What You Should Know When Setting Up a Dog Training School

If you love dogs, opening a dog training school could be the most optimal opportunity for you to build a lucrative and fulfilling career. After all, pet owners today are becoming more increasingly aware of how important it is to have their dogs trained. Whether it’s about teaching general manners or addressing behavioral issues, you’ll have the chance to interact with numerous dogs and contribute significantly to both the dog and their owner’s lives.

While setting up a passion project may look easy and exciting on paper, creating a dog training school from the ground up can be challenging. It is, after all, still a business, and you’ll need to have a well-devised plan in place to achieve success. As such, before you start designing custom dog leashes and other such merchandise for your school, carefully consider how to set up the business first and foremost—and whether or not you should do it in the first place. To help you, here are some guide questions to ponder.

 

Question #1: Is There Enough Demand for Dog Training?

The rule of thumb when opening a business: go where the demand is. Even the best trainers will struggle in a location where there are few dog owners to begin with. Another thing to consider is the type of community. In rural areas, dogs usually have a higher degree of freedom and can roam around more compared to their urban counterparts. The latter often have to behave in apartments and shared  urban areas.

Aside from these considerations, make sure to check out the competition as well. If there are several schools already operating in the area, it would be more difficult to compete against them if you don’t bring something new to the table.

 

Question #2: Can You Work Well with Other Dog Owners?

When people think of dog training, they mistakenly think that they’ll only be interacting with the dogs alone. In reality, dog training involves interfacing with the owners as well, which includes talking to them about lessons on how to train their pets on their own and how to better understand and handle their canine friends. Hence, aside from patience and kindness toward the dogs, you’ll need to have good communication skills as well to build a solid client base.

 

Question #3: Which Areas of Dog Training Will You Focus On?

Like any other field of work, dog training has various areas of expertise. As a newbie, you may think that it’d be best to study all of them, but experts have discovered otherwise. Many dog trainers find success by sticking to a niche, where they become the go-to person for pet owners.

Some of the different dog training specializations you can choose from include:

  • Puppy training, socialization, and troubleshooting
  • Instilling obedience and developing proper manners
  • Therapy dogs, service dogs, or emotional support animals
  • Dog sport training
  • Separation anxiety
  • Phobias or fear issues
  • Aggression (e.g. dogs with a history of biting)

Once you’ve chosen which area to focus on, you can work on becoming an expert in the field through mentorship programs, dog training schools, or even self-study. New dog trainers typically start teaching puppy training and general obedience first before working their way up to more complex behavioral issues.

 

Question #4: Do You Need Certification as a Dog Trainer?

When it comes to certification, dog training is unfortunately not a regulated field. Currently, there are no laws or guidelines which prevent animal abusers from entering the field, so pet owners are extra vigilant when choosing dog trainers. However, some organizations and schools offer certifications when you become a member or finish their training programs. This is arguably the most effective way to earn the trust of potential clients and establish yourself in the dog training industry.

 

Question #5: How Will You Offer Your Dog Training Services?

Once you’ve been certified, you should consider next what your dog training model would be. These are the common types you could choose from:

  • Group classes
  • Private classes
  • Dog daycare and training
  • Board-and-train (where the dog stays with you for weeks)
  • Online training

Each training model has its pros and cons. What’s crucial is that you start with a model that works with the resources that you have as you’re starting. For example, group classes often require you to rent space first. Thus, if you wish to keep your prices low and offer a more personalized service, you could start with private classes. Once you’ve gained enough experience and a larger client base, consider opening a brick-and-mortar school where owners and pets can go to enroll. Modular Commercial Kennels form places like Horizon Structures can help setting up the brick-and-mortar portion of the business a snap.

Bear in mind that these guide questions are only touching the surface of the work that goes into opening a dog training school. You’ll still have to go into the gritty details of opening a dog training school, such as figuring out costs, coming up with a business name, registering the school, and marketing your business.

However, when you do your research and plan accordingly, you increase the chances of your dog training business succeeding in a market that’s steadily becoming more competitive. Thus, put in the work today, and reap the fruits of your effort tomorrow in the smiles of your clients and their dogs.

 

Keeping It Real – How to Make Sure Your New Horse Barn Project Doesn’t Disappoint

To ensure your new horse barn meets or exceeds your expectations and that the project is one filled with joy and happiness as it surely should be, can only happen if you manage your expectations.

