Boarding Your Dog: My Tips For A Stress - Free Expereince

Over the years, I’ve made my share of mistakes as a dog owner—especially when it comes to boarding. A lack of preparation can turn a simple trip into a disaster for both you and your dog.

I’ve had Ace break out of his crate and redecorate the floor (use your imagination). It could’ve been a mix of anxiety, confusion, or simply because it was his first night away from us. I had Ava, who used to be a rock star in thunderstorms—we’d train in the rain, go for walks, she never cared. But the one time we boarded her during fireworks season, she came home terrified of any loud noise. To this day, she’d hide in the deepest corner of the house, shivering with anxiety.

This time around with Arya, I took a different approach. Especially since I’d only had her for barely a month, I wanted her to have the best possible experience.

Experience the Environment

First things first: I let Arya spend time in the place she’d be staying.

Luckily, her boarding facility is also where we train and do agility. That gave her a huge advantage—she already associated the environment with something positive.

Pro Tip: If you make the environment you’re taking your dog to fun, they’ll have a much better experience and a much lower risk of developing anxiety. This goes for boarding, the vet, anywhere.

Because Arya was a bit shy around people when I first got her, I made a point to introduce her to everyone there. Even before she was old enough for classes, I took her over to Ed Reyes’ place (yes, the same Ed I’ve mentioned in my YouTube videos).

At first, she was timid—just like she was with everyone else. But over time, she got comfortable, loosened up, and started climbing on Ed for pets.

I did this consistently for two weeks. We’d visit, do some light training, let her explore the smells and sounds, and end every trip on a good note. She learned that going there meant fun and attention.

And here’s something I want to stress: It was all 100% correction-free.

Why do I highlight that? Because when I first started taking Ava there, she needed firm corrections early on. She had a bit of a temper, and in that first month, the discipline was pretty intense—not because we wanted to be harsh, but because she genuinely needed boundaries.

But I noticed she started to shut down around the facility. She associated the trainers and the space with being corrected. Later, when we introduced bite work, she was confused—she’d been corrected for using her teeth, then encouraged to use them again. That was on me.

I’ll save that story for another time, but the takeaway is simple: I only wanted Arya to have a positive association with any new environment. That’s why when we go out now, I make sure she has fun.

Get to Know the People

Dogs don’t just care about where they stay—they care about who they’re with.

When your dog is boarded with someone they genuinely know and trust, it makes the experience far less stressful. And I don’t mean someone they “kind of” know—I mean someone they’ve bonded with, someone who can confidently lead them.

Compare that to leaving your dog with someone they’ve never met, who’s unsure of themselves, less confident, and anxious. Dogs pick up on that energy immediately. Naturally, they’ll feel anxious too.

Arya had already spent time around Ed and Z, and more importantly, she’d learned to trust them. She knew they were calm, confident, and capable—and that made it much easier for her to settle in.

It’s like going to your favorite grandparents’ house after school. They want what’s best for you, so when you think you’re getting out of doing your homework because your parents are on vacation, ol’ Grandma and Grandpa still make sure you get it done. But after that? You get to watch movies and eat ice cream.

Compare that to your other grandparents—the ones where it’s all work, no play. No ice cream, no TV. Just sit in your room and read in silence. Which house are you going to look forward to visiting? The General’s house, or the one where, yes, you have responsibilities, but you also get to have fun?

That’s why finding not just the right venue but the right people to watch your dog is equally important.

Crate Train, Crate Train, Crate Train

Most boarding facilities—even board and train programs—will have your dog spending a significant amount of time in a crate. That’s not a bad thing, if your dog is prepared for it.

Think of the crate like a hotel room. If your dog sees it as a cozy, familiar space, they’ll treat it like a personal suite—a place to rest, reset, and relax. But if they’ve never been crate trained? That same space feels like a locked room in a foreign country where they don’t speak the language. Confusing. Isolating. Stressful.

The earlier and more consistently you build positive crate associations, the more peaceful and enjoyable your dog’s boarding experience will be. It becomes their safe zone—even in a new environment.

And just like we humans bring headphones, a pillow from home, or a favorite book when we travel…

Pack Familiar Items

One of the best ways to set your dog up for success during boarding is to pack a few items from home. Things that smell like you.

🐾 A worn t-shirt
🐾 Their favorite toy or chew
🐾 A blanket or towel they sleep on

These simple things carry the scent and comfort of home—and for your dog, scent is everything. It can drastically lower anxiety levels and help them settle in quicker.

It’s like sending a kid to summer camp with a note from mom and a teddy bear they’ve had since birth. It might seem small, but emotionally, it makes all the difference.

And I’ll be honest—I just wish I’d done this myself. When I dropped Arya off, I completely forgot to bring any of these items. I’m as human as anyone.

Leaving

Last but not least, when you drop your pup off, don’t make a big deal out of it.

You can give them a quick hug goodbye. If you’ve got time and the facility allows, play with them a bit so they burn off energy. Then, put them in the crate, say a calm goodbye, and leave.

Don’t linger. Don’t baby-talk them.

It’s like being a parent dropping your kid off at middle school. All the drawn-out goodbyes and “I love you SO much!” speeches? They just embarrass them—or in your dog’s case, ramp up anxiety because they think something is wrong.

Just kick them out of the car and go. Trust that you’ve prepared them. Trust the people you’re leaving them with. And trust yourself.

Don’t overthink it.

Final Thoughts

Every time I board a dog—whether it’s my own or a client’s—I’m reminded that these small decisions add up. They don’t just create a smoother experience in the moment. They build trust, confidence, and resilience over time.

If you take anything away from this, let it be this: boarding doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. With the right preparation, the right people, and a little forethought, you can set your dog up to succeed—and give yourself peace of mind while you’re away.

And when you come back to pick them up, tail wagging and all, you’ll know you did right by them.