When planning a holiday this is always at the forefront of every dog owner’s mind “Will my dog be safe, happy and looked after”. If your dog is part of your family, like so many of us, the thought of leaving them in a damp kennel, possibly in a small cage, for up to 12 hours a day can be an extremely difficult decision.
Here at Happy Tails Playhouse we believe our Dog Boarding without cages, offers a much more varied and socially stimulating holiday experience for your dog and therefore complete reassurance for you.
Regardless of size, shape or breed of dog, we are convinced that all dogs would benefit from a holiday at Happy Tails Playhouse because they will be given a real home from home experience in which they will be free to behave in the way they would at home.
At Happy Tails Playhouse we firmly believe that being cage free is the best way to ensure your dog gets the exercise they need to stay healthy, learn acceptable social skills with other canines and that they are happy. Here is a little bit of information we found that supports our views on being cage free.
What Is Dog Boarding Without Cages?
Dog Boarding without cages is literally that, a boarding facility that does not keep dogs in cages for any period of time during the day. Our boarding facility provides a chance for your dog to get up and stretch, play freely in a safe area under direct supervision by our staff. We also ensure they get plenty of rest and individualised attention from our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
This model focuses on:
• Supervised group play
• Comfortable rest areas
• Positive reinforcement
• Structured social interaction
• Continuous human supervision
The End Result is a Much More Homely Environment
1. Encourages Healthy Socialization
Dogs Are Naturally Social Animals
Social interaction is very important for dogs. In our cage-free shelter, dogs are able to interact freely with each other and with staff and volunteers, making the adoption process a great opportunity to observe and experience their personalities
• Meet and play with other dogs
• Learn appropriate social cues
• Build confidence in group settings
• Practice communication through body language
Although some dogs may not really appear to be learning from their social interactions, dogs that are regularly taken to a socialization area for playtime under supervision learn a great deal. They learn what is allowed and what is not allowed within the parameters of the rules and they learn how to share and how to behave in a very friendly manner towards other dogs.
Reduces Social Anxiety
Dogs can also become stressed or anxious to other dogs due to being left alone for long periods of time. Dog Boarding without cages allows for a gradual introduction of dogs to each other so a shy or anxious dog can come and go as they please.
For dogs to feel truly safe and supported in play relationships it’s crucial to get temperament evaluation and playgroup matching right.
2. Improves Overall Behavior
Reduces Stress and Frustration
When dogs are locked up in cages they quickly develop behavioral problems caused by the lack of space. Lack of exercise leads to hyperactivity and even though the dogs will calmly sit in their cages, once they are released they start to bark, run around in circles and often damage objects in order to work off some of their extra energy. At APL we have eliminated the use of cages, which encourages animals to find more healthy ways to release surplus energy through activities such as:
• Structured play sessions
• Supervised social time
• Regular physical activity
The school grounds act as a safety valve to dissipate the monotony and tension of boredom.
Promotes Mental Stimulation
Despite the obvious need for physical exercise, dogs also require some form of mental stimulation. In an open-play situation, dogs are exposed to a plethora of stimuli such as noise, movement, distractions, conflicts, attention, and even harassment. Many of these environmental and social triggers
• New smells
• Social interactions
• Play challenges
• Staff-guided activities
Training helps to reduce undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking and chewing and can help towards a calmer, better behaved animal. It also encourages greater stimulation of the animal’s mind.
3. Builds Confidence and Independence
Some dogs can be a bit nervous in new situations. With close supervision, cage-free boarding can make a big difference in many areas of a dog’s life.
- Adapt to new surroundings
- Become more resilient
Develop independence - Improve their comfort in group settings
The happier your dog is at the Boarding Kennels the happier they will be at home too. Many of our clients comment that their dog’s behaviour changes at home as soon as they become accustomed to boarding with us. They often remark that their dog’s improves so much while they are at Boarding Kennels that the new behaviour stays when they return home.
4. Supports Physical Health
Encourages Safe Exercise
Exercise is necessary for all joints, muscles and a healthy weight. In a conventional boarding situation a dog may be left for long periods of time in their kennel with little opportunity for exercise.
Our Dog Boarding without cages means your dog will get plenty of supervised exercise throughout the day to keep them fit and energetic as well as to burn off any excess energy.
Better Sleep and Relaxation
I think our dogs sleep better when they have an active day. Fun in the sunshine and lots of socialisation. We provide a haven, a place to sleep together without stress or the stress of being alone.
5. Strengthens Human–Dog Interaction
In a cage-free shelter, shelter staff are often in close contact with dogs throughout the day. This housing model greatly facilitates many aspects of dog care. Shelter staff can:
• Monitor behavior closely
• Provide affection and reassurance
• Reinforce positive behaviors
• Address minor issues before they escalate
The caretakers are very attentive and the animals are treated very individually, although they live in a group.
Is Dog Boarding Without Cages Right for Every Dog?
While many dogs can thrive in a cage-free environment, most good shelters do some kind of temperament testing in order to determine what each dog can and cannot tolerate. Dogs are then usually placed in kennels corresponding to their size, with dogs of similar personalities and activity levels being placed in together to create the least stressful environment possible.
Safety and supervision is always our number one concern at Happy Tails Playhouse.
We have staff trained to accommodate each unique playgroup and provide the necessary structure and monitoring to ensure that the children in our care are both safe and having fun.
Whether you are going away on holiday, on business, or just need an overnight dog sitter, we can help. We are available to accommodate your needs and ensure your dog has a fun and stress-free time.
- Safe, cage-free environment
- Supervised group play
- Loving, experienced caregivers
- Happy, tired pups at pick-up
Book Your Dog’s Stay at Happy Tails Playhouse Today!
Your dog deserves to have fun, experience freedom, and receive the care they truly deserve.
At Happy Tails Playhouse, we offer Dog Boarding without cages. Our Dog Boarding facility is designed to allow your dog to have the ability to play, relax and thrive in a social, safe, and fully supervised atmosphere.
SPOTS FILL UP FAST! Call Happy Tails Playhouse to schedule a tour or to reserve a day for your pup! Your best buddy will thank you!