About Me:
Dina Schwertfeger
In 2016, after 20 years engaged in environmental research, I shifted gears and set-up my own dog-walking and boarding business in Hudson, QC. In 2020, my husband and I moved just across the border to Glen Robertson, ON, where I now focus on providing personalized dog boarding services.
About The Laughing Dog
For a dog, their owner is their food source, their physical security, their source of entertainment, and their primary (sometimes only) social contact. In other words, you are their WORLD! It is no wonder that when a dog’s owner “disappears” for a prolonged period, or the dog is plunged into a new setting with the absence of their owner, the dog can suffer emotionally and even physically! As a dog owner, you may be riddled with apprehension and guilt leaving your loved-one in someone else’s care, while you go on vacation or take care of business. I have been there myself many times!
While traditional kennels often provide for the basic physical needs of your dog (the safety of individual cages, food/water, pee breaks), they lack the formation of a strong human-dog bond and the emotional support, intellectual engagement, personal attention and familiar smells, sounds and comforts of a home environment to which your dog is accustomed. These familiar “cues” and personal engagement can ease your dog’s anxiety in your absence. And while having family or friends look after your loved-one is sometimes possible, you may still question, “Will my dog get enough attention, exercise? Would he/she not benefit from some social contact with other dogs?”
At The Laughing Dog, I provide safe, professional and personalized dog care in a relaxed, home environment. I board only a small number of dogs at a time, and keep them with me as much as possible all day, EVERYDAY. From my years as a dog walker, I have learned how to effectively introduce/socialize dogs to each other, and how to deal with personality clashes. I ensure one-on-one time with all dogs in my care, whether it’s working on commands/training issues, an extra run, brushing a long-hair coat out, or just cuddling.
My Philosophy
1. The Human-Dog Bond
I have found that in the absence of their owner, the new dog will often look for another human to “attach” to – an instinctual need to secure food and physical protection. I take the time to facilitate this bond. Some dogs take longer than others to develop this trust. This bonding process starts with the “meet & greet” and can continue through successive visits to the property until the dog is ready for boarding, and will continue through one-on-one time with me.
2. Exercise
I am a strong advocate of exercise for dogs (off-leash when it’s appropriate). For dogs, a good run, or extended exercise, and lots of “nose work” can stimulate a flood of beneficial brain chemicals (e.g., endorphins, serotonin) and result in a more relaxed dog and a sound sleep later on. Dogs in my care get a hardy morning walk (or run) in our fields and trail, an evening walk, plus play-time in our fenced-in dog run. An exercise program can be tailored to your dog’s need.
3. Socialization
For dogs that are socially confident, interacting with other dogs is often a positive and stimulating experience that enhances the quality of a dog’s life. While most dogs figure out, and can accept their position in a canine-hierarchal structure, I have found that many dogs have the capacity to go further and form strong and intimate bonds with particular dogs (akin to our formation of human friendships). I am an advocate of early dog socialization and I have clients that have used my dog day-care, walking and boarding services solely to provide their dogs with a social experience in a safe environment.
"Dogs can form strong and affectionate bonds wth other dogs"
4. One-on-one
While I promote a group boarding scenario, I know it is important to provide one-on-one time for dogs in my care. Quite often the dominant dog will, well, dominate my attention, and the toys, etc…So, one-on-one time is essential, especially for more timid or submissive dogs, and of course, for puppies!
Transparency & Communication
The health and welfare of your dog is most important so I believe in complete transparency. I also know that some owners can struggle with apprehension and even experience “separation anxiety” for their canine companions. I am willing to work with owners to determine how much communication, and the frequency of updates, they would prefer while away from their little one. And yes, I can send lots of photos!