Can You Board an Aggressive Dog?

Can You Board an Aggressive Dog? (In short, Yes)

If you are the proud owner of an aggressive pet, you may already have faced a lot of problems. At any given moment, these dogs may attack someone because of their shy, nervous, and aggressive nature. Therefore, handling these pups requires experience. Now, consider yourself traveling on a business vacation. You will definitely not take our dog with you. You will try to board your dog in a boarding center or boarding kennel. But the question is: can you board an aggressive dog?

There is no doubt that boarding an aggressive dog can be challenging, especially if it is your first experience. However, if you know what to do, it can be accomplished smoothly and efficiently. The following tips will help you to ensure boarding for aggressive dogs is both safe and effective.

Understanding Different Types of Dog Aggressions

Whenever you take your dog to a dog boarding facility, the first thing they ask you is whether your dog exhibits aggressive behavior. This is why it is essential to understand the type of aggression your dogs show.

I have listed below different types of aggression that can be displayed by your dogs, as outlined by the American Kennel Club. By doing this, you will be able to determine the type of aggression and inform your boarding center so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

1. Fear Aggression: This occurs when a dog adopts an offensive stance to create distance from a stimulus, be it a human, another dog, or even a non-living thing.
2. Territorial Aggression: Dogs have a natural inclination to protect their territory, but this protective behavior should never escalate into aggression when they feel threatened. The signs and triggers of territorial aggression vary among dogs and often align with one of seven aggression types.
3. Idiopathic Aggression: This form of aggression lacks a discernible cause, making it challenging to treat. Seeking guidance from a professional is crucial when dealing with idiopathic aggression.
4. Predatory Aggression: Motivated by the brain's hunger center, this aggression aims to capture, kill, and consume prey. It differs from fear or anxiety-driven aggression.
5. Intra-Household Aggression: When aggression is primarily directed at owners or those with frequent interactions with the dog, it is termed intra-household aggression.
6. Control-Related Aggression: This type of aggression emerges when a dog seeks to manage a situation or a resource, such as food or toys, often targeting other dogs or humans.
7. Pain-Elicited Aggression: Normally gentle dogs may display aggression when in pain due to orthopedic issues, thyroid irregularities, adrenal dysfunction, cognitive problems, seizure disorders, or sensory deficits, leading to changes in irritability and aggression.
8. Learned Aggression: Dogs in this category have learned that aggression can help them achieve their goals and continue to use it because humans reinforce this behavior.
9. Maternal Aggression: Mother dogs can become aggressive towards anyone who approaches their puppies.
10. Neophobia: This involves a fear of new things or situations and may result in aggression.
11. Disease-Related Aggression: Some dogs exhibit aggression due to underlying medical conditions or complications. As a result of these factors, their aggression can be enhanced.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Boarding Facility for an Aggressive Dog

Some pet boarding facilities do not have the capability of accommodating aggressive animals. There are some that aren't worth your consideration or money at all. You should be aware that these boarding facilities can pose a significant health risk to your dog and can also prove harmful to other dogs.

 It is therefore better to research the boarding centers available in your area and see if they take aggressive dogs or not. Now you have to find let's say 4-5 boarding centers that take aggressive dogs, but how would you know the perfect fit for you?

In my capacity as a veterinarian, I suggest owners take note of the few things in the boarding center and ask a few important questions as well. The following are a few things every dog owner should keep in mind:

1. Basics Requirements

As a first step, it is essential to determine whether the facility is capable of providing your dog with its essential needs. What is the dog's feeding timetable? What are the methods used to store dog food at the facility? 

Dogs often experience stomach upsets and diarrhea when in a new environment. For this reason, it is imperative to select a facility that maintains high standards in the handling of food. 

What about the bathing routine? What type of exercise plan does the facility have for all dogs? When choosing a boarding facility for your dog, you should ask the following important questions.

2. What Would Be the Daily Dog Routine

Feeding, walking, and grooming your dog is essential, but a reliable dog boarding facility for aggressive dogs must also inform you about your dog's daily activities during your absence. Inquire about their plans to keep your beloved pet entertained throughout the day. 

They should provide a clear and thorough answer that meets your satisfaction. If not, consider exploring other options.

3. Well-Trained and Experienced Staff:

Similar to humans, dogs can face emergencies on occasion. Therefore, it's advisable to select a facility where a trained staff member is accessible 24/7. Steer clear of places that leave your dog unsupervised for extended periods. 

