When you leave your pup(s) , whether for a short getaway or longer vacation, who you choose to take your place during your absence is more important than you perhaps ever realized.
Dogs are very sensitive and loyal to their owners. They are like children in many ways, and especially when it comes to feeling a sense of security in their daily routine. Factor in your pup’s age, physical condition and history and you enter into another level of anxiety when you are apart.
It’s common knowledge that dogs have an incredible sense of smell but perhaps less known that they also have a keen sense of the environment around them including its sounds and vibrations. Be it a storm brewing or an Amazon delivery truck turning on the driveway, pups respond to these stimuli in a variety of ways. Their reactions can intensify when their stress levels are increased for example when boarding. A dog that might otherwise be fairly calm can now show signs of distress with increased panting, shaking and unsettled behavior. Countersurfing ,digging, whining, door dashing and barking are just a few symptoms that can occur.
Apart from the sounds and smells that are different in a new environment, changes in social interactions, even fun and enriching ones can cause a dog’s GI tract to go into overdrive. There’s often an increase in the amount of treats given in a new situation as a way of stimulation, reward and reassurance. A lack of appetite is one sign that can be a result of this with the most common and unpleasant result being stress diarrhea. Having someone who can recognize and adapt to these signals and side effects can impact the success of the entire stay for your furry friend(s).
Being Fear Free R+ trained involves paying a fee, going through a course, taking an exam and keeping up on continuing education. Veterinarians, Dog Trainers, Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters who take the time to invest in this certification stand out from the pack. The “old school” way of caring for dogs with shock collars and punishment tactics resulting in fear are the polar opposite of how Fear Free R+ trained professionals interact with animals.
A huge population now own rescued dogs as well as the dogs that are labeled as “Covid Pups” born during the Pandemic who often struggle with a lack of socialization as a result of the shutdown. Having a Fear Free R+ professional being a part of your dog’s journey has never been more critical.
Next time you need to be away from your dog(s) in the Greater St. Louis area, check out Hot Diggity Dogwalker. They are Fear Free R+ trained and part of a network of like minded professionals who strive to provide a low stress, caring and safe environment for your furry friend(s). They are inspected by the Department of Agriculture for safety, insured, bonded and pride themselves on accepting one household’s dog(s) up to 4 per stay. If you are a household who also owns a cat, Hot Diggity Dogwalker will visit the cat in your home daily to ensure they are fed, have clean water and a clean litter box and most importantly accounted for and safe.
Reserve your meet and greet with Hot Diggity Dogwalker today and experience why they “Walk with a Pawpose”.
