Part of being a dog parent is accepting that we can’t be home all the time and our dogs can’t accompany us everywhere. That’s where boarding and daycare facilities come into play. Both provide safe and reliable options for your dog to be monitored, exercised and loved on when you need to be elsewhere. These are especially great options for puppies who require a bit more supervision when you need to be away. And just like sending your children to school, your puppy may need a bit of prepping before going to daycare or boarding.
  1.       Vaccinations First and foremost, your puppy shouldn’t attend a daycare or boarding facility until he has had all his vaccinations – most importantly his Bordetella, parvo, distemper, and rabies shots. Since these facilities house many dogs at once, it’s imperative that everyone is up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent the spread of avoidable illnesses.  In fact, most daycare and boarding providers won’t accept unvaccinated dogs for this specific reason. So, better to be safe than sorry and delay any enrollment until your pup’s immune system is boosted.
  2.       Socialization While not completely necessary, early socialization will help your puppy adjust to time in daycare and boarding. Taking the time to get your puppy introduced to people and dogs that do not reside in your home will make daycare less intimidating. A puppy with socialization experience is more likely to thrive in the multi-dog environment and with new caretakers.
  3.       Slow introductions Speaking of socialization, slow introductions at daycare and boarding are essential for a safe and successful transition. A puppy’s confidence can be damaged with just one poor interaction with another dog – making them mistrust others and opening the door to reactivity down the line. So, don’t rush extended stays and opt for smaller daycare groups if at all possible until your pup is more comfortable. A healthy start to daycare is key to developing a well-socialized and confident puppy.
  4.       Provide reminders of home Daycare and boarding can be overwhelming for any dog, but especially so for puppies who are already going through a lot of changes in their living situation. Bringing a toy or blanket from home can soothe anxiety in your puppy as he adjusts to his temporary surroundings. As your puppy becomes more acclimated to daycare, you can leave the blanket and toys at home.
The great part about puppies, aside from the puppy-breath, is that they’re resilient. Any nervousness they experience at daycare and boarding should quickly subside. Always work with the employees of the businesses to address any concerns, but rest assured that they are experienced and will handle your sweet little one with care.
At Under One Woof, we are equipped to take care of puppies and dogs of any age. We will treat your dog like one of the family and help make their daycare and boarding experience the best possible.