When your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, it is strongly recommended that you take him to a veterinary facility. This choice ensures peace of mind, as you can trust that the professionals handling your dog are highly skilled. 

In the event, that your dog's behavior becomes excessively problematic and requires sedation, the facility and its staff can administer it safely without any concerns.

4. A general view of the environment

Making adjustments to your dog's surroundings can be quite challenging for your furry friend. It's crucial to opt for the finest dog facility available, one that ensures maximum comfort. It's advisable to explore several facilities before making a final decision. 

During your visit, pay attention to the areas designated for your pet's rest, meals, and recreation. Make sure the space is clean in general. The facility should provide your dog with a stable, social environment in which he can interact with other dogs and socialize with them.

5. Stress-Management Strategies

Stress is not exclusive to humans; it also affects our four-legged friends, especially dogs. The best pet boarding facility is one that has the ability to handle dogs with aggressive behavior or signs of stress on occasion. 

In addition to routine walks, pheromone collars can be used to manage stress. Additionally, your beloved pet should have access to a dedicated team that will provide them with care when they are under stress.

6. Vaccination Policies

Pets have a higher chance of getting sick when they go to a boarding place compared to staying at home. Therefore, many pet boarding establishments have strict vaccination policies. 

Among the important vaccinations they may require are Bordetella and Rabies shots. It is a good idea to request proof of these shots before choosing a place for your pet.

7. Insurance

Because a hostile dog may potentially harm other dogs or individuals, it is advisable to select a boarding facility with an insurance plan capable of providing protection for your dog during unexpected situations. 

In many cases, dog boarding and sitting businesses ignore coverage for dogs visiting their premises in their liability insurance policies. It is advisable to steer clear of such establishments. Instead, choose a facility that provides complete pet insurance coverage for its guests.

Important Tips for Boarding an Aggressive Dog

A dog that is aggressive requires different care than a dog that is friendly. You should not simply leave your dog in any boarding facility, since this might result in instant turmoil. To avoid such complications, it is critical to follow precise recommendations. Here is how to arrange for an aggressive dog's boarding:

1. Communicate Your Dog’s Needs

Once you've chosen a good dog boarding facility for your pet, it's critical that you properly communicate your dog's specific needs. When dealing with an aggressive dog, effective communication is essential. 

When the owner gives detailed information about their dog's behavior, a reputable boarding facility may effectively handle an aggressive dog.

Make a list of your dog's boarding requirements, including preferences such as separation from other dogs, the chance for private playing, and identifying triggers for aggressive behavior. 

Share information such as whether your dog reacts poorly when punished or whether particular times of the day are more difficult for them. This information will help the facility understand and handle your violent puppy better.

2. Bring the Necessary Gear

If your dog needs a muzzle or other behavior-controlling gear, make sure to bring them with you to the boarding facility. Include a shock collar and any other applicable training equipment your dog uses, as well as instructions on how to use them properly. 

Don't forget to bring your dog's favorite toys to keep them entertained while you're gone. Bringing a blanket or soft towel saturated with your aroma might bring additional warmth and familiarity.

3. Pack Their Beloved Items

According to behaviorists, leaving your dog in a daycare or boarding facility with their favorite items will help calm them down. Consider carrying one of their favorite blankets or one scented with your aroma. 

Bring their favorite toys, snacks, food bowls, and any other comfortable objects as well. These familiar possessions might help individuals feel more at ease in their new surroundings by reminding them of home.

4. Verify Vaccination Status

Consult your veterinarian before leaving your dog at the facility to confirm that your dog's vaccines are up to date. To be mindful of other dogs, ensure that your pet has been dewormed and that tick and flea preventatives have been used.

5. Provide Emergency Contacts

Consider leaving the contact information of a trustworthy friend or relative who knows your dog well with the boarding facility. This way, if an emergency arises or your dog gets unmanageable while you are away, the facility may contact someone for help.

6. Request Daily Updates

Although we are on vacation, our dogs require our attention as responsible pet owners. To allay your fears, request regular updates from the boarding staff. They should be able to reassure you by giving you images or videos of your dog on occasion to keep you connected and informed during your time apart.

Conclusion

Thus, it is possible to board an aggressive dog as long as the facility accepts aggressive dogs and has all the necessary tools and skills to handle such a dog. 

In your capacity as an owner, it is your responsibility to locate such boarding facilities and visit them in order to determine whether or not they are suitable for your dog. 

Additionally, please follow the guidelines I mentioned above when taking your aggressive dog for boarding. This article is intended to be helpful to you, so I hope you find it useful.