More Than Just a Place to Stay
Gun dog boarding is specialized care for working breeds that need more than a spot to sleep—they need space to move, a routine that keeps them sharp, and handlers who understand their drive.
Quick Answer: What to Look for in Gun Dog Boarding
- Wide open spaces for running and exploration (not just small kennels)
- Structured daily routines with purpose-driven exercise and conditioning
- Experienced handlers who understand high-energy working breeds
- Safe, clean kennels with climate control and comfy bedding
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for playtime or human interaction
- Small group sizes for personalized attention and supervision
- Required vaccinations (Rabies, Bordetella, DHPP) for safety
If you’re a hunter or sportsman, you know the bond you share with your dog runs deep. These aren’t just pets—they’re athletes, partners, and family. They live for the work, thrive on structure, and deserve more than being stuck in a kennel all day or thrown into chaotic play yards with thirty other dogs.
The truth is, gun dogs have different needs. They need room to run, mental stimulation to stay focused, and handlers who respect what they’re built for. Whether you’re looking for a board-and-train program to keep your dog’s skills sharp or just need a safe, enriching place for them to stay while you’re away, the right facility makes all the difference.
At Pet Caddy, we get it. Our 5-acre ranch in the Austin area offers the kind of wide open spaces and hands-on care that working breeds crave. No hidden fees for playtime. No cramped kennels all day. Just supervised, custom play, plenty of tail wags, and a true home away from home.
When we talk about gun dogs, we’re talking about breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, and Spaniels—dogs bred for a purpose. They’re intelligent, energetic, and often possess an unwavering desire to please. This means they truly benefit from an environment that acknowledges and nurtures these traits, even when they’re away from home. The global pet boarding market is growing, showing a clear demand for quality care, and we’ve noticed a particular rise in owners seeking specialized services for their working breeds. You folks want your four-legged partners to be just as happy and well-cared for on their “vacation” as you are on yours!
What to Look For in Gun Dog Boarding
Choosing the right gun dog boarding facility isn’t just about finding an open kennel. It’s about finding a place that truly understands your working dog’s needs—a partner who’ll keep that tail wagging and those skills sharp while you’re away.
The Right Environment: Space, Terrain, and Kennels
Here’s the thing about gun dogs: they weren’t bred to sit still. These athletes need room to move, scents to track, and the simple joy of a good run across open terrain. That’s why wide open spaces matter so much.
Our 5-acre ranch in the Austin area gives your dog what they’re built for—a true “dude ranch for dogs” with plenty of room to roam. We’re talking about fenced acreage where they can really stretch their legs and explore safely, not just a small yard where they pace the fence line. There’s something special about watching a dog run joyfully across a big, grassy field, and that’s exactly what we offer.
But the adventure doesn’t end when it’s time to rest. Our kennels are designed with your dog’s comfort and health front and center. They’re clean and climate-controlled—because nobody wants to be too hot when that Texas sun gets fierce or too cold on a chilly night. We provide comfy bedding for a good night’s sleep after a day of ranch adventure, and our daily sanitation routines keep everything fresh and healthy.
Safety always comes first. We’ve built our whole operation around keeping your precious partner safe and sound, from secure fencing to careful supervision to proper health protocols.
Daily Life: The Importance of a Structured Routine
Gun dogs thrive on structure. These intelligent, high-drive breeds need more than just random playtime—they need a predictable routine that keeps them comfortable, engaged, and sharp.
At our ranch, we focus on purpose-driven exercise and conditioning. Your dog isn’t just wandering around a yard; they’re engaged in activities that challenge both body and mind. For sporting breeds, this means activities that tap into their natural drives—locating, retrieving, responding to commands, and maybe even a little water work when conditions are right. We understand that being healthy for a gun dog means daily invigorating exercise doing what they were bred to do.
We also maintain obedience and mental focus through consistent interaction. Even during boarding, these dogs benefit from reinforcement that keeps their minds sharp and their manners polished. Our experienced staff know how to keep working breeds engaged without overwhelming them.
When it’s playtime, we believe in calm, supervised play in small groups. You won’t find chaotic free-for-alls with thirty dogs running wild. We carefully match dogs by temperament and energy level, ensuring every play session is safe, enjoyable, and actually beneficial. Quality over quantity, every time.
Every dog receives hands-on care and plenty of tail wags. We treat your dogs like family, not numbers. This personalized attention is crucial for high-drive dogs who form strong bonds with their people. Our goal is creating an environment where they feel loved, secure, and stimulated—just like home.
The People Factor: Finding Experienced Handlers
When you leave your gun dog with someone, you’re trusting them with both a family member and a finely tuned athlete. The people caring for them matter just as much as the facilities.
Our staff bring real experience caring for working breeds. They understand the nuances—a Lab’s retrieve drive, a Pointer’s instinct to range, a Spaniel’s eagerness to flush. This isn’t just about filling food bowls; it’s about reading body language, understanding energy levels, and engaging these dogs in ways that are meaningful to their breed.
