When I worked at the vet, many Pitbull puppy owners asked me if it was okay to board their pups while they went on vacation.
I was confused by this question until I realized that it tied in with they myth of a Pitbull puppy being more aggressive than a puppy of another breed.
The true answer is that it’s a purely subjective decision that should be based on your dog’s puppy’s personality and not its breed.
Boarding Your Pitbull Puppy Has Nothing to do With its Breed
A Pitbull puppy is no more aggressive than any other puppy. The decision to board your Pitbull puppy when you’re going on vacation or just out for the day should be based on your pup’s personality. Some puppies and dogs handle boarding beautifully, while some think they’re in the ninth circle of Hell.
Related: Puppy Socialization – The Key to Overcoming Fears
Temperament
When deciding on whether to board your Pitbull puppy or get a sitter, the first thing you should consider is your puppy’s temperament. If your puppy is outgoing and vivacious, then boarding is a good option. When I worked at the vet, we had a dog that was so excited to board, it quivered. It couldn’t wait to get to the back and play.
By the same token, if your Pitbull puppy is timid, you should probably consider getting a dog sitter. A timid dog does not do well in a boarding situation, especially if you board with your vet. There will be lots of barking and odd smells, and a timid dog just can’t handle it.
In addition to being outgoing or timid, you need to understand if your Pitbull puppy is aggressive. An aggressive dog may not necessarily be a problem most of the time, but in a boarding situation, the stress can cause your dog’s aggression to go into overdrive. It may think it needs to protect itself from the staff and from other dogs. You don’t want that.
Related: Pitbull Puppy Training Tips: The Aggressive Pitbull Pup
Age
This may not be relative to you if you have a puppy, but it’s good information nonetheless. After all, your Pitbull puppy will age. Here’s the thing, older dogs have a harder time with boarding, generally speaking. Just like old people, old dogs are set in their ways, they like their own stuff, and they hate it when strangers try to give them medicine.
While your older dog may be physically able to board, it’s generally a psychological strain on them. In my personal opinion – which is backed by experience at the vet – older dogs don’t do very well in a boarding situation. They are generally sacred, won’t eat well, and are basket cases by the time they leave.
To Board or Not to Board, That is the Question
The answer is, it’s up to you. That may sound snarky, but it’s not meant to be. A Pitbull puppy or a fully grown Pit is just like any other dog. Boarding them or getting a dog sitter should be based on their age and temperament, not on the fact that they are Pits. In my opinion, if your Pitbull puppy is not super outgoing, a sitter is best. It’s just so much easier on your pooch.
Did you ever board your pitbull puppy- or any puppy for that matter? What were your experiences with it?