 

 

When a new horse barn construction is on your horizon, it is easy to get carried away by your horse passion and the excitement that the prospect presents. Naturally you may be nervous about the large capital spend and how to make sure you get what you want and need for your equine family? While it is true there are many pitfalls to be avoided when purchasing horse housing, it is also true that the experience can be extremely positive if properly executed.

Of course, none of us know what we don’t know, so it is important to ask lots of questions of the construction company and carefully choose the builder you collaborate with on the project. The undertaking is not one to be taken lightly. But it is not an overwhelming project if you follow a few simple steps to manage your expectations.

Here are a few pointers that will help you make the best purchase decision.

 

Plans, Photos and 3D Visuals

Take advantage of new technology such as 3D graphic design to enjoy a ‘walk though’ of planned large barn builds to experience a simulated idea of how the space looks when constructed.

 

 

Check the details that might pertain to your particular needs. For example, if you own warmbloods ensure the front stall walls are high enough to accommodate larger horses. If you plan to run a busy boarding operation, determine if the aisleways are wide enough to allow safe passage and passing of horses being led past each other.

Websites and social media platforms offer the savvy shopper the opportunity to delve deep into the huge variety of barn styles and designs on the market. Siding and roofing materials, color options and innovative designs are often highlighted on the manufacturer’s pages. Reviewing images of barns that a company can provide offers inspiration for customizations that are available.

To best manage your expectations, it is essential to take your research a step further than looking online. If possible, visit an existing build the company has constructed, to examine the quality of craftsmanship and materials used in person. A good company will offer testimonials and references but a great company will offer the opportunity for you to speak/email directly with their clients to discuss the purchasing experience one on one.

 

Pennies and Pricing

Nail down the pricing before you place a deposit on a new horse barn. The popularity of modular and prefabricated barn construction is due in part to the fact that the purchase price is a known ‘to the penny’ quotation and it includes delivery of the structure as well as set up on site.

When you have a firm price for the build of your new horse barn there is no question that not only will you sleep better at night not worrying about cost overruns and delays, you will also be able to better plan your money management strategy.

Help with plans for permits and site preparation is often also available from modular building companies. This eliminates a lot of headaches and can save time in the overall construction process as well as save the purchaser money.

Ask about financing options and check out warranties that are included.

Don’t part with any money unless you have a clearly written contract that defines the materials and total price, specifies any special features or upgrades and defines a reasonable payment plan.

When you envisage your dream barn be aware that all those pretty extras, such as functional cupolas and copper weathervanes cost extra. Don’t become caught up in worrying about what others think of your barn, worry about what is functional first and don’t compromise on important facets such as the size of stalls or storage needs for hay and supplies.

Try and keep to low maintenance siding options where possible, to save on future unexpected and time-consuming costs for repainting and repairs. Stains are now available that can last as long as 15 years before needing additional application.

 

 

Investigate thoroughly all the material options available. If possible, choose a company to work with that has both the experience and expertise to correctly choose proven products that work and to apply those products correctly to the build.

 

Quality Control

Unfortunately building a barn on site opens the barn door to a much higher likelihood of costs overruns and materials being substituted to lack of availability.

Craftsmanship may be compromised due to the availability of construction crew staff and even adverse weather can negatively impact the final result of a barn build. For example, paint and stains need to be applied in a dry environment at a median temperature for best results.

 

Timelines

There is nothing more frustrating that having your hopes dashed with a delayed build timeline for the finished horse barn.

Your horses may be at livery requiring expensive monthly payments for board that you planned to put toward the barn purchase; the winter may be approaching and your horses need additional shelter; the summer may be heating up and your horses need shade to protect them from the sun’s rays; you may be moving house and need to have your horses moved on a specific timeline.

A factory-made horse barn that is delivered and set up on site, will be produced in a timely manner and with a defined timeframe. This can save much angst waiting for a barn to be finished and ready for use.

 

 

Be Realistic

When you take the time to plan well ahead for your future needs and do due diligence before you spend a dime, the likelihood is that the purchasing experience will be a positive one.

Most people don’t mind waiting for the right product, as long as there are no broken promises down the road and unexpected delays.

Take your time, ask lots of questions and choose your construction partner carefully. It does take a team to build a horse barn, make sure you pick the right one!

 

Magic Mirror on The Wall. What is the Fairest Barn of All?

