It’s rough when you can’t bring your four-legged pal wherever you go, especially when they have strong separation anxiety. But when it is necessary to leave your pooch at a dog boarding facility, whether you’re on vacation or visiting relatives, there is plenty you can do to make the experience easier on your pup.

K-9 Camp & Boarding Retreat in Kalispell, MT, is very familiar with this issue and recommends these tips for preparing your puppy:

• Research Desensitization Techniques: There are many diverse levels of desensitization. On a low level, you can prepare your dog for your upcoming departure by waiting a few minutes before acknowledging them after you get home from work (i.e., wait for them to calm down first before you pet them). Not every method is appropriate for every dog, but you can gain more insight by speaking with your vet. If your dog is crate trained often a dog feels safer in its den with their familiar bedding & the door left open or closed (depending on preference).

• Visit the facility with your dogs: Get them acquainted with their new surroundings and who will be taking care of them. Set up several (as many times as needed) day care visits starting with a couple of hours and working up to all day and even an overnight if needed. It is very helpful to prepare them for their future stay. As they become more familiar with their caretakers plus their surroundings they feel safe & secure knowing their family will return like they did on past visits.

• Buddy System: If you have a social dog and the kennel you pick specializes in dog boarding, have them pick a compatible friend who can interact, distract and create a positive & fun experience for each day that he/she is boarded.

• Bring Your Dog’s Favorite Things: Pack a bag full of your dog’s favorite treats, toys, blankets, and food, as these familiar objects will smell like home and comfort your dog in your absence. Just don’t be too surprised if the toys and blankets aren’t in great shape when you return, as your pooch may have chewed them up more than usual due to anxiety.

• Find a Loving Dog Boarding Facility: Be as picky as you need when searching for a dog sitter. Find a facility with a staff that truly loves, respects, and understands dogs and can calm your anxious dog. A great way to gauge this is by visiting the facility beforehand.

When dogs are left at a typical indoor/outdoor kennel, it can be very stressful, if not intimidating, especially for small lap-sized pups and dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, due to the noise and lack of the one-on-one attention they could be receiving at an in-home style dog boarding.

K-9 Camp & Boarding Retreat is experienced in calming nervous pups and will do everything to make your furry friend as comfortable as possible. Their in-home style boarding has been referred to as the “Ritz Carlton” for dogs by satisfied clients, many of whom have become repeat customers for all their out-of-town trips. To find out more about K-9 Camp’s comfortable in-home dog boarding facility, give them a call at (406) 755-SITS (7487). You can also visit the dog camp’s Facebook and website for photos and customer testimonials.