Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility. Please stop in during one of the following times: Mon – Fri, 10 am – 12:00 pm or Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm. You can also easily schedule a tour online.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have you dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by filling out the registration forms, and providing us with all the proper health/vet documents required. You can also schedule a compatibility evaluation online to see if your dog will be a good fit. Once your dog has been approved you can register for both daycare and lodging online. We require all dogs that will be lodging with us come for a day of play so they’re familiar with the setting.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby to give dogs’ downtime, and allow our staff to do additional cleaning. It’s important to consider that dogs do need downtime, rest helps avoid accidental injury, or potentially becoming more aggressive. Some dogs can self-regulate rest while others may need to be placed in kennels to rest.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, We are open 365 days a year.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

We require all dogs to go through a compatibility evaluation. Dogs are separated by both size and temperament We have a low dog-to-leader ratio. All staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and go through a dog behavior training program. We’ve designed our facility with all sized dogs in mind – every shape and size. At least one of our pet loving staff with be present with dogs in each designated play area.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

We require all dogs to have a quick release collar. No buckles are allowed. If they need food it must be bagged, and all medication must be in original packaging.

What is the difference between Daycare and Day Stay?

Day Stay may be a perfect option for the dog that did not do well with our compatibility evaluation, or has not been neutered or spayed, or may need extra attention. This may be for various reasons, health, age or injury. Daycare is for those dogs that do play well with others.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most shy dogs, or dogs that haven’t been socialized enough, usually benefit tremendously from daycare. They become less shy, more socialized and have a great time! However, that said, NOT every dog is suited to the daycare setting. It’s our job to let you how your dog is doing and see what other options may work best to keep your dog happy. For ex: we offer one on one play or small group play or your dog may do best with an at home dog walker.

What if my dog is not neutered or spade what are my options

All dogs in daycare need to be neutered or spayed at six months. If you’re not comfortable with that, you could consider our Day Stay program.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of schedule stay. If less than 48 hours a flat fee of $55 will be charged. Cancellation during peak holidays must be made 10 days in advance of the stay. If cancellation is requested less than 10 days prior to stay you’d charged $150 dollar fee per animal.

Can I bring my own food?

You are required to bring your pets food. It’s much better for the pet to continue on their regular diet. All food must be placed in baggies for individual meals. For boarders, you are also welcome to bring a special blanket that will make them feel comfortable. No Rawhide, bullysticks or bones allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If the act is mild, the dog will be placed in a timeout until she/he has calmed down. If the aggression causes harm to another dog, you will be responsible for any veterinary care for that dog and your dog will not be allowed back unless the behavior has been modified through training.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the person has to be listed on your account when you drop off the dog. They’ll have to show personal identification

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several different training classes to meet your needs; however, we cannot train your dog without your help. An owner must be willing to commit to a minimum of 10 minutes per day to be successful with training their dog.

Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility while your dog is being evaluated. You can book a tour online through our registration portal.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have your dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation before joining.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by completing the registration forms and submitting the required vet documents. You may also call us to schedule a compatibility evaluation.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby daily to give dogs downtime and allow our staff to perform cleaning and maintenance. Rest periods help prevent fatigue and promote safety during playtime.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, we are open 365 days a year. However, on certain holidays our lobby may be closed for drop-offs and pick-ups, and hours may vary.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

All dogs must complete a compatibility evaluation and are grouped by size and temperament. Our trained staff maintain a low dog-to-leader ratio, and all are certified in pet first aid and CPR to ensure your dog’s safety.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

Please bring a quick-release collar. If your dog requires food or medication, ensure it’s labeled and medications are in their original packaging.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most dogs adapt quickly and benefit from socialization in daycare. However, every dog is unique. If needed, we offer one-on-one or small group play options to ensure comfort and happiness.

What if my dog is not neutered or spayed? What are my options?

Dogs attending daycare must be neutered or spayed by 6–8 months of age. If not, you may consider our Day Stay program as an alternative.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

A 50% deposit is required for all overnight stays. Non-peak cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the deposit. During peak periods, deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations made within 10 days will be charged the full stay amount.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, bringing your pet’s own food is required to maintain their regular diet. Please portion food into labeled individual baggies. Boarders may bring a blanket for comfort, but rawhide, bully sticks, and bones are not allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If aggression occurs, the dog will first be placed in a timeout. If the behavior results in harm to another dog, you will be responsible for veterinary costs and the dog may not return until behavior modification is demonstrated.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the designated person must be listed on your account and will need to show valid photo identification when picking up your dog.

