‘Talking Dog Column’

Jun 16 2026

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How To Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

By Connor Dedi | Talking Dog Column

Leaving your dog somewhere new can feel stressful, especially if it’s your pup’s first overnight stay. Many pet owners worry about separation anxiety, unfamiliar routines, or how their furry friend will adjust to a new environment.

Learning how to prepare your dog for boarding helps reduce stress, build confidence, and create a more comfortable experience once drop-off day arrives. At Top Notch Pet Resort, our caring and experienced team has worked with dogs of all temperaments, ages, and comfort levels since 2002.

From updating vaccinations to practicing short separations, we offer these dog boarding tips to help you and your pup transition more comfortably into boarding

What Is Dog Boarding?

Dog boarding facilities provide feeding, supervision, exercise, and a safe place for dogs to stay when their owners are away.

If you’re boarding your dog for the first time, it’s important to remember that adjustment periods are completely normal. Some dogs settle in quickly, while others may need a day or two to get comfortable with new people, smells, and routines.

Not all boarding facilities operate the same way, either. Traditional kennels may focus on overnight housing, while boarding and daycare facilities often offer social play, enrichment, and more interaction throughout the day. Facilities like Top Notch Pet Resort also offer luxury-style boarding with upgraded suites or additional amenities.

Every dog has different social and comfort needs. Some pups enjoy active group play, while others prefer quieter spaces and more one-on-one attention. Choosing the right environment can make a major difference in how comfortable your dog feels during their stay.

Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Preparing your dog for boarding works best when you start early. Building familiarity and keeping routines consistent can help reduce stress before the stay begins. This is especially important for dogs with separation anxiety, nervous personalities, or little experience being away from home.

Here’s how to prepare your dog for boarding:

A Few Weeks Before Boarding

Start preparing a few weeks before your dog’s stay if possible. This gives you time to update vaccinations, gather paperwork, and help your dog adjust to new routines.

Most boarding facilities require current rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations, while some may also request canine influenza vaccines depending on local policies.

Be sure to gather:

Vaccination records
Emergency contact information
Veterinarian details
Medication instructions

If your dog has little experience around other dogs, trial dog daycare visits are also a great way to help dogs become familiar with new people, smells, and routines before an overnight stay.

The Week Before Boarding

As boarding day approaches, start packing everything your dog will need for their stay. Preparing early helps avoid last-minute stress and makes check-in easier.

Pack enough food for the full visit, plus extra in case travel plans change. Sudden diet changes can upset your dog’s stomach, so sticking with their regular food is usually best.

You should also prepare:

Medications
Feeding instructions
Leash and collar
Emergency contacts

Let the boarding facility know about any important habits, medical needs, or behavioral concerns ahead of time. The more the staff knows about your dog, the easier it is to provide personalized care.

At home, try to keep routines consistent leading up to boarding day. Regular meal times, walks, and bedtime routines can help your dog feel more secure.

Drop-Off Day Tips

Dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so staying calm and confident during drop-off can help your pup feel more comfortable.

While it’s completely normal to feel emotional, long goodbyes can sometimes make the transition harder for anxious dogs. Try to keep the drop-off positive, brief, and reassuring. Once you say goodbye, avoid going back repeatedly, as this can cause more confusion or stress for your pup.

Before leaving, double-check that the boarding facility has:

Updated emergency contacts
Feeding instructions
Medication details
Your travel information, if needed

Most dogs begin adjusting shortly after settling into their new routine. Trust the process and give staff time to help your dog get comfortable.

Common Boarding Preparation Mistakes To Avoid

Preparing ahead of time can make boarding much easier for both you and your dog. However, a few common mistakes can create unnecessary stress during the process, especially for boarding a dog for the first time.

Some of the most common boarding preparation mistakes include:

Waiting too long to book boarding reservations. This can limit facility options and leave less time for preparation or trial visits.
Forgetting medications, feeding instructions, or updated records. Not having everything you need can create unnecessary stress for both staff and dogs.
Overpacking toys, bedding, or unnecessary items. Bringing too much stuff can overwhelm staff or create issues if items become lost or damaged.

Advanced Tips for First-Time and Anxious Dogs

Some dogs adjust to boarding almost immediately, while others need more time to feel comfortable in a new environment. Dogs that struggle with separation anxiety, overstimulation, or unfamiliar routines may benefit from gradual preparation before a longer boarding stay.

Here’s how to help your dog build confidence and familiarity before their stay:

Desensitization Techniques for Anxious Dogs

Short separations at home can help anxious dogs become more comfortable being away from their owners before boarding. Leaving for short errands or brief outings helps teach dogs that separations are temporary and routine.

