Q: I read your online article about traveling with your dog, unfortunately where we're going we are unable to take him with us, so I am in need of boarding. However, I am skeptical about leaving him anywhere because he has a "few" issues that make me nervous. Can you offer some advice.

A: Without knowing what your dogs issue are, we can give you some "general" information that will reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your dog.

The first thing you should do is your homework. Call several facilities and ask questions. Are the kennels private ? Is it climate controlled for winter and summer months?
How often do they get potty breaks ? Is exercise included? Is the facility staff vs. dog ratio acceptable? Does anyone attend to the facility in the evening hours?

Remember you get what you pay for, so the least expensive may not be the right choice for your dog, but the most expensive may not be either. Go visit the facility. Speak with the owners and staff . Ask to take a tour. Look at the accommodations that your dog will be in.

The staff or owners should be ready and willing to answer any questions you may have. Once you find a facility that you are comfortable with, take your dog through a trial run. Leave him or her there for a few hours. When you drop them off, make "no big deal" about leaving them there. Your long drawn out " good byes and be a good boy I'll be back s oon" will create undue insecurities, stress and anxiety in your dog .

This may be harder on you than your dog. Dogs are resilient and their packs dynamic constantly changing. They look for leadership immediately. So the staff should just take your dog and walk away with them . Let the staff do their job and do not take their actions as rude, they are doing what is best for your dog.

When you pick up the dog still make no big deal about it. Take control right away so that the dog knows he is with his leader.  Your dog will no doubt be excited to see you, and you him however you need to show him or her that the pack leader is always calm confident and in control.

We are NOT saying that you cannot show your dog affection or attention, but what we are saying is “ do it at the right time” when he or she is relaxed and calm. Giving your dog attention when they are in the wrong frame of mind will enhance or encourage the wrong behaviors.

Summer is a great time for family fun. If you can include your pets in that all the better. However, if that is just not possible, you shouldn't let it prevent you from enjoying the nice weather. There are many wonderful boarding facilities around prepared to care for your pet in your absence. Time has little meaning for a dog. When you return, whether it was a long weekend or a two week vacation, he will be ready to greet you with a wagging tail prepared to resume normal daily activity just as if  you had never left.

This article was published June 14th, 2009 on page 3 of the Sunday Sentinel