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several training programs to help improve your dog’s behavior. However, consistent owner participation of at least 10 minutes per day is essential for lasting success.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Published On: July 18, 2021Categories: Uncategorized

Whether you’ve come across our dog daycare or dog boarding services because you’re looking for someone to look after your dog short-term or long-term, it’s important to prepare your dog for time away from you. Separation anxiety is common in many breeds of dogs, but there are ways of mitigating it, especially when you start training early on.

As hard as it may be, sometimes we’re forced to be away from our pups for various lengths of time. This could be to attend a wedding, to go on a well-earned vacation, or even just a business trip. Whatever the reason, it can be daunting leaving a member of your family with strangers for any amount of time.

Here at the Dog Retreat, not only do we offer dog daycare (Waltham MA residents can get in touch about our pickup and drop off services), we can also help with long term care. We understand how hard it is being apart from our furry companions, and have come up with some advice to make it easier for you and your dog.

Here are some ways on how to treat separation anxiety for when you spend time away from yourself and your family.

1. Crate Training

One of the best things you can do for your dog is get them a crate and train them to sit in it for extended periods of time. While this may be a hard exercise at first, with them whining and pawing at the gate to get out, in the long run it will become a place of safety and security for them. Crate training generally takes around 6 – 12 weeks, depending on the dog and their peculiarities. Be sure to take it slow, and reward good behavior appropriately. As with any kind of training, the best time to do it is when they’re still a puppy, but it can be taught to older dogs too.

Once your pup is acquainted with their crate you should be able to put it virtually anywhere and create a safe space for your dog to go. When sending them off for dog boarding, your dog will benefit massively from having their own space, so be sure to give the crate to the caretakers.

2. Get them Accustomed to Sitter and Accommodation

Another method on how to treat separation anxiety in dogs is to get them accustomed to the new sitter. Most dogs are able to quickly form friendships with new people, and will always feel better with someone recognizable around. By introducing your dog to the place they’re going to stay, as well as the people who will look after them, you can reduce your dog’s potential stress exponentially. You can also bring toys to this initial meeting for the sitters to have a quick play with your dog, as very little cements a relationship between a person and a dog like playing.

Also walking them around the building where they will be staying, and letting them take in all the sights, sounds, and smells they can muster. If you’re going to be spending more than a few days it may even be wise to take your dog for a walk on the route that the sitters will be taking them on. This can familiarize them with the area and you’ll be able to notice anything that overtly excites or scares them, which can then be communicated to the sitters.

3. Create a Sense of Familiarity for Them

Dogs rely on all of their senses to understand and process the world around them. Your dog will already have developed a sense of familiarity with the smells, sounds, and sights in and around your house. Giving them a few things which can provide that sense of familiarity, even when they’re somewhere else, can help to reduce separation anxiety. These could be:

Their blanket and toys – Their blanket and toys will be chock-full of familiar smells which can serve to comfort your dog while you’re away.
Your favorite music – If you listen to the same music around the house, then your dog probably has the same taste in music as you. You could ask the sitter to occasionally play some of that music for your dog.
Their favorite treats – While the sitter will provide treats for your dog, some of their favorite treats will be perfect to placate them and remind them they’re safe.

There are many other objects which can be comforting to your dog, including any pungent house plants like herbs or flowers.

Day of Departure

On the days leading up to your departure, you should subtly increase exercise and the time you spend with your dog. Even just a little extra love can do wonders for your dog, and the extra exercise can help them to feel calm when the day does come for you to send them off to dog boarding while you’re away. Consider looking into calming tools for the day itself, and make sure you give your dog all the hugs and kisses before you leave.

Dog Boarding Waltham MA

Hopefully this has given you an idea of how you can make leaving your dog alone for some time a more comfortable process for the both of you. If you’re looking for someone to take care of your dog overnight, our dog boarding in Waltham MA are the perfect fit! We are experienced in providing a comfortable stay for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

1. Crate Training

2. Get them Accustomed to Sitter and Accommodation

3. Create a Sense of Familiarity for Them

Day of Departure

Dog Boarding Waltham MA

(781) 604-7387

info@thedogretreat.com

781-548-3248

PhysicalRehab@TheDogRetreat.com

219 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA, 02451

thedogretreatandspa

rehab_at_thedogretreat

The Dog Retreat & Spa- Waltham