How to Manage Your Dog’s Behavior After Boarding: Expert Tips from Da Dog Wash.

When you entrust your beloved dog to a boarding service, you expect them to be well-cared for and return home happy. At Da Dog Wash, we take pride in providing a unique boarding experience where your pet is treated like family. We host one pet family at a time to ensure personalized care and avoid mixing with other dogs, allowing for a more serene and stress-free environment. Our farm setting, complete with feral cats, chickens, and goats, provides a rich and stimulating backdrop for your dog’s stay. However, it’s not uncommon for dogs to behave differently when they return home. Here’s why and how you can help them transition back smoothly.

Why Dogs Might Behave Differently After Boarding

• Environmental Change: Staying in a new place with different sounds, smells, and routines can be both exciting and stressful for dogs. Even though we strive to replicate your pet’s feeding schedule and activities, the new environment itself can be overwhelming.

• Separation Anxiety: Being away from their familiar home and loved ones can trigger separation anxiety. This anxiety might manifest as clinginess, restlessness, or withdrawal once they are back home.

• Routine Disruption: Despite our best efforts to maintain your pet’s regular routine, minor changes are inevitable. Adjusting to different feeding times, walks, and sleeping arrangements can temporarily affect your dog’s behavior.

• Interactions with Farm Animals: While your dog won’t mix with other dogs, the presence of our friendly farm animals like feral cats, chickens, and goats can be a new and stimulating experience. These interactions can be exciting or stressful, impacting their behavior upon returning home.

• Health and Stimulation: New environments and activities can either overstimulate or under-stimulate your dog. Both extremes can lead to temporary behavioral changes as they adjust back to their usual environment.

Easing Your Pet’s Transition Back Home

To help your dog readjust smoothly after their stay at Da Dog Wash, consider the following tips:

1. Maintain a Calm Environment: Create a calm and welcoming environment at home. Give your dog space to explore and settle in without overwhelming them with attention or new activities.
   

2. Stick to a Routine: Re-establish their regular feeding, walking, and sleeping routines as quickly as possible. Familiar patterns will help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety.
   

3. Monitor Their Health: Keep an eye on your dog’s health. If you notice any signs of illness or discomfort, consult your veterinarian. Ensure they have access to plenty of freshwater and their regular diet.
   

4. Provide Comfort and Reassurance: Spend quality time with your dog, offering comfort and reassurance. Gentle petting, soothing words, and their favorite toys can help them feel more at ease.
   

5. Gradual Adjustment: Allow your dog to adjust at their own pace. Some may take a few days, while others might need a couple of weeks. Be patient and understanding during this transition period.
   

6. Positive Reinforcement: Encourage positive behavior with treats and praise. This reinforcement will help your dog associate their return home with positive experiences.

---

At Da Dog Wash, we understand the love and concern you have for your pets. Our goal is to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, providing individualized care in a farm-like setting. We are here to support you and your furry friend before, during, and after their stay. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being.

For more information about our boarding services, please visit our website or contact us directly at 808-866-7077. We look forward to welcoming your pet to our home-away-from-home.