The verdict is in. The latest in timber frame horse barn design, that utilizes the beauty of traditional carpentry technique of mortise and tenon joinery made with artisan talent combined with the affordability of modular design, is hotter than the century-hitting temperatures this country has experienced this summer.

It is the ‘fairest of them all,’ when it comes to horse barn style and design. Wood fashioned in its ultimate spectacle that reflects the beauty of nature at every turn. There is a certain magical appeal of majestic cathedral ceilings, perfectly fashioned arches, and the seamless invisibility of traditional joinery techniques.

Naturally, a horse barn that features such a complicated carpentry technique that requires specialized expertise to produce is not going to come cheap. The modular construction at the base of the barn combined with timber frame construction above helps mitigate the expenses.

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This unique combination barn offers cost savings over a complete timber peg construction. It is a clever mix of two worlds that benefits the purchaser in cost savings and construction time without compromising on the beauty of the timber frame barn.

Timber frame buildings are popular worldwide for residential living. Their unique design affords architectural delights with curved wood timbers and the handcrafted details showcase the natural hues and patterns of the wood.

It’s not just the inherent beauty of wood that makes timber frame barn designs a top trending purchase in horse barns and homes alike, it’s the sturdiness of the structure. The mortise and tenon joinery means no unsightly nails, bolts or metal plates negatively affect the aesthetic appeal. The beauty is not only a feast for the eyes. This type of joinery also has the benefit of being the strongest of all techniques. Perhaps this is why the grand old barns have stood the test of time.

For horse owners with property located in hot climates, the vaulted cathedral ceilings with their passive airflow offer horses a comfortable environment in which to relax. All horses enjoy the feeling of space and all horse owners appreciate the benefits a sturdy structure with good airflow provides to their equine partners’ health.

Other practical considerations need to be incorporated into this beautiful timber frame barn design, too. A ‘room’ or storage loft space above part of the barn can be a boon for many activities and functional uses. Paved aisleways can be implemented to offer maximum traction. Top quality hardware defines the attention to detail. And spacious stalls with large windows embrace the health and hygiene that natural light produces. All these elements add to the appeal of a well-designed horse barn.

The amazing manner in which this ‘combo’ barn is constructed, like a giant jigsaw in about 5 to 7 days from start to finish, saves the property owner and the avid horse trainer the stress of interruptions from noise, mess and disruption of a longer term 100% ‘stick built’ barn.

The tight training schedule at many horse farms, means that delays due to such disruptions are highly unwelcome. The show must go on, regardless of how many hours in the saddle in preparation have been exacted.

“A harmonious atmosphere in the horse barn is a prerequisite for a settled and focused horse,” says international Grand Prix competitor / coach / clinician Paul Alvin-Smith, who has made many horses from birth to finish in dressage. “The inherent nature of construction is noise. You have trucks big and small coming and going all day long, work crews milling around, and the buzz of equipment pounding the airwaves. Add to that worries over nails left behind on the ground that a horse will inevitably step on, retrieving plastic wrapping blowing across paddocks and spooking stallions and weather delays on the actual build and you quickly find your training schedule for working 6 horses a day is in the rafters for weeks and weeks on end. Quite literally! Not a good thing.“

Many busy trainers at commercial horse barns feel this way.

“It is important in horse training to work to a schedule. No trainer wants to deal with interruptions and upset. This timber frame barn option offers a super alternative to a traditionally ‘stick’ built barn and avoids all those issues. I’ve been impressed with many of the horse structures I’ve encountered in my extensive years of travel worldwide as a clinician and these timber frame combos rate up with the best of them“ Paul added.

You don’t need to ask, “Magic mirror, on the wall – who is the fairest one of all?” as the Evil Queen famously uttered in the 1937 Disney classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to truly appreciate that a timber frame horse barn is true royalty when it comes to barn building. What you don’t need to conjure up with this hybrid design, as you indeed would need with a full timber peg design, is a royal coffer full of gold coin to purchase one.

If you are contemplating a new horse barn and would like something with a little ‘edge’ – a smoothly planed edge in fact – of impressive timber melded into eye-catching appeal with a substantive feel, then the timber frame barn design built with a modular concept beneath could be your answer.

The timber frame horse barn is the most regal of designs but you don’t have to be a Queen to own one. Why not give it a look!