Try out daycare visits, tour facilities, or schedule short overnight stays to help dogs adjust gradually before a longer reservation. Dogs sensitive to noise, activity, or unfamiliar environments may need a little more time to feel fully secure.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Senior Dogs

Boarding a puppy for the first time or preparing an older dog for boarding may take a little extra planning. Puppies may require more potty breaks, closer supervision, and shorter first visits while they adjust to new routines and environments.

Senior dogs may need medication management, mobility accommodations, quieter spaces, or more consistent schedules during their stay. If your dog has health conditions, dietary restrictions, or activity limitations, discuss them with the boarding facility ahead of time.

Working with Your Boarding Facility as a Partner

Good communication with your boarding facility can help create a safer and more comfortable experience for your dog. Before booking, don’t hesitate to ask questions about daily schedules, playgroups, feeding routines, staffing, cleaning practices, and emergency procedures.

It’s also important to be honest about your dog’s behavior, anxiety levels, medical needs, or social comfort around other dogs. Sharing this information helps staff provide the right level of care and supervision during the stay.

Boarding FAQs

How far in advance should I prepare my dog for their first boarding stay?

Start preparations 4 weeks before boarding for best results. Anxious dogs may need 6-8 weeks of gradual preparation, including socialization practice and short trial separations, to build confidence.

What vaccinations does my dog need for boarding?

Most facilities require current rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), and Bordetella vaccines. Some also require canine influenza vaccination. The American Veterinary Association outlines general vaccination guidelines for pets.

How can I tell if my dog is ready for boarding?

Dogs ready for boarding are comfortable with 4-6 hour separations, socialized with other dogs, and up-to-date on vaccinations. They should respond well to basic commands and not show severe separation anxiety.

What should I do if my dog has never been around other dogs before boarding?

Schedule supervised socialization sessions at dog parks or training classes 2-4 weeks before boarding. Consider a facility tour or trial day to assess your dog’s comfort level with the environment.

Prepare Your Dog for a Successful Boarding Stay

Knowing how to prepare your dog for boarding can make all the difference in your pup’s well-being during their stay.

At Top Notch Dog Resort, our goal is to give your pup a true home away from home. Since 2002, our experienced and loving team has cared for dogs of all ages, personalities, and comfort levels in our state-of-the-art boarding facility.

If you’re boarding your dog for the first time, consider scheduling a tour, a daycare trial visit, or a short introductory stay before booking a longer visit.

Book a stay or schedule a tour today.

May 12 2026

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How Often Should You Give Your Dog a Bath?

By Connor Dedi | Talking Dog Column

We all want to keep our pets healthy, happy, and clean. However, bathing dogs too much can potentially cause skin irritation and strip natural oils.

If you’re wondering how often you should give your dog a bath, it typically depends on their coat type, lifestyle, and skin health. In this guide, we’ll cover the best bathing frequency by breed, common bathing mistakes, and when professional grooming is best to keep your pup’s coat healthy.

Understanding Your Dog's Natural Skin and Coat

Before setting a dog bath schedule, it helps to understand how your dog’s skin actually works.

Dogs have a different skin structure than humans. Their skin has a higher pH level and produces natural oils that protect their coat, keep it shiny, and prevent dryness. These oils act as a barrier against dirt, bacteria, and environmental irritants.

When dogs are bathed too often, those oils get stripped away, leading to:

Dry, flaky skin
Dull or brittle fur
Increased itching or irritation
Greater risk of skin conditions

This is especially important for bathing dogs with skin conditions. Pups with sensitive skin or allergies may need special shampoos or vet-guided care, not just more frequent baths.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

How often you should give your dog a bath largely depends on their breed and the type of coat they have.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the recommended dog bathing frequency by breed is:

Dog Bathing Frequency Table

Coat Type	Recommended Frequency	Examples	Why It Works
Short-Haired Breeds	Every 6–12 weeks	Beagles, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs	Less frequent bathing works for smooth coats
Long-Haired Breeds	Every 4–6 Weeks	Golden Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, Yorkies	Regular bathing helps prevent matting and buildup in longer fur.

Factors That Determine Your Dog's Bath Schedule

Beyond coat type, several factors influence your dog’s ideal bathing frequency.

Activity Level: Dogs that spend more time outdoors, playing in dirt, grass, or water, will need baths more often than mostly indoor dogs. A quick rinse between full baths can help extend the time between washes.

Skin Health and Allergies: Dogs with allergies or sensitive skin may need weekly medicated baths prescribed by a veterinarian. Using the wrong products or bathing too often can worsen irritation.

Age and Life Stage: If you’re wondering when to bathe a puppy, it should only be done when necessary. Puppies have delicate skin and shouldn’t be bathed frequently. Senior dogs may also need gentler, less frequent bathing.

