What a Day of Dog Boarding Looks Like at Stohner Kennels

Most owners see the kennel at drop off and again at pickup.

What they do not see is the routine in between. A good boarding stay is not one big play session. It is a full day of feeding, cleaning, observation, outdoor time, rest, and handling dogs as individuals.

Here is what that looks like at Stohner Kennels.

The day starts with checking every dog

Before anything becomes busy, I look at how each dog is acting.

Did the dog rest? Is it alert? Did it finish its food? Is the kennel clean? Is there vomiting, loose stool, coughing, or anything different from the day before?

Small changes are easier to catch when the same person is handling the dogs consistently.

I live on the property and personally manage the dogs each day. That gives me a direct picture of what is normal for each one during the stay.

Feeding is managed by dog

Stohner Kennels provides food, water, bowls, and normal boarding supplies.

Dogs are fed measured amounts based on their needs and the information provided during intake. Fresh water is available and bowls are cleaned regularly.

Some dogs eat normally from the first meal. Others need time to settle. I pay attention to the pattern instead of treating every missed bite as an emergency or ignoring several missed meals.

Medication is given according to the labeled instructions supplied by the owner.

Dogs have individual indoor and outdoor runs

Each dog has its own run instead of being automatically placed into a large group.

The indoor area is climate controlled. The covered outdoor portion gives the dog space to move, see outside, and choose a different area while still remaining contained.

Individual housing is useful for rest, feeding, medication, and dogs that do not want constant interaction with unfamiliar dogs.

Dogs from the same household may be able to stay together when it is safe and appropriate, but that is planned rather than assumed.

Outdoor time happens in a secured yard

Dogs also receive time in a dedicated air out yard.

The yard uses six foot no climb fencing with protection below ground for dogs that try to dig. The property has another perimeter fence outside that area.

Outdoor time gives dogs a chance to stretch, sniff, relieve themselves, and move outside the run.

The amount and style of activity depend on the dog. A young active dog does not need the same routine as an older dog or one recovering from an injury.

Cleaning is part of the routine all day

Kennel cleaning is not a once a day event.

Runs, bowls, bedding, and common areas are checked and cleaned as needed. Waste is removed promptly, and sanitation is handled with products and procedures appropriate for a dog facility.

Good cleaning also means watching the dog. Stool, urine, appetite, and behavior can provide early signs that something has changed.

Rest matters too

Some owners worry that a dog will be bored if it is not active every minute.

Dogs need rest, especially in a new environment. Constant excitement can make it harder for them to settle and can increase stress.

A predictable cycle of care, outdoor time, interaction, and quiet time usually helps dogs adjust better than nonstop activity.

Communication is direct

When something comes up, owners hear from me.

I do not want a concern to pass through several employees before reaching the person responsible for the dog.

If I notice a meaningful change, I can explain what I saw and what I am doing.

Pickup is scheduled

Drop off and pickup are by appointment.

That allows me to keep the kennel routine organized and have the dog ready for a safe handoff.

If you are trying to decide between standard boarding, boarding with training, or a full board and train program, that breakdown is covered on the Standard Boarding, Boarding With Training, or Board and Train page.

To request boarding, contact Stohner Kennels with your dates and information about your dog. I will review the request and confirm availability before the stay is booked.