Traditional Timber Frame Horse Barns Revisited

Equestrians embrace tradition. And, timber frame horse barns offer a time-honored tradition that is hard to beat when it comes to beautiful carpentry exquisitely showcasing the natural aesthetic appeal of wood.

When my husband and I purchased our farmland in Upstate New York, the neighbor had already taken possession of a lovely 2 bridge – or bank – barn in the front of our property. It was still standing proudly on the hill after 100 years, and despite the fact that its main occupants consisted of a flock of pigeons and said neighbor used its 3-story windows as target practice for his golf swing, we did try to buy it.

 

 

I was so impressed with the timber peg design, and the huge roughhewn lumber that made up the main part of the structure and I had great plans for its use. The former occupants – a herd of dairy cows – had left the concrete ground level area 10 years before and the building was dilapidated with doors off their hinges and stone retaining walls at the entrances failing. But, to me, the opportunity to own such a lovely, old barn and to bring it back to its former glory was a dream.

Sadly, it remained just that, a dream. The neighbors sold the property and the new owner decided to knock it to the ground and bury it where it stood. No announcement! We looked out the window one day to see a huge wrecking ball bashing it to pieces and our horses galloping around in their paddocks terrified of the commotion.

Fortunately, many timber frame barns have not met such tragic and untimely ends. They have stood the test of time and are highly prized by discerning property owners. Why is that?

The timber frame construction method encompasses mortise and tenon joinery where a beam – or piece of wood – is pegged on one end and then inserted into a matching hole (or notch) to conjoin solidly with the adjacent piece of lumber.

 

 

The work is painstaking because of the craftsmanship and accuracy needed to complete it. Labor costs are necessarily higher, as the journeyman carpenters required must be extremely talented in working with wood and it takes time to produce top quality results.

This type of joinery is revered over the standard post and beam for its inherent beauty, as there is no visual interference to the attractiveness of wood by metal plates or bolts and nails. Timber frame construction also provides the sturdiest and strongest and most enduring type of construction in wooden structures.

As the rafters are cantilevered, the timber frame horse barn also lends itself to having spacious interiors that are free of posts and obstructions. This is one reason that many old timber frame horse barns have been converted to homes.

 

 

The raw materials used in timber frame construction are also unique and of premium quality further adding to the cost but with good reason! You can read more about that HERE.

Timber frame buildings are obviously not the cheapest option when it comes to barn construction. But for the discerning horse owner that wants to step it up a notch (pardon the pun), the advent of a unique combination of a modular horse barn configured with timber frame construction does minimize the sticker shock. This innovative combination design is less expensive than a straight timber frame build completed on site.

Another factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a new barn, is the time needed for construction and the noise, mess and general stress than can be involved.
The advantage of this ‘revisited’ timber frame horse barn is the modular components that form the ground level of the building. These barn ‘modules’ are made in the factory and delivered prebuilt directly to the site. Stalls, doors, windows – all the interior features – are assembled and ready to have the magnificent timber frame second floor loft (and lean-to/overhang if purchased) added on site to complete the barn.

 

 

This saves time as the construction is not delayed by inclement weather or material shortages/deliveries. It also ensures a quality controlled product that is not hampered by crews that haven’t worked together before or don’t have the experience in the world of horsemanship.

Consider the concerns horse owners have about dropped nails on site, and worries of interruption of their peace and quiet for riding/training on the property and the disruption of construction noise as issues that can all be significantly reduced.

While a timber frame/modular combination building is not going to be quite as ‘instant’ a new barn on the farm as a standard modular horse structure, the delivery and set up of the final barn is only, on average, about 4-5 days longer.

The traditional timber frame is indeed revisited, with modern day improvements that can mitigate both the price and the construction time and fuss. Look for a company that offers a proven positive customer service experience, provides warranties and ‘to the penny’ pricing to ensure the barn purchase is a happy event from start to finish.

 

 

Everything old is new again. Sometimes, the traditional methods are the best!

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Innovative Nature in Horse Barn & Kennel Design

One of the most enjoyable parts of planning a new horse barn or kennel is figuring out the creative design.

All horse owners love their horses and want the best possible housing to accommodate their beloved equines’ needs. Add in their own desires and wants to make the build extra special and individual to suit their taste and the design process can quickly become complex. Similarly dog owners or commercial dog business operators have specific needs for the canines in their care.

