Introduction
It’s common for dogs to act a little strange after coming home from boarding. There are many reasons why dogs may behave differently, or even seem depressed, after a stay at a kennel or doggy daycare.
The main causes for this behavior stem from the dog being removed from its normal home environment. Factors like separation from their owner, disruptions to routine, unfamiliar surroundings, and lack of exercise can all contribute to a dog feeling stressed and anxious after boarding. This anxiety and stress can lead to unusual behaviors as the dog readjusts.
In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons behind this phenomenon and provide tips for making the transition easier on your dog.
Missing Their Owners
Dogs form strong attachments and bonds with their owners over time. This attachment arises because owners provide food, shelter, affection, training and essentially meet all of the dog’s needs. As pack animals, dogs see their family as their pack and get very anxious when separated from them <1>.
When dogs are boarded away from home and their owners, it disrupts this attachment. Being separated from their person/people leads to anxiety, stress and fear in dogs. They miss their daily routines and interactions. Some studies show that the hormone oxytocin plays a role in the strong bond between dogs and their owners <2>. So being separated produces physiological effects as well <3>.
Dogs are social creatures, so isolation from their families is difficult for them. They look for familiar faces, smells and surroundings. When they don’t find them in a boarding facility, it causes stress. Some dogs experience separation anxiety more extremely than others. But almost all dogs will feel anxious and unsettled when first dropped off for boarding away from home. They just don’t understand why they have been left behind.
<1> https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/stop-separation-anxiety-dogs-dont-let-back/
<2> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4962172/
<3> https://dentonvetcenter.com/blog/5-tips-for-boarding-a-dog-with-separation-anxiety/
Stress and Fear
The boarding environment can be extremely scary and stressful for dogs (source). Being suddenly separated from their owners and home environment is very frightening for many dogs. The unfamiliar kennel surroundings, smells, and sounds can cause severe anxiety in some dogs (source).
Dogs are social animals that form strong bonds with their human families. Being isolated in a kennel away from their loved ones goes against their natural instincts and needs. Many dogs experience intense distress from the disruption to their normal routine and separation from their owners (source).
The constant barking and noise from other dogs, as well as unfamiliar people caring for them, adds to the stress. Dogs that are naturally shy, anxious, or not well socialized tend to have the most difficulty coping with the boarding environment.
Disrupted Routine
Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Most dogs have a set schedule at home for things like meals, walks, playtime, and more. This predictable routine provides stability and comfort. According to an article on Missemily’s Bed and Biscuit’s website, “Changes to Routine – Pups are accustomed to habit. Any change can leave them worried and anxious. Therefore shifting them to a dog boarding facility can be incredibly stressful.”
When dogs are boarded at a kennel, their normal routine is completely disrupted. The timing of their meals, walks, and other activities is altered. They no longer have access to their familiar toys, bed, yard, and other comforting elements of home. This abrupt change is disorienting and distressing. An article from Camelot Kennels explains that “Every dog reacts and handles stress differently. After picking up your dog from a boarding kennel, you may see one or all of these five changes.”
The unfamiliar schedule and environment at a boarding kennel means dogs don’t know what to expect next. They have no concept of time, so they don’t understand when their owners will return. The loss of their routine adds significantly to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and insecurity while boarded.
Unfamiliar Surroundings
Boarding facilities are often full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells that can be stressful or frightening for dogs. The kennel environment is very different from a dog’s home. Everything from the lighting, smells, noises, and layout will be new to them. According to Taking the Stress out of Boarding Your Dog, “The noise of the other dogs, unfamiliar environment and people can be really hard for a puppy to deal with.” Dogs have sensitive hearing, so the constant barking from other dogs in close quarters can be overwhelming. Cleaning products and disinfectants used in kennels also produce smells that dogs aren’t accustomed to. Visually, the kennel setup with rows of cages is foreign. All of these unfamiliar stimuli can cause anxiety, fear, and stress in boarding dogs.
