional ability to process new stimulus and environment. Take the time it takes for your dogs to feel great about going on their staycation and I guarantee you will enjoy your own getaway much better as well!
2) Anytime you leave your dogs behind, be sure to leave your scent with them. Besides their regular bed, food, toys and treats, a little dirty laundry (not clean) is perfect! An article of clothing that you wear often and that is easily washed, like a pair of jeans, t-shirt, socks, small blanket throw or even a pillowcase will have fresh scent. If your worried for this article getting misplaced, find something you can put over your dog’s bed like tucking the dog’s cushion inside of a sweater or pillow case. I can’t even begin to express how much difference it will make for your dog to be able to stay connected with your familiar scent when you’re not with them personally (be sure to pick something that can get dirty!)
3) As for goodbyes – well many of us aren’t great with goodbyes. We can feel sad, nervous, anxious and upset sometimes. Please don’t make an emotional fuss around your dog when you’re leaving them! You will transfer whatever emotion you are carrying and your dogs will take it on! I tell customers to have their crying over with long before they leave their dog! I believe that “if it’s ok with you it should be ok for your dogs” so …I prefer that owners walk ahead, leading their dogs easily and smoothly on leash to their kennel or destination. Then, I ask owners to be light hearted and brief, not hesitating to take the leash (and or collar or harness) off, and just casually saying, “see ya’ later”.
Upon return for your dogs, many people discourage their dogs from excitable greetings, demanding their dogs ‘behave’ and be calm and manageable. I personally don’t know anyone that will greet you like your dogs! In my opinion, there is nothing better than allowing your dogs to have their huge excited antics and welcoming dramatics to greet you back into their lives! Allow the time and make the most of those few love-filled moments – life will continue in a more behaved fashion once your dogs are settled. You and your beloved dogs will feel so much happier and loved for taking the time for a joyful reunion!
I hope these few pointers will help you and your dog to have seamless transitions enjoying happy, healthy, pawsitive experiences, when you have to spend time apart. All the very best of this beautiful Christmas season and a very happy New Year for you and yours!
For more dog health and training tips, visit Ask The Trainer. Ask me about dog-owner training today as well!
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