When a family welcomes a new member to their brood, much thought goes into the nursery design: the color on the walls; the furniture and its arrangement; and the future needs of the occupant. Preparing a nursery is a fun part of the pregnancy that heralds the baby’s imminent arrival.

For horse owners their equines are very much part of the family too. And equal care and attention goes into ensuring that their four-legged compatriots needs are met. What serves as a practical and purposeful design for one horse owner’s barn building needs may fall far short of the requirements for the horse barn for another.

For folks in need of kennel housing for their canines, especially when running a dog-related business, the commercial kennel must fulfill the specific needs for their type of operation, be in dog breeding, dog boarding/grooming or training enterprises.

Customizing a horse barn is about more than choosing colors and copper cupolas, siding selection and stall size. The floor plan has to match the specific needs of the horse owner’s horse keeping style.

For canine comfort, temperature control, outside access with covered pen, box sizes, and drainage and flooring options all merit special consideration.

The innovative nature in both horse barn and kennel design is often a meeting of the minds between the animal owner and the barn builder. What may seem practical to a neophyte construction team may not actually work when it comes to application of the design.

Similarly a horse owner or dog caregiver may not realize the implications of their customization ideas on the ease of daily use of the structure.

For example: Adding sliding doors on the long side of a building in a region that suffers winter snowfall will be subject to piles of shedding snow off the roof during winter months. This will result in a major headache gaining egress and ingress to the building.

Horse and pet owners usually have significant experience in specific and preferred methods of care. Some equestrians prefer maximum hours of turnout for their horses with free access to shelter while others prefer their equine charges be stabled in stalls with turnout times carefully monitored. Certain types of dog training such as K9, may require special security to ensure the canines are contained safely with welded heavy duty wire and options such as a wire-mesh screen for the human entry doors may be preferred to ensure no escapee K9’s during feeding/cleaning times.

When the meeting of the minds occurs between an experienced construction company and a savvy property owner, the collaboration can yield some stellar results.

A construction company that can easily accommodate full customizations in house, with professional draftsman on site to facilitate the plans and drawings and provide experience in engineering and materials available, offers an opportunity for the animal owner to go beyond the standard barn or kennel full of boxes.

Of course the designated (hopefully) Project Manager, has to be keen to develop new ideas and to ‘think outside the box’ both figuratively and literally. It is essential for the horse owner to keep a keen eye on the costs for changes to standard plans and to fully understand the implications, both pros and cons of changes they may put forth.

This liaison between animal owners and builder often produces sincerely great housing design features. Sometimes the modifications are simple. Examples include: a run-in shed of ample size might be fitted with a sliding front door, so that it can easily be used for hay storage. The door may also be used to secure a horse inside during adverse weather; a commercial kennel may be designed with storage, sinks and dog care facilities in the center of a line of kennels to segregate male and female dogs in a breeding operation.

There is no limit to the number of horse barn designs the imaginative animal owner can invent when there are no budget constraints to rein in their enthusiasm. However, financing a capital investment does require some forethought and a clever and well-conceived barn or kennel design can eliminate extra costs involved in building extra spaces.

A great example is the barn build that Horizon Structures constructed for a New Jersey customer who wanted everything ‘under one roof.’ A mixture of stalls, storage and run-in shed shelters in one building balanced the property owners’ needs for multi-purpose horse housing.

Of course not all construction companies will customize a build, and many will offer certain popular upgrades but not address the individual needs and tastes of a particular client. This limited approach to barn or kennel design can thwart the animal owner from being able to save on costs with multi-purpose designs that accommodate their ideas.

If you are contemplating a new kennel or barn don’t be shy to bring your own ideas to the table. Carefully select the building partner you want to work with to ensure they are both willing and able to accommodate your concepts for design.

Choose a company that already offers a myriad of barn and kennel styles that evidences their ability to build various designs. Their website should be comprehensive and full of resources and photos to inspire and educate you in the project.

It is also smart to seek a firm that has a full complement of experienced craftsman to build the barn plus a strong customer service team with the expertise to offer advice along the way. None of us know what we don’t know, and while we may have competence in horse or dog care we may not realize the pitfalls/benefits of certain features or customizations in construction.

Designing your new horse barn or kennel should be fun and productive. Go ahead! Make your dream of owning your own equine barn or canine housing a reality. Between financing options, to the penny pricing and the instant nature of prefab/modular construction there are great options that minimize the stress of building a structure and maximize the enjoyment of purchasing it.

