-
Step 1
The customer is always right. In this case, the customer is your dog. You love your dog. Your dog loves you, but that's where the similarities end. Think about it. Your dog loves the smell of fresh pee and a friend's bottom. You don't. You want room service. He wants to dine outside on an old bone, role in a patch of smelly grass, pee on a tree, and perhaps chase squirrel or two. When you look at boarding facility try to see things from his/her point of view. Remember the customer is always right.
-
Step 2
Hotels are for people (usually). Dog hotels provide a highly controlled environment with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and comfort. Generally, the dogs stay in individual cages or rooms. They are removed once or twice daily to "do their thing" and get exercise. The play room is usually an indoor space with cement flooring. The staff generally follows a long list of exacting rules which dictate everthing including what bedding can be in the cage and what (if any) types of chew toys are permitted. This kind of environment is like a cross between a hospital and a first class "strip mall style" baby sitting/day care service. Extra attention, extra walks, "doggie day care" play, special treats, and deluxe bedding, and doggie televisions are often available as "a la cart" add-ons for an extra cost. A five star doggie hotel may be just the ticket for a dog with special medical needs, a sensitive temperament, or for a senior that truly wants or needs to be left alone. It is also good for single night or short term stays or times of year when being outside is no fun.
-
Step 3
Doggie day care (overnight). Doggie daycare facilities often double as obedience training facilities. They are usually staffed by knowledgeable people. Ask about the director's credentials. Often these facilities are cageless. Ask if the dogs are crated at night. Sometimes the assistant trainers take the dogs home at night. Many are in convenient urban/industrial settings. As a result cement is the rule, and grass is the exception. Doggie Daycare (overnight) can be great choice, but watch out for the following (possible) problems: (1) not enough fresh air; (2) too hot or cold; (3) no private space; (4) too many dogs; and (5) not enough individual attention. Judge the place by going inside to where the dogs are kept. Don't rely on the doggie monitor in the waiting room. Doggie daycare is a great option for active dogs whose owners want a controlled environment, a professional approach, and possible add ons such as obedience training to build new skills or keep old ones. Cageless play has its risks, but the rewards are great.
-
Step 4
Doggie Camps. These camps are usually based in rural areas. The dogs generally live with a dog loving person 24/7 (whose references and credentials you should check) in a people house that has gone to the dogs. It will likely be a bit too messy, smelly and noisey for most people, but fine for most dogs. The ideal camp will be on a big property with shaded areas, indoor outdoor options all day long, and lots of space to run. Fun is the name of the game, but it does take most dogs a day or two to fully adjust. Doggie campers should be easy going, flexible, fit, young (or young at hart), fun loving, and able to understand and respect the rules of the house (there are usually only a few). A doggie camper need not be an "alpha dog" but he must have enough dog sense to stay away from trouble makers. At doggie camp, your dog must respect the "camp counselors" (the owner's dogs) who sometimes get special privileges (such sleeping on the owner's bed). Ask these questions: Are the dogs crated at night or ever?; What happens when the main person has to leave the property?; Where do the dogs sleep at night?; What happens if there is a medical emergency?; and How many dogs will be on the property? Doggie campers take more risks, but they also have more fun. In other words, it is a lot like an "old school" kids sleep away camp.
-
Step 5
Traditional kennels. Dogs are generally kept in individual dog runs and taken out for walks. These are old school facilities that focus on safety and affordability. Check references, talk to other customers, visit when not expected, and pull a few of the workers aside for some frank conversation. A good spacious kennel run may be the best low cost choice if your dog needs his own private space, isn't highly active, has light medical needs, and/or doesn't get along well with dogs and/or strange people. Think about paying extra for some of the extras offered, so that your dog gets the personal touch.
