I was at a Home Dog Training session in Johns Creek earlier this week with a client and their Siberian Husky, Waldo. It was their third session and we were working on having Waldo walk on a leash down the block without pulling on the leash or jumping at the neighbors. Our client had obviously been working with the dog and Waldo was a very good boy. At the end of the session, I found out that my client was going away for a week on a business trip and was at a loss of what to do with Waldo. He wasn’t sure if he should take him to a boarding facility, have a person come to the home, have him at someone else’s house, or what. I tried to offer some suggestions.
As dog trainers, Robin and I have had experiences with most of the methods people use to take care of their dogs if they have to leave them at home when they travel. First, I would like to go over the general options most people can use when they have to leave their dogs at home:
- DOG BOARDING: This is probably the most expensive way to take care of your dog while you are away. You will take him to a professional facility that kennels dogs and normally offers “doggie day care” for dogs coming just for the day. They normally offer multiple packages based on how many times your dog is taken outside, types of playtime, size of kennel, and grooming. They normally offer camera surveillance that you can access over the internet and on your cell phone. Be sure to check their reviews on the internet and to visit them at different times. Ask to walk back into the kennels and observe the dogs during play time. Take your dog there for a “doggie day care” visit. Make sure that you watch them on the internet and stop in once or twice to see how they are treating him. Make sure that there is someone there 24/7 and ask them for their emergency procedures.
- STAY AT THE VET: Many Veterinarian Hospitals offer boarding for their clients. The dog will stay in one of the kennels that they normally use for their patients and will be walked by the vet staff during the day. In most cases, there is not 24/7 care and the facilities allowing your dog to have options to run and play are limited. This is a good solution if your dog needs to have a medical procedure while you are gone. Also, they already know your dog’s temperament and personality. This is normally one of the more inexpensive methods to take care of your dog while you are away.
- PET SITTER VISIT AT HOME: There is a standard service offered by many Dog Sitters where they will visit your home several times a day. They will walk and play with your dog and will also feed him as needed. Since most dogs spend most of the day sleeping, intermittent visits may not be such a bad thing. Also, you are allowing your dog to stay in the environment in which they feel protected. Make sure that your dog has met the Dog Sitter at least one or two times before your trip to make sure that a proper bond and understanding is established between the two. This will also allow your dog to see that you are fine and comfortable with the Dog Sitter being in your home. Our experience is that this normally costs between $15 to $30 per visit. You may get a discount, depending on the length of your trip.
- AT PET SITTER’S HOME: Many Pet Sitters, Dog Trainers, and Veterinarian Technicians will also take dogs into their own homes. The Pet Sitter, Trainer, or Vet Tech normally has their own dogs, so your dog will have playmates as soon as they arrive. Since it is a “home environment”, your dog will feel welcomed into an environment in which they are familiar and they will very quickly “fit into the pack”. It is important that your dog has met the dogs and the family to make sure that there are now issues before you leave him. This option normally costs between $20 and $50 per day.
- PET SITTER AT YOUR HOME: This option has the Pet Sitter come to your home and live with your dog. They normally aren’t there all day, but come and go during the day and spend the night. It is the closest thing to having someone at your dog’s beckon call 24/7. The pet sitter will also perform all the normal “daily actions” such as picking up the paper, turning on and off lights, turning on the sprinklers, having cars in and out of the driveway, etc. Dog Sitters, Trainers, and Vet Techs normally charge between $50 to $100 per day for this service.
As you can see, there are many great options you can pick when you have to leave your best four legged friend at home. The most important action that you can take is to check reviews, ask for references, and see what your neighbors have done with their dogs. You can also go on the internet and receive a background check on the person for a small fee. The most important thing is that, at the end of the day, you feel happy about your decision.
Please call Robin or myself at (770) 718-7704 if you are in need of any dog training help. We have a lot of good dog training advice at Best Dog Trainers Johns Creek Georgia. Locate all our phone numbers, text addresses and email contacts at Dog Training Help Center Johns Creek Georgia.
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