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Set your pup up for success before their stay!
Sending your dog to a boarding facility, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, can be a big deal for both of you. As much as we love welcoming new guests at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral, we know that leaving your furry family member can come with some anxiety. One way to ease that worry? Teach your dog a few basic commands that can help them feel more confident, secure, and well-behaved while you’re away.
Whether your pup is a young learner or a seasoned old soul, practicing these commands can make their boarding experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved (especially them!). That said, don’t worry! We welcome dogs of all training levels, and we’ll take great care of your pet no matter what they know.
Ready to build up your pup’s toolkit before their next stay? Here are five helpful commands every dog should know before boarding:
1. Sit 🪑
Why it’s important to know:
“Sit” is one of the most fundamental commands in any dog’s vocabulary. It’s not just a party trick—it helps create a moment of calm. During check-in, grooming, feeding, or group play introductions, asking your dog to sit can help center their energy and give staff a moment to assess or assist them.
How it helps while boarding:
Let’s say your dog is excited to meet new friends or can’t wait to run into their suite. If they know how to “sit,” staff can help them settle down first, making transitions safer and more peaceful. It also helps us during feeding or when putting on leashes for walks, as less wiggling means smoother routines!
Pro Tip: Practice the sit command with distractions around, like at a park or during a walk, to help your dog generalize the behavior in new environments.
2. Stay ⏸️
Why it’s important to know:
“Stay” builds impulse control, which is a superpower for dogs in unfamiliar or exciting settings like a boarding facility. It teaches them to hold still until released, which can be incredibly useful when entering or exiting enclosures, during feeding time, or even during photos (yes, we love taking adorable pics: Just check out our Facebook page!).
How it helps while boarding:
A solid “stay” command helps keep your pup safe and focused in potentially chaotic moments. For example, if the door to the play yard opens and a few dogs are waiting their turn, we can use “stay” to manage the flow and reduce excitement levels.
Pro Tip: Pair “stay” with a hand signal like an open palm to reinforce the command even when it’s noisy or there’s a lot of stimulation.
3. Come 🐾
Why it’s important to know:
Whether they’re playing with other pups, exploring the yard, or simply getting some sun, “come” is the command that brings them back to you. A reliable recall ensures your dog will return when called, even during the most exciting playtimes (which happen often at Doggie Dude Ranch!).
How it helps while boarding:
Boarding environments can be full of fun distractions, but your dog still needs to listen to staff when it’s time to return to their suite, take a break, or join a smaller playgroup. A dog who responds to “come” helps us move them safely and efficiently through the day’s activities.
Pro Tip: Make coming to you the most exciting thing ever! Lots of praise, treats, or even a quick game of tug can reinforce this command.
4. Leave It 🚫
Why it’s important to know:
“Leave it” is all about safety. It tells your dog to avoid or drop something they shouldn’t touch, whether it’s a stray toy, a piece of food, or something unfamiliar in a new environment.
How it helps while boarding:
Dogs are curious creatures, and boarding means lots of new smells, sights, and items. A strong “leave it” can prevent your pup from chewing on another dog’s toy, grabbing an inappropriate snack, or picking up something they found outside.
Pro Tip: Start with low-stakes practice at home (like dropping a sock on the floor) and work your way up to more tempting items, rewarding your dog when they make the right choice.
5. Down ⬇️
Why it’s important to know:
“Down” signals your dog to lie calmly on the ground. It’s a useful command for encouraging relaxation, especially for high-energy dogs or during transitions. It can also be comforting when a dog is feeling a bit overwhelmed.
How it helps while boarding:
Some dogs feel a little nervous during their first boarding experience, and that’s totally okay. Teaching “down” gives them a behavior that helps regulate their emotions and encourages them to settle. Staff may also use it during quiet times or when your pup needs a little personal space in a group setting.
Pro Tip: Practice “down” on different surfaces (carpet, tile, grass) so your pup is comfortable wherever they go.
A Few Final Barks 🐾
We want to reassure you that your dog doesn’t have to be a training superstar to board at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral. Our caring team is experienced with dogs of all training levels and temperaments. These commands can simply help your dog feel a little more confident and ease their transition into a boarding environment.
If your pup already knows these five commands—amazing! If not, no worries. There’s always time to learn, and we’re happy to offer encouragement and support during their stay.
Ready to book your dog’s next vacation? Learn more about our loving, enriching boarding services here:
👉 Dog Boarding at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral
We can’t wait to welcome your pup to the Ranch! 🐶💛
