Leaving Your Dog at a Dog Hotel for the First Time?
Our Top Tips for a Happy Stay
Going away should be exciting.
But if it’s the first time you’re leaving your dog at a dog hotel, we know exactly what happens.
You pack your suitcase. Then you look at your dog.
Your dog looks back at you.
And suddenly you’re wondering whether you really need that holiday after all.
At Canine Point Academy, we welcome dogs for boarding regularly, and one thing we’ve learned is that very often the humans are more worried than the dogs.
So, if your dog is coming to stay with us — or even if they’re staying at another reputable dog hotel — here are some simple tips to make their first stay easier for everyone.
1. Choose the Right Dog Hotel
First things first: make sure you're comfortable with where your dog is staying.
Ask questions. Visit beforehand if possible. Find out what their daily routine will look like, where they will sleep, how much exercise they'll receive and who will be looking after them.
A good dog hotel should be happy to answer your questions.
At Canine Point Academy, our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable and enriching environment where dogs can settle in, enjoy themselves and receive the care and attention they need.
Once you've chosen somewhere you trust, the next step is important:
Trust them.
Constantly worrying from a distance isn't going to help you — or your dog.
2. Prepare Your Dog Before the Stay
If your dog has never spent time away from you, don't suddenly make their first experience a two-week holiday if you can avoid it.
Consider introducing them gradually.
A daycare session or shorter stay can help your dog become familiar with the environment, smells, staff and routine.
It turns the place from somewhere completely new into somewhere they've already experienced.
For some dogs, this isn't necessary. For others, particularly dogs that are very attached to their owners, a little preparation can make the transition much easier.
3. Keep Their Routine Normal Before You Leave
Dogs love routine.
In the days leading up to their stay, you don't need to suddenly start behaving differently because you're feeling guilty.
Keep feeding times, walks, exercise and bedtime as normal as possible.
Your suitcase might tell your dog something is happening, but everything else doesn't need to.
The calmer and more normal things feel, the better.
4. Your Energy Matters More Than You Think
This is a big one.
Dogs are incredibly good at reading us.
If you're stressed, emotional and repeatedly telling your dog:
"Mummy is going away. I'm so sorry. Are you going to miss me? I'll miss you SOOOOO much!"
…your dog doesn't understand the words.
What they understand is:
Something is wrong. My human is behaving strangely. Should I be worried?
If you're relaxed and confident, you're helping your dog understand that this is just another normal experience.
Your energy travels straight down the lead.
So even if you're feeling emotional inside, try not to make the goodbye a big event.
Leaving Your Dog at a Dog Hotel
5. Drop and Go
This is probably our biggest tip.
Don't drag out the goodbye.
When you arrive, hand your dog over, give them a quick fuss and then go.
No ten-minute goodbye.
No repeatedly coming back for one more cuddle.
No standing at the gate looking heartbroken while your dog wonders why nobody is leaving.
A calm, confident:
"Have fun. See you soon!"
…and you're gone.
In many cases, the dog has forgotten about the dramatic departure approximately five minutes later because they've discovered something far more important.
Other dogs. New smells. New people. Playtime.
Meanwhile, you're probably still sitting in the car park feeling guilty.
6. Bring Something That Smells Like Home
You don't need to bring your entire house.
Sometimes something simple that smells familiar can be comforting.
An old T-shirt or small piece of clothing carrying your scent can help some dogs settle, particularly at bedtime.
There's no need for your best designer jumper.
Trust us on that one.
Something old, familiar and washable is perfect.
7. Tell the Staff What They Actually Need to Know
Every dog is different, and the more useful information the team has, the better.
Let them know about your dog's normal feeding routine, medication, allergies, behavioural quirks, things they love and anything they genuinely dislike or are frightened of.
And be honest.
If your dog doesn't like sharing toys, tell us.
If they're nervous around certain types of dogs, tell us.
If they've previously shown aggression, tell us.
If they'll sell their entire family for a piece of chicken… well, they're probably fairly normal.
The important thing is that the people caring for your dog understand them.
8. Don't Over-Pack
Your dog is going on holiday, not relocating permanently.
Check with the dog hotel about what they provide and what they recommend bringing.
Usually, the important things are any required food, medication and perhaps one familiar-smelling item.
You probably don't need three beds, seven toys, four blankets and half the contents of your living room.
9. Don't Spend Your Entire Holiday Checking Your Phone
We understand wanting updates.
Of course you want to know your dog is happy.
But once you know they're settled, try to enjoy your holiday too.
Dogs are remarkably adaptable. Once they're comfortable with their surroundings and understand the routine, many settle extremely quickly.
They make friends.
They play.
They explore.
They sleep.
They eat.
And yes, they probably think about you.
But they're not necessarily sitting sadly by the gate waiting for your return.
They're busy being dogs.
10. Don't Feel Guilty
This might be the most important point of all.
You are allowed to go on holiday.
Leaving your dog somewhere safe, professional and caring isn't something you should feel guilty about.
A good dog hotel isn't simply somewhere your dog waits until you come back.
It should be somewhere they can enjoy exercise, enrichment, attention, social interaction where appropriate, rest and plenty of care.
Think of it as their holiday too.
And When You Come Back...
Prepare yourself.
You'll probably be expecting the biggest reunion in history.
And yes, they'll be delighted to see you.
But don't be offended if they've also had a brilliant time without you.
That's exactly what you want.
At Canine Point Academy, our Luxury Dog Hotel is designed to give owners peace of mind while providing dogs with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay.
So if it's your dog's first time staying away from home, remember:
Prepare them. Keep things normal. Stay calm. Drop and go. And enjoy your holiday.
We'll take care of the dog.
You just concentrate on remembering where you put your passport.
Planning a trip and looking for somewhere for your dog to stay?
Get in touch with Canine Point Academy to learn more about our Luxury Dog Hotel, Doggy Day Care and personalised care options.
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