Signs Your Dog Needs a Bath Now

Even if you have a set dog bath schedule, there are times when your dog will need a bath sooner.

Here’s a simple checklist to know when your dog needs a bath sooner rather than later:

Visual and Smell Indicators

Strong or Unpleasant Odor: A noticeable smell is one of the clearest signs your dog needs a bath. Natural scent is normal, but strong odors usually mean buildup.
Visible Dirt, Mud, or Debris: If you can see dirt in your dog’s coat, it’s time. This is especially common after outdoor play.
Greasy or Oily Fur: A slick or sticky feel means natural oils and dirt have built up and need to be washed away.
Dull or Matted Coat: If your dog’s coat looks flat, tangled, or lifeless, a bath can help restore it.

Behavioral and Health Signs

Excessive Scratching or Licking: This can signal irritation from dirt, allergens, or buildup on the skin.
Rolling in Smelly Substances: If your pup rolls in something unpleasant, a bath should happen right away, no matter the schedule.
Allergy Flare-Ups: Dogs with allergies may need more frequent baths to remove irritants like pollen or dust.
Skin Irritation or Redness: Mild irritation may improve with a proper bath, but ongoing issues should be checked by a vet.

Common Dog Bathing Mistakes

Knowing how often you should give your dog a bath is a good start, but there are other common bathing mistakes to avoid:

Bathing Dogs Too Much
Washing your dog too often strips away natural oils, leading to dry skin, itching, and a dull coat.
Using the Wrong Shampoo
Human shampoos, including baby shampoo, are not made for a dog’s skin pH. Using the wrong products can cause dryness, irritation, and long-term skin problems.
Skipping Pre-Bath Brushing
Not brushing your dog before a bath can trap dirt and worsen matting. Brushing first helps remove loose fur and makes the bath more effective.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly
Leftover shampoo can irritate your dog’s skin and cause itching. A proper rinse is just as important as the wash itself.
Using Water That’s Too Hot or Too Cold
Water that’s too hot can dry out skin, while cold water can make the experience stressful. Lukewarm water is always best.
Improper Drying Techniques
Letting a dog air dry without brushing or towel drying can lead to matting. Proper drying helps maintain coat health.

When Not To Bathe Your Dog

There are also times when giving your dog a bath can do more harm than good:

Immediately after a recent bath within the normal schedule
When skin is irritated, inflamed, or has open wounds
During active skin infections, unless directed by a veterinarian
Right after flea or tick treatments that need time to absorb
When your dog is sick, stressed, or recovering from illness

Professional Grooming vs. Home Bathing

While many dog owners handle baths at home, professional dog grooming might be the better choice instead, depending on your dog’s coat type, temperament, skin health, and grooming needs.

Here’s how to decide what’s best for your pup:

When Home Bathing Works Well
For dogs with short coats, minimal skin issues, and lower activity levels, at-home baths are usually enough. With the right shampoo and technique, you can maintain a healthy coat between professional visits.
When Professional Grooming Makes More Sense
Dogs with long or thick coats often benefit from professional grooming. Groomers have the tools and experience to properly clean, detangle, and dry these coats without causing damage.

Professional grooming goes beyond basic washing. It often includes brushing, coat maintenance, nail trimming, and checking for early signs of skin issues.

Many pet parents find that combining at-home baths with routine grooming appointments is the best way to support their dog’s overall health.

Trusted Dog Grooming Services at Top Notch Pet Resorts

Keeping up with your dog’s bathing needs can be difficult, especially as those needs change with age, activity level, or skin health. Professional grooming helps ensure your pup gets the right care.

At Top Notch Pet Resort, we work with dogs of all breeds, coat types, and temperaments. Each grooming session follows safety protocols and uses proper products and low-stress handling techniques.

We also offer pet daycare activities that can be paired with grooming appointments for added convenience.

If you’re unsure about your dog’s bathing routine or needs, book a professional grooming appointment with our team today.

Grooming FAQ

Can I bathe my dog every week if they're very active outdoors?

Weekly baths can strip natural oils even for active dogs. Instead, rinse with water after outdoor activities and use full baths every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on coat type.

What should I do if my dog hates baths?

Start with positive associations using treats, use lukewarm water, speak calmly, and consider professional grooming if stress persists. You can also get extra support through our dog training and behavior programs.

Aug 30 2016

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Meeting strangers can bring out the growls

By admin | Talking Dog Column

By Lisa Moore – columns@modbee.com

Q. When walking Jonas, my shepherd mix, we sometimes meet people who want to pet him. Sometimes he is OK with a stranger petting him, but sometimes he growls. Yesterday he snapped at a very nice man. How do I fix this? – Ken Read More

Jul 26 2016

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