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Why Cage-Free Boarding is a Good Choice for Your Dog

It used to be that dog boarding meant keeping your dog locked in a tiny dog prison cell for the duration of your vacation. To many dog owners, dog boarding still means that. However, you always know a good boarding facility because they have the option for a cage-free boarding experience. While if your dog is excessively nervous or aggressive it might not be the right choice, if you have a social dog butterfly on your hands, they can have just as much of a vacation in it as you are.

Why Cage-Free Boarding is a Good Choice for Your Dog

If your dog does well in social situations, then a cage-free boarding experience is like an all day play date. They are put in with groups of like minded dogs also staying there, and are of course supervised by staff to play and quickly break up any disputes.

However, don’t mistake that cage-free boarding is 100% cage-free. Your dog will be free to roam all day, but will still be privileged to private sleeping accommodations at night. After a long day of roaming around and playing with a bunch of dogs, it is likely they will sleep like a stone and not even realize they are alone. It might be kind of sad to think your dog isn’t going to be missing you, but at least you will know that they will be too tired to miss you.

Unfortunately, cage-less boarding isn’t right for every dog. It may be that they need to have their cage-free time limited. Some dogs build up stress and that can make them act out. However, even if they need some solitude to unwind, they will still be treated to regular potty breaks and play time.

If you have a vacation planned and think cage-free boarding may be right for your dog, contact us today. We have facilities in SE Houston, Clear Lake, and East and West League City all ready for your dog.

Secrets to Finding the Very Best Doggie Daycare

Doggie Daycare Questions

Have you ever considered doggie daycare for your fur baby? If so, you’ve probably also had some common questions floating around in your mind… Finding the very best doggie daycare doesn’t have to be hard.

  • Is it safe?
  • Will my dog enjoy it?
  • Will other dogs pick on my dog?
  • Will my dog get along with the people there?

Secrets to Finding the Very Best Doggie Daycare

It’s not uncommon to have these questions, and probably a lot more as well. Especially if you’ve never used a doggie daycare. The truth of the matter is, there are definitely pros and cons associated with the experience.

Specific Pros and Cons

For instance, leaving your dog in a doggie daycare can definitely help them with much needed social skills. On the other hand, they might not get along with all the dogs, and dog fights can certainly occur. Doggie daycare makes a lot more sense than leaving your pet alone or with someone who doesn’t know much about dogs. Then again, doggie daycare spaces can often be a place where your pup could pick up fleas, ticks, worms or kennel cough.

Be Thorough When Choosing A Doggie Daycare

If you’re careful, and know what to look for, choosing to leave your dog in a doggie daycare can be a great experience for both you and your dog. You’ll be able to go on extended-stay outings, knowing your dog is being well cared for. And while you’re gone, your dog can get to make new dog friends.

Just be very thorough when selecting who you allow to care for your dog. Make sure to ask questions about the facility, the workers, and whether or not shots are necessary for the pets that stay there. This simple step can mean the difference between finding a daycare you love, and a bad experience.

It’s also a good idea to check out online testimonials. This can help determine who is the best fit for you and your pet.

For more information about the Doggie Daycare services we provide, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.

Dog Walker V. Dog Daycare: Which is Right For You?

Everyone has to work, and some have to work longer hours than others. When this happens, you are faced with a choice for the dog you are leaving alone. You can either hire a dog walker to give them exercise and a potty break or you can take them to dog daycare for the day. However, while the services seem fairly similar, they are not, but which one is right for you and your dog?

Dog Walker V. Dog Daycare: Which is Right For You?

Does Your Dog Interact Well With Others?

Some dogs are a little finicky when it comes to who they socialize with. If your dog doesn’t get along well with other dogs, it may be better to choose a dog walker for individualized attention. However, if your dog is a social creature, they could thrive in a daycare setting.

Does Your Dog Do Well Alone?

Dogs, particularly those with even mild separation anxiety, don’t do well when left alone. They can damage your house, and more importantly, damage themselves. Even a dog walker’s attention is not enough for them. In fact, it may trigger a worse reaction. However, a dog daycare facility could help.

How Set Is Your Schedule?

The real benefit of a dog walker is they can come any time. However, all dog daycare facilities have set pickup times. If you can’t regularly make these pick up times or find someone that can, it makes taking your dog to daycare a little difficult for everyone involved. However, most dog daycare times are set in a fair manner. It is not like you need to rush to pick your dog up right away at five o’clock or risk trouble.

Hopefully the above helps answer if your dog will do well in dog daycare or if they are better suited for a dog walker. In most cases, dog walkers are great for reclusive dogs or those with unpredictable schedules. However, there are a lot of benefits to dog daycare otherwise. If you are interested in dog daycare services in Houston, contact us today.

