A Gentle Trial Stay for Your Dog
Leaving your dog at boarding shouldn't be a source of stress for either of you. We prioritize trial stays to ensure your pet feels secure, confident, and ready for their stay.
Many people think dropping a dog at boarding is the end of their duty, but it's a huge challenge for the dog. Separation anxiety is real, which is why we emphasize a gradual process of trial stays to build trust and comfort.
Why is a trial stay better than a short visit with you? Because the real test is how your dog behaves after you leave. A trial stay allows them to get used to the space and our team without your presence, which is crucial for a stress-free boarding experience.
The best way to drop off your dog for a trial stay is to keep it short and simple. Lingering and long goodbyes can increase their anxiety. A quick, confident drop-off helps them settle in much faster.
Many pet parents want to stay with their dog for a few hours to help them adjust, but this is counterproductive. The real challenge for the dog begins after you leave, which is why a trial stay without you is so important.
We cannot force a pet to eat. If a dog is anxious, force-feeding can worsen the situation. The best approach is a gradual transition through trial stays, allowing them to become comfortable and confident before you plan your vacation.
As a behaviorist and communicator, we can't force a sad or anxious dog to eat. This is a shared responsibility. Your support in preparing your dog through trial stays is essential for a successful boarding experience.
We strongly advise against visiting your dog during a long-term stay. A visit can trigger homesickness and anxiety, making it difficult for them to resettle. It's best to wait until you can take them home for good.
Should you bring your dog's toys and bed? For socialized dogs, it's better not to, as it can cause resource guarding issues. They will be too busy playing with their new friends to need them.
The COVID lockdown created new challenges. Many dogs, even our old guests, developed separation anxiety. We are now re-introducing trial stays for everyone to help them readjust to being away from their parents.
We are seeing many "COVID babies" who are struggling with separation anxiety now that their parents are returning to the office. Daycare or short trial stays are a great way to help them adjust.
About The Boarding Process: Trial Stays & Settling In
Don't treat a trial stay like a vacation drop-off. We ask you to drop your dog and leave quickly, with no long goodbyes or lingering. This is not coldness. It is the fastest way to help them settle. If you hang around, you are teaching your dog that this is a temporary park visit rather than a new, safe space. Your dog needs to experience the space, the handlers, and the other dogs without you as their emotional crutch so they can build genuine confidence.
Why a Trial Stay is Non-Negotiable
We do not do this to be difficult. We do this because we have seen the 'COVID baby' effect, where pets who spent 24/7 with their parents during lockdowns now struggle when left alone. A trial stay is not just a test for us, it is a vital acclimatization period for your dog. It is where we learn if they have specific triggers, what kind of treats motivate them, and whether they prefer solo play or a pack.
The 'Drop and Go' Protocol
When you bring your dog for their first session, the urge to spend hours with them in the garden is strong. Resist it. Lingering gives them mixed signals. When you leave, they feel abandoned. When you drop them and walk away, they have no choice but to engage with their surroundings. That is the moment they start shifting from anxious to curious.
What to Expect During the Trial
- Initial Assessment: We look for signs of food guarding, reactivity, and social comfort.
- Slow Introduction: We never force social interactions. We start with quiet, calm companions to ensure safety.
- Routine Building: We mimic a boarding day—regular meals, exercise, and rest—so they know what to expect when you go on your actual holiday.
During Your Long-Term Boarding
A common mistake is asking to visit mid-stay. Please, do not do this. It disrupts their settled routine. Just like a child in a boarding school, seeing you but not going home with you causes unnecessary distress and brings back separation anxiety. Let them settle, enjoy their time, and we will take care of the rest.
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