Dog Boarding For Aggressive Dogs – Top Dog Tips

Boarding an aggressive dog is difficult since they are not accepted to every dog boarding facility.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dog boarding for aggressive dogs.

Finding a facility that will agree to care for an aggressive dog is hard because not all facilities accept aggressive or reactive dogs.

We’ll help you decide how to pick the best dog boarding facility for your pup. We’ll also guide you on how to prepare your dog for boarding.

And most importantly, we’ll give you tips on how to board an aggressive dog.

But before that, let’s first discuss what dog boarding is.

Dog Boarding For Aggressive Dogs: What is Dog Boarding?

Dog boarding is a facility where dog owners temporarily leave their pups. Think of it as a hotel for dogs.

In dog boarding, the dogs will be fed, exercised, trained (depending on agreements), and cared for until their owner returns.

Depending on how long their owners will be away, dog boarding facilities will take care of dogs for days or weeks.

But every dog has a different set of needs, medical-wise or behavior-wise. Consult with your vet first. Some vets can recommend boarding services for your pup.

Some dogs are shy and introverted, and there are boarding facilities that cater to their needs.

Shy dogs can still have much fun, but mostly with a staff member instead of socializing with other dogs.

What Do Dogs Do at Boarding Facilities?

Now, you might ask what dogs do at boarding facilities. Well, dog boarding offers lots of playtimes. They will never let your dog be bored.

Depending on the facility, some have a fixed schedule on when to feed the dogs, potty, and socialize.

Some facilities have special playgrounds for dogs to run around in obstacle courses. Some offer swimming pools to fight off the heat.

Benefits of Dog Boarding

Aside from the obvious reason that your dog will be taken care of in dog boarding, there are still plenty of benefits from boarding.

A few advantages of dog boarding are:

• Dogs get to socialize
• Playtime and exercise
• Proper nutrition with high-quality food
• Training and learning new tricks
• Dogs are secured and safe in the facility
• Dogs are mentally stimulated

Types of Dog Boarding Services

As we’ve discussed above, different kinds of boarding services cater to various dogs.

Generally, dog boarding facilities offer regular feeding, exercise, grooming, and close monitoring for emergencies.

Their staff should also know about first aid and CPR in medical crises.

But some facilities are somewhat luxurious. Here, they offer massages and dog training.

Dog boarding facilities should preferably have spacious yards for different activities.

• Free-Range Kennels – The most common type of dog boarding. Big open spaces for dogs to run and play around. Individual feeding, playtime, individual attention, and care for dogs. They have separate rooms for naps or bedtime.
• Dog Sitting – Hiring a licensed dog sitter to stay home while you’re out. The tasks of the sitter will depend on your agreements. A dog sitter can walk and train the dog. But most importantly, take care of Fido and your house while you’re away.
• In-Home Boarding – In-home boarding is a dog sitter who will care for your dog in their own home.
• Veterinary Facilities – Probably the best option for dogs with health problems since they are equipped with emergency care and will be monitored closely for medical attention.
• Dog Hotels – These hotels offer luxurious perks together with general care. These facilities provide massages, facials, beach trips, aromatherapy, and more.

Types of Dog Aggression

When it comes to dog boarding for aggressive dogs, the first question they will ask is what aggressive behavior your dog shows.

Below, we’ve listed a few types of aggression that dogs exhibit.

Fear Aggression

This type of aggression is connected to fear and anxiety, the most common form of aggression in dogs.

Dogs with fear aggression are defensive and keep their distance from someone or something they perceive as threatening.

Food Aggression

Dogs with food aggression are defensive and guard their food by growling, showing their teeth, and lunging at a person or other dogs.

They can even sometimes snap or bite when approached closely.

Territorial Aggression

Dogs that use aggression to protect their territory will show growling, barking, chasing, snapping, and biting. It can happen at windows, doors, behind fences, or in cars.

Some dogs can claim territories in parks, benches, beaches, and other places.

Destructive Aggression

A dog with destructive aggression tends to destroy beds, furniture, food bowls, and more.

The most common causes of this behavior are medical issues, separation anxiety, fear, and boredom.

A lack of exercise, mental stimulation, and training can also cause it.

Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Boarding Facility for an Aggressive Dog

If you have an aggressive dog, you don’t just leave them in a random dog boarding facility.

You have to be cautious and do your research. Not all boarding can cater to your dog’s needs.

It will be quite a hassle for you to choose the perfect fit for your dogs. That’s why we’ve got tips on choosing the right facility for your aggressive dog.

The first thing you can do is to research thoroughly online. It’s a great way to find a pet boarding facility.

Choose at least three facilities that you can call for inquiries. But my advice is to visit them yourselves with your pup.

By visiting them, you can see your dog interact with the staff and how they will react to the place.

You’ll also be able to ask about your dog’s specific needs and if they are the right facility for Fido.

Ask About the Basics

The basics are the dog’s meals, exercise, and baths. You need to find out if their facility can give these basic requirements.

Ask about their feeding schedule and whether or not you can bring your dog food. You should also check if the facility has a spacious lot for your dog’s exercise needs.

Daily Routine

Dogs thrive in consistency and knowing what to expect. That’s why dogs need to have a daily routine.

A good boarding facility will be able to tell you their full schedule. They will tell you how long the dog will be awake or their bedtime.

Experienced and Compassionate Staff

Choose a dog boarding facility with well-trained staff. Experienced staff will be able to handle different dog behaviors and medical emergencies.

But experience is not enough. Their staff should also be compassionate and patient, especially if you’re boarding an aggressive dog.

They must understand that they can be upset and stressed since their owners are gone. Find a facility that will care for your dog as if it were theirs.