How to Keep a Dog’s Coat Beautiful and Healthy

There are a few signs of a healthy happy dog – bright and alert eyes, a wagging tail, a healthy appetite – but none or more obvious than their coat of fur. The more silky and lustrous it is, the healthier your dog is. However, while inner ailments can affect a dog’s coat, a healthy looking coat also comes from outer grooming as well. So how does one keep a healthy looking coat on their dog?

How to Keep a Dog's Coat Beautiful and Healthy

Frequent Brushing

Some see brushing as merely a way to deal with shedding, and yes, it does help with that. However, brushing also removes tangles, spreads natural oils, and released other particles trapped in dense fur. Brushing is something that shouldn’t be neglected as it is crucial for a healthy dog. If brushing is neglected and the dog has tangles or matted hair, they can be quite painful to the animal.

Keep a Good Diet

The first sign of poor nutrition of a dog is a brittle, dry, thin, or otherwise a dull coat. Make sure your dog is getting a healthy and high quality diet. If your dog’s coat is looking unhealthy, you may want to find a food with higher fatty acids.

Check Regularly

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog is notice a problem. Be sure to give them a regular once over. Be sure to check the armpits and other crevasses for matted fur, notice any fur that doesn’t feel quite right, and watch to see if they are scratching or flaking. Off-feeling fur and obsessive scratching may merit a trip to the vet to make sure it isn’t caused by something more serious.

Grooming Keeps a Dog Healthy

Regular grooming is crucial to a healthy dog. Not only do they need regular brushing, but their nails and teeth need to be regularly attended too. It is a lot of work and some dogs can be excessively difficult about it. If your dog needs grooming in the Houston area, contact us today to see what services we offer.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

We don’t want to leave our dogs, but life sometimes takes us far from them. Boarding can be a great way to make sure your dog is taken care of while you are away, but it doesn’t stop you from worrying. However, there are ways you can prepare your dog for a boarding experience that can put your own mind at ease.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

Get Your Dog Familiar

Many dog kennels also offer dog daycare. Dogs will always do better in an environment they are familiar with. For a week or two before boarding, it will be worthwhile for you to put your dog in the dog daycare service. That way, when it is time to stay overnight, they already know the lay of the land.

Pack a Few Items

Every dog likes a bit of home near them. When boarding a dog, pack a little care package for them. It could be the blanket they sleep on or their favorite toy. It could also be both, but try not to pack the whole house for them. It might be tempting, but they will usually be fine with one or two things. You will also want to pack their food for them as well.

Exercise Off the Nerves

A tired dog is a happy dog. Before heading over to the boarding facility, if you have time, exercise with your dog. Take a nice long walk, play a marathon of fetch, or whatever gets your dog running around and panting. This can also be helpful if you have a long plane ride ahead of you as well.

Ready For Your Trip?

If you have a trip coming up and need to board your dog, if you are in the Houston area, contact us today. We are happy to show you around the facility and also offer dog daycare services if your dog needs to get accommodated first.

Benefits of Dog Daycare for Puppies

Everyone loves a new puppy, but let’s be real, the massive ball of energy in their crate that you come home to can be quickly tiring. Furthermore, there isn’t a dog owner alive that isn’t heartbroken when they hear their whines when they leave for the day. Could doggy daycare be beneficial to a new puppy?

Yes, absolutely!

Benefits of Dog Daycare for Puppies

Benefits Dog Daycare Has for Puppies

Dog daycare is an excellent choice for dogs of any age. However, puppies often benefit from it for completely different reasons than an adult dog would.

  • Socialization – Puppy play dates and obedience classes are classic options to get your new puppy socialized so they will play nice with other dogs and people as an adult. However, your puppy will also get this same socialization at dog daycare as well.
  • Potty Training – At dog daycare, all dogs are treated to regular potty breaks. If your puppy is still a little hit or miss with their potty breaks, dog daycare will see them rewarded for going outside like a good pup.
  • Energy Release – A puppy is a ball of energy no matter how much you play, but wouldn’t it be nice to just once have your puppy almost tired out for you by someone else so you could enjoy them sleeping? Let your pup play while you work all day.
  • Safe Environment – If you leave your puppy locked in a crate or a gated area, you will probably leave them with some toys or bones. However, there within lies the potential for an accident like choking. As your puppy is constantly supervised at daycare, the risk is dramatically reduced.

Are you the owner of an adorable puppy in the Houston area and think dog daycare might be the right choice for you? Contact us today to learn more about Pawsh Doghouse services.