 

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Signs Your Dog Has Anxiety And How to Treat It

Anxiety in dogs is much the same as it appears in humans, in that it can be normal and healthy, or acute and problematic, sometimes requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Any dog, no matter the breed, can suffer with anxiety, and the causes and triggers can vary. If the regularity and severity of the anxiety is significant enough, then it certainly warrants further investigation. There are a number of behavioral and medication-based approaches that can help.

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

 

Signs that your dog is suffering with anxiety

Signs that your dog could be suffering with anxiety include:

  • Pacing and restlessness
  • Panting and drooling
  • Excessive barking or whining
  • Destructive behaviors
  • Urinating or defecating in the house
  • Depressive, flat mood
  • Loss of appetite
  • Aggressiveness

Not all of these behaviors are necessary to confirm the presence of anxiety, but a combination of them is common. If these signs are only occasionally witnessed and don’t appear to be severe, then it is possible that your dog is experiencing normal, healthy levels of anxiety that require no professional intervention. For example, a dog may have an anxious reaction to fireworks, but being that they are such an uncommon event, it’s possible that no action is required so long as the reaction is not too intense or problematic. In this case, taking precautionary action to minimize their stress is sufficient.

 

Types of anxiety in dogs

Sometimes, anxiety in dogs is ongoing and requires further attention. Such anxieties are often caused by one of three reasons. These are:

Fear

As discussed, sudden, loud noises, such as chainsaws, could trigger an anxious response, but for some dogs, their fear is triggered regularly by a broader range of stimuli. This triggering stimuli could include unfamiliar animals or people, different environments, unusual visual stimuli, such as umbrellas, beards, or hats, and more. Every dog is different and so too will their triggers be. Car rides and vet clinics are common triggers.

Again, one-off triggers can often be easily managed or solved with training, but a variety of triggers signals the likelihood of fear-based anxiety.

Separation

Similarly to toddlers, dogs can experience anxiety when left alone or specifically when separated from their owners or family members. This can be especially intense if they have not been properly socialized as a pup, as well as desensitized to being alone for reasonable periods of time.

Excessive barking and whining, destroying furniture and doors, and defecating in the house are common signs of separation anxiety when dogs are left alone. It can be hard for a dog suffering with separation anxiety to calm themselves down, so while it’s understandably frustrating to be angry when they exhibit these behaviors, it isn’t helpful to punish them, as it probably felt out of their control. Having a safe, comfortable place for your dog to stay, such as a Horizon Structures Kennel while you are away can help to minimize separation stress.

Old age

As dogs get older, they can begin to develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This condition results in impaired cognitive functions, such as difficulties with memory, perception, concentration, spatial awareness and more. These impairments can feel confusing and elicit feelings of frustration and anxiety.

 

Treatment for anxiety in dogs

The most important first step to take is to make an appointment with your local vet. They can assess your dog thoroughly, rule out any contributing medical conditions and then determine the cause and severity of their anxiety. From there, a treatment plan can be created.

Treatment for anxiety in dogs can vary depending on the nature and severity of the condition, but some combination is usually most effective. Treatment options include:

Counterconditioning

Counterconditioning works to alter the conditioned response that your dog has to certain triggering stimuli. By gradually interrupting their anxious response with positive reinforcements, treats and comfort, over time, their association to the anxiety-provoking stimuli can transform.

Desensitization

Desensitization is a similar approach, in which the dog is exposed to low-level, gentler versions of the triggering stimuli while receiving immediate positive reinforcements (such as praise and rewards) to any calm reactions. This can desensitize the dog to the stimuli as it is gradually increased.

Diet and supplementation

It is important to consult with your vet to ensure that your dog is receiving adequate nutrition to maintain a healthy nervous system. Depending on the findings, your vet may suggest a change in diet or supplementation to better support your dog’s overall health.

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash

Medications

Sometimes it is advised to treat more severe cases of canine anxiety with medications, such as SSRIs and antidepressants, as well as occasional benzodiazepines for acute reactions. While this may feel confronting, these dog anxiety remedies can dramatically improve their quality of life, and in many instances can simply be a temporary measure to assist with training and conditioning therapies.

Older dogs suffering with CDS are sometimes prescribed a drug called Selegiline, which works to reduce the severity of CDS symptoms and in turn alleviate some of their anxieties.

