Why Temperament Testing Matters In A Dog Boarding Facility
Getting to know your dog(s) and building relationships with them is a key first step in providing exceptional care for them while they are away from home. Understanding their temperament in our facility helps us get to know them and understand how they will behave while they are with us. The more comfortable they are with our staff and our facility, the better their experience will be. All of this begins with our introductory temperament assessment.
Let’s dive into why temperament testing is such a valuable tool for pet boarding facilities and pet parents alike. Plus, for a limited time only, new guests get FREE Temperament Tests!
What do we mean by “Temperament”?
Temperament refers to a dog’s inherent disposition or natural behavioral response to stimuli such as sounds, sights, and social interactions—not simply trained behaviors like sit or stay. American Kennel Club
Why Temperament Testing Is Important
Safety First
Temperament tests help identify any behavioral tendencies—like fear, reactivity, or aggression—that might pose a risk to other dogs or our Pet Care Technicians. This is particularly crucial for environments like dog daycare or boarding facilities, where dogs spend time together.
ALL guests are required to complete a temperament test prior to utilizing the services at our facility to ensure we can safely handle and care for them in our facility. During a temperament assessment, our staff introduces your dog to our facility and then to other dogs while closely monitoring their behavior and responses to the new environment. For dogs that are not going to be around other dogs (unaltered, prefers not to play with other dogs, or parents simply prefer their dog not socialize), we still require a modified temperament assessment where they visit our facility and are introduced to our environment and staff. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of all our guests staying at our facility.
Finding the Right Match
Matching a dog’s personality to its home or environment reduces stress and destructive tendencies. For instance, a high-energy pup thriving in an active household may not do as well in a laid-back setting. (drsenstpets.comRecherche Goldens)
If you happen to have a high energy dog that you can’t seem to “tame,” doggy daycare at Unleashed Dog Hotel is a wonderful solution to your problem! Your dog has hours to get the zoomies out while you are at work or running errands. Your dog doesn’t actually need to be tamed, they were most likely bred for a specific job or task and it’s engrained in them to do just that. It’s important for you as their owner to provide alternative physical and mental exercise.
Tailored Training & Socialization
Knowing a dog’s temperament gives you a roadmap for training and socialization. Shy pups may need gentle social introductions, while confident ones might excel with dynamic enrichment and engagement. (drsenstpets.comNutriPaw)
For more information on how [daycare] helps shy or anxious dogs thrive, read our latest blog on the topic!
When and How to Test
Many experts recommend waiting until your dog is 4 months for more accurate “personality” results The Spruce PetsGreat Pet CareAmerican Kennel Club. It is important for the health and safety of all Unleashed Guests to have completed their vaccinations and given a clean bill of health from their Veterinarian before they are welcome to stay in our facility.
Temperament assessments at Unleashed Dog Hotel are generally offered between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday by appointment. Please give us a call to let us know you’re coming in. We want to ensure that we have adequate time to get to know your dog.
Temperament Testing: Not a Crystal Ball
Temperament tests offer insight—not a guarantee. A dog’s behavior can evolve based on environment, socialization, and reactivity. Scuffles happen within groups of dogs and our trained staff is always on the floor supervising play groups closely. We have separation protocols in place to manage risk and reassess all guests suitability for continued group play. We do this by monitoring signs of stress and aggression. You as the owner are also always kept in the loop if and when situations arise.
Invest in Understanding Your Dog
Temperament testing is a smart, proactive way to understand your dog’s personality, ensuring they thrive in the right environment—whether that’s your home, a boarding facility, or daycare. When you understand their natural tendencies, you can better support their well-being, create safer interactions, and foster strong, lasting bonds.
Thinking about boarding or daycare for your dog? At Unleashed Dog Hotel in Murray, Utah, temperament assessments guide us in creating the safest, most enriching experiences tailored to each pup. Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more.