Isolation
When dogs are boarded at kennels, they are isolated from their homes and families in an unfamiliar setting. This sense of isolation can increase stress and anxiety levels (Source). At home, dogs are used to constant companionship and interaction with their owners. The kennel environment removes them from their daily routine and social structure.
Dogs are pack animals that thrive when they are with their families. Being isolated in a kennel run or cage disrupts this natural social structure and leaves them feeling lonely. Without familiar sights, smells, sounds, and people, boarding kennels can feel sterile and isolating. Dogs miss the comforts of home like their own beds, toys, and backyard. This isolation from their territory and loved ones can cause confusion, depression, and anxiety.
Some boarding facilities keep dogs separated in individual kennels or runs with limited physical contact or playtime with other dogs. This type of isolated confinement can exacerbate behavioral issues in stressed or anxious pets. Dogs are social animals that benefit from interaction with human and canine companions.
Lack of Exercise
Dogs are active animals that require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. At home, most dogs have opportunities throughout the day to run, play, and go for walks. However, at a boarding facility, dogs are often confined to a kennel or small room for much of the day.
This severe restriction of movement and lack of exercise can cause restlessness, frustration, stress, and anxiety in dogs. According to https://missemilysbedandbiscuit.com/is-dog-boarding-stressful-for-dogs/, lack of usual exercise is one of the main reasons boarding is stressful for dogs. Without their normal activity levels, dogs’ energy builds up, leading to behavioral issues.
While some facilities offer short potty walks or supervised playtimes, this is often not enough to meet a dog’s exercise needs. The limited activity dogs experience while boarding means they are likely to act especially hyper, wound up, or destructive after being picked up by their owners. Providing plenty of exercise post-boarding can help dogs release pent-up energy and readjust to their normal routine.
Poor Sleep
Boarding kennels can greatly disrupt a dog’s normal sleep patterns. Dogs are used to sleeping in their own homes, on their own beds and schedules. At a boarding facility, they may experience more noise, light, and activity than they are accustomed to. Dogs also likely have to sleep in a small cage or unfamiliar environment. This can make it difficult for them to get comfortable and rest properly. As one redditor commented, some kennels intentionally exhaust dogs with lots of exercise so they sleep more and cause fewer behavior issues. But this forced activity differs greatly from a dog’s normal routine and can leave them utterly depleted. Just like humans, dogs need adequate, peaceful sleep to function properly. So it’s no wonder they act overtired and sleep more than usual when returning home after boarding.
According to The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, increased sleep after boarding may simply be the dog catching up on rest they lost while staying at the facility. Their normal sleep rhythms have been disrupted.
Tips for Easing the Transition
Bringing your dog home after boarding can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier on your pup:
Establish a routine – Stick to your dog’s normal feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as much as possible. Familiar routines will help your dog relax.[https://junobeachanimalhospital.com/blog/tips-after-your-dog-returns-home-from-boarding/]
Give them space – Don’t overwhelm your dog when they first get home. Allow them time to decompress and get comfortable in their home environment again.
Exercise – Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, like walks, playing fetch, or a trip to the dog park. Expending pent-up energy will help them calm down.
Engage in activities – Do fun training sessions or games with your dog to help refocus their mindset. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical.
Watch their diet – Go slow transitioning your dog back to their normal food if they were fed differently while boarded. Drastic diet changes can upset their stomach.
Be patient – It may take several days for your dog to fully adjust after boarding. Give them space, love, and patience as they settle back in.
Conclusion
In summary, dogs may act weird after boarding for several key reasons. Primarily, they miss their owners and experience separation anxiety. The boarding environment itself can also trigger stress due to unfamiliar settings, disrupted routines, isolation, and lack of exercise. Poor sleep contributes as well. To help dogs transition back home, give them time to settle in, stick to their normal routine, and provide extra love and affection. Try means to re-establish the human-pet bond like play, snuggles, and their favorite treats. With patience and care, most dogs will soon get back to their usual happy selves.