Your dog's first hotel stay: A complete guide to a carefree vacation

Your pet's first stay at a hotel can be a challenging time for both you and your four-legged friend. At Posh Pet Hotel for Dogs, we understand your concerns and have prepared a detailed guide to ensure a pleasant experience for your dog.

1. HOME PREPARATION (2-3 weeks before your stay)

Establish a routine that will be used in the hotel: Introduce your dog to a feeding, walking and resting schedule that will be similar to the one you have at the hotel. It is important for your dog to get used to new habits and a schedule that will allow him to more easily adjust to the change in environment. Include regular meals at the same time each day, as well as walks that are coordinated with the time he will spend at the hotel. This will help your dog develop a sense of security and predictability, which will reduce stress when arriving at a new place.

Gradually introduce shorter periods of separation: Teach your dog to be calm when left alone at home. Start with very short periods, such as a few minutes, and gradually increase the time of separation. During this process, it is important to reward your dog when he behaves calmly and quietly, so that he associates separation with a positive experience. This practice will help him understand that he will always come back and that he is not abandoned, which will reduce the anxiety that can arise from separation.

Practice basic commands: Obedience will make the transition to a new space easier. Regularly practice basic commands such as "sit," "down," "come," and "stay." These commands not only help maintain control over your dog in an unfamiliar environment, but also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. When your dog understands what is expected of him, he will be less likely to become anxious and exhibit behaviors that can lead to problems during his stay at the hotel.

Maintain a positive experience with smaller enclosures: Since dogs sleep in separate enclosures, make sure that your dog experiences smaller, separate spaces where there are no people as a safe place. You can use toys, blankets, or any other object that your dog likes and that will help him feel comfortable. Establishing positive associations with an isolated space away from where you spend most of your time can include rewards or treats when your dog spends time there. Gradually accustom him to being in that space so that he doesn't see it as a punishment, but as a place where he can rest and feel safe.

2. HEALTH PREPARATION

Required documentation includes:

Vaccination booklet (passport)

Information about special needs, therapies, injuries or allergies

HYGIENE BEFORE ARRIVAL

In order for our staff to maintain the hygiene of your dog during your stay, we recommend:

Brushing and combing the coat to keep the dog neat.

Checking the ears and paws to remove dirt.

Trimming the nails if necessary, to prevent injuries during play.

3. WHAT TO BRING

Basics:

Usual food to avoid digestive upset.

Favorite toys for a sense of familiarity. Toys that have been used before and have a familiar smell can help reduce stress and anxiety. They provide a sense of security and comfort for the dog in a new and unfamiliar environment.

A blanket with a familiar scent from home for added security. A blanket that has been used at home can provide a sense of warmth and security. Its softness and familiar smell can help reduce stress and provide a sense of comfort, especially in an unfamiliar environment.

Treats to reward during the stay. Rewards in the form of treats can be extremely motivating and useful for encouraging positive behavior.

4. HOTEL ROUTINE

Our approach includes:

Gradual familiarization with the space to reduce stress. This process begins with a careful and gradual introduction of the dog to the new space. First, we allow him to explore his stay through smelling and looking. We monitor the dog's behavior to ensure that he feels safe and comfortable. This step is crucial as it helps the dog adapt to the new space without feeling anxious or afraid.

Regular walks and games for physical and mental stimulation. We ensure that each dog has enough time for physical activity through regular walks. During walks, we encourage interaction with other dogs and play, which contributes to socialization. We also include a variety of toys and activities that encourage mental stimulation, to keep their minds active and engaged.

Maintaining a familiar feeding routine so that the dog feels at home. We understand how important it is for dogs to have a consistent feeding schedule. Therefore, we try to maintain the routine that the dogs had at home, including the type of food, meal times and how it is served. We carefully monitor the nutritional needs of each dog, while also paying attention to any allergies or special diets.

Professional care and hygiene maintenance according to needs. We provide comprehensive care that includes regular brushing, bathing, as well as checking ears and nails. We maintain high standards of hygiene, ensuring that each dog is neat and clean.

5. STRESS REDUCTION

We use proven methods that have proven to be extremely effective in reducing stress in dogs, all with the aim of improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

A soothing atmosphere in rooms with music and adapted lighting plays a key role in creating an environment that encourages relaxation. Choosing soothing melodies, such as classical music or nature sounds, can significantly reduce anxiety levels in dogs. In addition, adapted lighting, which can include softer tones and dimming of light, further contributes to creating a calm environment that helps dogs feel safe and relaxed.

Professional staff available for every need ensures that all dogs in our premises are under constant supervision and attention. Our team is trained to recognize signs of stress or discomfort and react immediately to ensure that each dog feels comfortable and safe.

An individual approach to each dog according to its character is key to successful stress reduction. Each dog is unique and has its own specific needs and preferences. Therefore, our team conducts a detailed behavioral and temperament assessment of each dog to develop a customized care strategy. This personalized approach allows us to tailor activities, interactions, and stimulation to the dog’s individual needs, reducing stress and increasing their happiness.

Regular communication with owners via photos or videos. Owners can monitor their pets’ progress and see how they are adjusting to their new environment.

TIPS FOR THE DAY OF ARRIVAL

1. Arrival time

Arrive in the morning if possible so that the dog has time to adjust.

Allow enough time for the dog to get acquainted with the facility and staff.

Be calm and positive so that the dog feels your trust.

2. Check-in process

Review of health records.

Introduce the dog to the staff and facility so that the dog feels safe.

Handover of personal belongings.

3. Farewell

Keep it short and positive, without emotional scenes.

Follow the staff’s instructions for a painless farewell.

Preparing to return home

Complete stay report with details on activity and behavior.

Recommendations for home care to continue positive routines.

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