Do dogs miss their owners when in kennels?
Are you considering putting your dog into kennels next time you go away? If so, you’re not alone. Kennels are one of the most popular boarding solutions for dogs in the UK in 2021. However, you may be wondering “do dogs miss their owners when in kennels?” Whilst this is a common concern amongst dog owners, you don’t need to worry too much. Read on to find out more about
What do studies reveal about dogs missing their owners?
Whilst studies do suggest that dogs miss their owners whilst in kennels, this shouldn’t put you off. Your dog is bound to miss you whilst you’re away from them, however, this doesn’t mean that they’re depressed. Choosing the right kennels will ensure that your pooch is kept busy throughout the day. They will be spoiled and receive lots of attention, leaving them few opportunities to worry about the fact that you’re not there.
Do dogs have a sense of time?
When considering do dogs miss their owners when in kennels, it’s interesting to think about their sense of time. Experts say that whilst dogs do have some perception of passing time, this is different to how humans understand it. One of the leading animal cognition researchers, William Roberts, claimed that animals are “stuck in time”. By this, he meant that, since they don’t have the sophisticated abilities needed to perceive time – such as forming memories – they only live in the present.
Roberts believes that, unlike humans who can consciously think back to specific events and conjure memories, dogs can’t mentally “time travel” backwards. Since dogs perceive time so differently from humans, it’s possible that they don’t miss us quite as much as we think they will.
Will my dog forget me when I’m away?
Many people worry that as well as missing them when they’re in kennels, their dog will even forget them eventually. Whilst this is a natural concern if you’ll be gone for weeks, it’s not something you need to fear. The truth is that your dog will almost always remember you, however long you’ve been apart. Dogs don’t forget their beloved owners, even after months or even years apart. Have you ever seen videos of soldiers returning home to their dogs after long periods of deployment? Dogs react almost instantly, demonstrating happy and excited behaviour upon seeing them.
A positive experience for your dog
Rather than constantly asking yourself do dogs miss their owners when in kennels, you should focus on how their time there can benefit them. In most cases, a stay in kennels can be a positive experience for dogs. At Jaycliffe Pets, we aim to help dogs enjoy their time in our kennels as much as possible, providing them with attention and affection during their stay with us. As well as enjoying regular walks and playtime, they’ll also have high-quality food and a warm and comfortable place to sleep. Your pup will have everything they need whilst boarding at our dog kennels in Rotherham and Maltby.
Tips for settling your dog into kennels
Even though your dog is bound to miss you when you’re away, there are things you can do to help your pooch settle into their new surroundings more quickly. Keep reading to find out how to settle your best friend into their temporary home.
Pack their favourite things
You can make your dog’s transition into kennels as easy as possible for them by packing their favourite things from home. Familiar items such as their bed, bowls, or favourite toys can help to reassure them and help them settle into their new environment. You can also bring an item that smells of you, such as a scarf or t-shirt. Something that has your scent can provide comfort and a sense of reassurance for them during their stay.
Play it cool when leaving them
When it comes to bidding your dog farewell, we recommend playing it cool. Since your pup can pick up on your anxiety, it’s best to rein in your feelings and avoid making a big fuss when you leave them. If your dog senses that something is “wrong”, this is likely to make them stressed. Talk to your dog in a calm and relaxed manner.
Make their first stay short
Although you may not have a choice regarding how long your pooch needs to stay in kennels, it’s usually best to make the first stay relatively short. If you can, ensure it’s no longer than a week or so. A longer stretch in kennels can make it more difficult the next time in some cases. Ideally, you should gradually build up the time your pup spends in kennels. You could start from just a few nights away to help them get used to their new environment and show them that when you go away, you’ll always come back.
Don’t mess with their diet
Staying in kennels whilst you’re away can be daunting enough for your dog without you changing their diet. Therefore, we strongly recommend making sure that the kennels you choose can cater to your dog’s usual diet and feeding schedule. At Jaycliffe Pets, we’re happy for you to bring your dog’s own food with you when you drop them off, and we also offer a range of dry and wet foods from quality brands. Sticking to your pet’s normal diet can help them avoid any digestive issues during their stay in kennels.
Contact us
Jaycliffe Pets is the leading dog kennels in Rotherham and Maltby. To find out more about our boarding service, call us on 01709 645 046. You can also send us a message via our website.. You’re more than welcome to pay our kennels a visit to see first-hand our fantastic dog boarding facilities.