Welcome, pet parents! Making the decision to enrol your furry friend in a doggy bootcamp may be overwhelming at first. Questions might flood your mind – How will my pet react? Is it safe? Will he learn or just engage in never-ending play? Well, worries and apprehensions are natural. But the purpose of this guide is to prepare you thoroughly for this journey and assure you that dog bootcamps can be an enriching and rewarding experience for your beloved pet.
Doggy bootcamps not only help in behavioural training but also significantly aid in their socialization process. Of course, deciding to let your little furball stay away could be emotionally challenging. However, with a better understanding and right preparation, the process can be much smoother for both you and your pet.
Understanding Doggy Bootcamp
What is a doggy bootcamp, really? It’s a structured program where professionals handle your dog – training, exercising, and caring for them over a certain period. Doggy bootcamps come in different styles and approaches. Some focus less on obedience and more on interaction, while others might emphasize fitness and discipline. Depending on your pet’s needs, you can find a program that suits your furry friend the best. Some renowned bootcamps in Australia for instance, such as DogTech, K9 Trainer, and Alpha Dog Training, have their unique styles but the common aim is to ensure that your pet has a wholesome development.
Doggy bootcamps can be beneficial in various ways. If your pet is extremely energetic and craves constant engagement that you cannot provide due to time constraints, a bootcamp can channelize their energy positively. In case your pet has developed some behavioural issues or needs help with basic training, bootcamps come with trained professionals who can guide them appropriately.
Reasons why your dog might need bootcamp
Bootcamps are not just spaces for misbehaved dogs. Dogs are naturally social animals and for those spending most of their day at home, mingling with other dogs at camp is a refreshing and necessary change. Moreover, bootcamp can be great for overweight dogs who need regular exercise. In such a setup, they get ample physical activity in a structured manner.
For instance, let’s take Macy, a Golden Retriever who was a little over her ideal weight. Her owners enrolled her in a fitness-focused bootcamp where she had sessions of physical training every day. Within a span of 8 weeks, not only did Macy lose the extra weight, but she also learned to follow commands voluntarily.
Preparing Yourself for Your Dog’s Bootcamp Journey
It all starts with selecting the right bootcamp that meets your standards and your dog’s needs. Visit the premises before finalizing your decision. Observe the environment, the trainer’s behaviour with other furry attendees, and any other details that may concern you.
Separation from your pet does not come easy. However, remember that it’s only temporary and for their betterment. Set realistic expectations. No bootcamp can guarantee a complete transformation within a few days – these things take time and every dog will have its unique pace.
Health Check-ups and Vaccinations
Before sending your beloved pet to a bootcamp, make sure they are in their best health. Regular check-ups and updated vaccinations are essential not just for their wellbeing, but for the safety of other dogs at the camp too. Dogs at bootcamps are generally required to have their core vaccinations up to date which usually includes protection against diseases like Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Rabies. A general health check with your local vet before enrolling is a good practice to ensure your dog is fit and ready for bootcamp.
Familiarising Your Dog with a New Routine
Doggy bootcamps follow a particular routine for eating, sleeping and other activities. Therefore, preparing your pet beforehand can make their transition smooth. Start by scheduling their feeding and sleep time according to the camp’s routine. This way, by the time they enter the bootcamp, they’d already be used to the new pattern.
Packing Essentials for Doggy Bootcamp
Packing before going to camp can be confusing. You do not want to miss out on any essentials. Some must-haves include their food and treats, leash, favourite toys, bedding, and any specific medicines if required. Also remember to add essentials like poop bags and grooming brushes.
Socialization and Training Pre-bootcamp
Before sending your pet to bootcamp, exposing them to other dogs or humans can help them adapt easily. Regular visits to dog parks or setting up playdates can be beneficial. Besides socialization, a bit of obedience training like getting them used to basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘fetch’, can help them mix well in the bootcamp routine.
Coping with Separation
Separation anxiety is real and both you and your pet may experience it. For your pet, you could leave behind an item of your clothing so they have a familiar scent around. As for pet-parents, keep yourself occupied. You may also request for regular updates from the bootcamp to keep informed about your dog’s activities.
Post Bootcamp: What to Expect
The anticipation of welcoming your pet back home is an exciting time. You can expect them to come back a bit worn out due to the day’s activities. Initially, they might be a bit disoriented due to the change in environment but they should settle in soon.
The key to maintain the changes achieved during bootcamp is consistency. Keep reinforcing the training your dog received at the bootcamp at home. This would ensure your pet doesn’t forget their training and continues to improve.