Strategies

When boarding an aggressive dog, you should always ask if the facility has strategies for handling them.

A great dog boarding facility can take stress, aggressive behaviors, or other unusual happenings in their care.

Vaccination Policies

Although it’s uncommon for dogs to get sick after boarding, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Ask for the facility’s vaccination policies. Ensure that these rules are strictly followed to avoid health complications for dogs.

A boarding facility should require a dog’s proof of vaccination before settling in. A reputable boarding facility will require these vaccines:

• Rabies Vaccine
• Bordetella
• Canine Influenza Virus Vaccine
• Leptospirosis Vaccine
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, and Parainfluenza) Vaccine

Insurance

Aggressive dogs can attack other dogs, staff members, or people.

That’s why it’s best to leave him in an insured dog boarding facility. Here, they’ll be able to cover your dog in case of any emergency.

Search for facilities that offer premium insurance that covers themselves and your dog.

Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Now let’s discuss how you will prepare your dog for boarding.

Remember that it’s best advised to plan. Have at least 1 or 2 weeks of preparation before you drop them off at the facility.

In this way, Fido can adjust and prepare for boarding. It will not come as a shock when you leave them there.

Bond with your dog

Before leaving, spend some quality time with Fido. In their world, you’re the only one he got. He needs you more than you’ll ever know.

I’m not trying to guilt trip you, but it’s true. Your dog will miss you, and spending lots of time with him before you leave is best.

Visit the Facility With your Dog Beforehand

Visiting the kennel beforehand with your dog can help you see how they will interact with the new environment.

You can also consider a boarding trial. If you and your dog are both anxious, you can ask for a boarding trial where you typically leave your pup for at least 24 hours.

Here your dog can see their new daily routine, and adjusting when it’s time for their long stay will be easier.

Exercise Before Leaving

Exercising your dog before dropping them off can also help. Walking or playing fetch can help eliminate excess energy.

In this way, they’ll be more relaxed or tired once you leave them.

Always Keep Calm

A dog can sense when you feel anxious or stressed. When the time of boarding is near, keep yourself calm and collected.

Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they often mirror their owner’s feelings. If you’re feeling stressed, chances are that they, too, will feel stressed. Stay comfortable and cuddle him lots before leaving.

Tips on How to Board an Aggressive Dog

Boarding an aggressive dog is different from a friendly one.

You can’t drop off your dog at a random dog boarding facility because that can immediately start chaos.

Communicate Your Dog’s Needs

Once you’ve chosen a dog boarding facility that suits your dog, it’s time to communicate your dog’s special needs entirely.

In boarding an aggressive dog, communication is key.

An excellent boarding facility can handle an aggressive dog if the owner has completely detailed your dog’s behavior.

You can write a list of your dog’s needs when boarding. You can ask them not to let him be with other dogs. Choose a facility that offers individual playtime.

Tell them the factors that trigger their aggressive behavior. Does he get triggered when he gets scolded?

It would be best to tell the facility when they are most likely to show aggression.

Is it when their hungry first thing in the morning? Or maybe when they are about to go to bed due to exhaustion?

With this, the facility can work and better understand how to hand your aggressive pup.

Pack their Favorite Items

When leaving your pup at a daycare or boarding, you can include their favorite things to help calm them down.

For instance, pack their favorite blankets or a blanket that smells like you.

You can also include their favorite toys, treats, food bowls, and more. This can help remind him of home, and he will feel more relaxed in his new environment.

Ensure their Vaccines are Up-to-date

Before leaving them, it’s best to visit your vet first. Visiting your vet can help you ensure that your dog has updated vaccines.

Also, it’s to be considerate to other dogs that your dog has been de-worm and has tick and flea preventatives.

Ask for Daily Updates

As pet owners, we can’t help ourselves worry about our dogs even on vacation.

Ask the boarding staff for proof of life updates. They should be able to update you daily by sending photos or videos of your dog occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an aggressive dog be boarded?

Finding a reputable dog boarding facility that accepts aggressive dogs would be best.

These facilities should have staff with extensive experience and training to handle aggressive dogs.

Can I board my fearful dog?

Boarding a fearful dog is difficult, but it is possible. You can ease their stress and make this a pleasant experience with proper preparation.

A few things you can do to help them is to test out the facility. Have short trial periods first. Start with leaving them in the afternoon, then try leaving them overnight.

Once comfortable in the new environment, you can leave them for a week or two.

Do aggressive dogs get worse?

Unfortunately, dog aggression can get worse over time. And this can lead to injuries to you, other dogs, or other family members.

If you have an aggressive dog, it’s best advised to seek help from your vet first to rule out any underlying medical problems that your dog might have because dogs tend to be aggressive when they are in pain.

Dog Boarding For Aggressive Dogs: Summary

Boarding an aggressive dog is not an easy task. One main reason is that not all boarding facilities accept reactive or aggressive dogs.

You’ll need to find a facility catering to your dog’s needs. Dog boarding for aggressive dogs is different from normal ones.

Most of the time, aggressive dogs need individual playtime rather than running around with other dogs. If your dog has food aggression, they need to be fed alone.

That’s why communication is key when boarding an aggressive dog. You’ll need to list down all of your requirements or request to make their stay as smooth as possible.

Your chosen facility should also have strategies for handling these kinds of dogs. They should have first-hand experience with handling aggressive dogs.

Choose a boarding facility that offers premium insurance that covers your dog and staff members in emergencies.

When leaving your dog, pack their favorite toys, treats, and blankets to help them feel more at ease at their new pad.

Ensure that they are up-to-date with vaccines.

It would be best if the facility could give you daily updates, so you don’t have to worry that much. And make sure to buy him plenty of his favorite treats once you’ve arrived home.

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