Even though there is yet to be any conclusive scientific evidence of efficacy, there are some anecdotal reports of the successful use of CBD oil in helping pets with anxiety. Your vet will be able to advise you further as to whether this is an appropriate course of action.

 

Final thoughts

It can be distressing to witness your dog suffer with anxiety, and while some of their behaviors can be equally frustrating, it’s important to remain calm and seek out a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right approach, you should soon see some improvements.

4 Policies Your Kennel Needs to Have

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It can feel tricky when you’re deciding the rules for your boarding facility. You want to find a balance between ensuring your business is protected while not scaring off new customers due to unreasonable or too-strict requirements. We’ve pulled together four essential policies your commercial boarding kennel should have, plus a few ideas for what to include.

 

Vaccinations and Vet Info with Emergency Waiver

Your terms and conditions for kennel boarding should first include the baseline requirements every new dog must have before they can stay with you. While there may be wiggle room with the rest of your policies, this one should be non-negotiable.

Having vaccination records for your boarding clients ensures you can keep nasty things like kennel cough or other diseases out of your kennels. Here are a few vaccines that are both easy to get from the vet and effective for good dog kennel health and safety:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Bordatella (Kennel Cough)

It’s also good to require flea and parasite preventative treatment for your boarding guests. If your customers don’t have up-to-date treatments, you can offer flea collars at your facility for an extra charge, too!

Lastly, it’s good to require information on the dogs’ veterinarian if something should happen. It’s also important to consider what you’ll do if a dog has a medical emergency and your customer can’t be reached. Many facilities will have an emergency waiver that authorizes veterinary treatment up to a certain dollar amount if the client cannot be contacted. Having this policy in place ensures you’re not stuck with a difficult choice regarding the emergency care of a dog.

 

Last-Minute Scheduling and Cancellations

Things happen in life that cannot be helped, so offering last-minute scheduling or cancellation options for your clients is a good idea. By having these in place at the beginning of a boarding contract, you and your client will both be protected from misunderstandings.

Consider the cost of having staff on-call or at your kennel for sudden boarding requests and factor that into your last-minute scheduling price. You should also consider having a non-refundable deposit put in place that accounts for your costs incurred when there’s a last-minute cancellation. Most kennels will have a window of around 48 – 72 hours that allows for a refund, minus the deposit, and anything canceled after that is typically paid in full.

 

What Is (and Isn’t) Included During Boarding

What’s included during a boarding stay varies from kennel to kennel, so it’s best that you explicitly list what your clients should expect. Here are a few questions to answer in your policies:

  • When and how are the dogs fed during their stay?
  • How should customers prepare the food? Should it be in individual bags for twice-daily meals, or will you have a free-feed policy that requires a whole bag of food?
  • How are the days structured for your boarding guests? Will they have playtime with other dogs?
  • Are the play areas monitored by webcams? Will there be a way for your clients to watch their dogs while staying with you. If so, what are the privacy policies they’ll need to follow? Boarding facilities with webcams will often have them password-protected and only available during certain hours of the day.
  • What happens if the dog becomes aggressive or hurts an employee or other dog?
  • Can dog owners leave toys or other trinkets from home? If so, what happens if they get lost during the stay?
  • What is the treat policy? Will you be giving out treats during the stay. If so, what kind? Dog owners will want to know this for dietary reasons.
  • Are there specific dietary requirements you need to know about before boarding? If so, how can your customer let you know? How long are these requirements kept on record?

 

Safety Measures

Having safety measures listed in your policies will not only help dog owners feel more at ease but ensure your employees have a thought-out plan should something happen. A few ideas to consider:

  • What is the fire safety protocol? Does the local fire department know where the dogs are boarded? Are there sprinklers installed?
  • What are the operating hours? Are there ways someone can access the facility at night? How secure are the dogs?
  • What first-aid kits or training are on hand should something happen?
  • Where is the nearest vet, and what is your relationship with them?

 

Final Thoughts

Running a business that includes kennel facilities requires thinking through how you’ll manage your boarding guests. By creating policies like the ones mentioned above, you’ll protect your business should something happen and give your customers better peace of mind for how well your business is run.

 

Looking to expand or start your kennel business? Let Horizon Structures help!

Horizon Structures Commercial Dog Kennels

484-889-9447