We maintain a low dog-to-staff ratio because personalized attention isn’t optional. Your dog won’t get lost in the crowd. They’ll be known by name, their quirks understood, their needs met with genuine care. This matters especially for gun dogs who can be sensitive to new environments or changes in routine.
It comes down to a passion for canine well-being. Our team is made up of local, friendly faces who are dedicated to providing the kind of care that gives you peace of mind. We’re here because we love what we do, and your dog will feel that from the moment they arrive at our ranch.
Making the Right Choice for Your Four-Legged Partner
Choosing where your gun dog stays while you’re away is about more than just finding a kennel with an empty spot. You’re looking for a place that understands what makes these working breeds tick—their drive, their need for structure, and their love for having a job to do. Let’s walk through your options and what to consider when making this important decision.
Board-and-Train vs. Boarding: What’s the Goal?
Now, when it comes to caring for your gun dog, you’ve got two solid paths to consider: a dedicated board-and-train program or high-quality, purpose-driven gun dog boarding. The good news? We offer both right here at Pet Caddy, so you can choose what fits your dog’s needs best.
A board-and-train program is where training and boarding come together in one package. Your dog stays with professional trainers who work with them daily on specific skills and behaviors. This intensive approach is perfect when you’re looking for more than just a place for your dog to hang their leash. It’s ideal for skill tune-ups and conditioning—maybe your retriever needs to polish their steadiness, or your pointer could use some work on their range. Some dogs benefit from focused conditioning to get them in peak shape for hunting season or competition.
Board-and-train can also help address specific behaviors that need attention or build foundation skills in younger gun dogs who are just starting their journey. At Pet Caddy, our dog training services can be integrated right into their stay, giving your dog that one-on-one attention with experienced trainers who understand working breeds.
On the flip side, our standard boarding is anything but standard, I can promise you that. It’s designed for dogs who need a safe, enriching place to stay—a true home away from home—while you’re traveling or away. This is perfect for short or long-term stays with plenty of enrichment. Your gun dog won’t be stuck in a kennel all day. Instead, they’ll enjoy our 5-acre ranch with wide open spaces for running, supervised play in small groups, and hands-on care from folks who genuinely love what they do.
We maintain a structured routine that includes purpose-driven exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of tail wags. It’s about keeping your dog happy, healthy, and engaged without the intensive training focus. Both options come with custom care for every pup’s needs, because we know no two dogs are exactly alike.
The main difference comes down to your goals. Are you looking for active skill development and training? That’s board-and-train. Need a safe, stimulating environment where your dog can enjoy a ranch adventure while maintaining their current training? That’s our boarding services. Either way, your four-legged partner is in good hands.
Essential Questions for Any Gun Dog Boarding Facility
Before you book your dog’s stay anywhere, it’s worth asking a few important questions. These answers will give you peace of mind and help you find the right fit for your hunting partner.
What vaccinations are required? This is non-negotiable for any reputable facility. We require up-to-date Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP vaccinations to keep all our guests safe and healthy. These core vaccines protect against common and serious illnesses, and you can learn more about why they’re so important from trusted sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association. It’s always smart to check with your vet before booking to make sure your pup is fully protected.
How often will my dog get outside? For a gun dog, this isn’t just about a quick potty break. These breeds need significant outdoor time to burn energy and stay mentally sharp. At our ranch, dogs spend ample time in our wide open spaces throughout the day—running, exploring, and doing what they were born to do.
Will I get daily updates? We know you miss your pup! That’s why we believe in keeping you connected with regular updates, often with photos or videos. You’ll see your dog enjoying their time with us, which makes being apart a whole lot easier.
What’s the emergency plan? A good facility has clear protocols for emergencies, including access to veterinary care. We work with trusted local veterinarians in the Austin area and have plans in place for any situation that might arise. Your dog’s safety is always our top priority.
What should I pack for my dog’s stay? Generally, we recommend bringing your dog’s regular food to avoid any tummy troubles from a diet change. If they take any medications, bring those along with clear instructions. A favorite blanket or toy from home can help some dogs settle in, though we provide plenty of cozy bedding and fun here at the ranch.
What should I leave at home? We provide everything your dog needs for comfort and play, so often less is more. Valuable items can sometimes get lost or damaged during an active ranch adventure, so it’s best to keep those treasures safe at home.
How are play groups supervised? This is crucial for gun dogs who can be sensitive to chaotic environments. We practice Small Groups, Big Care—our experienced staff carefully match dogs by temperament and energy level, and every play session is supervised. No free-for-alls here, just calm, purposeful interaction.
Are there hidden fees for playtime or special care? This one matters to us a lot. At Pet Caddy, our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. Hands-on human interaction and all-day play in our spacious environment are always included at no extra cost. We believe your dog deserves the best experience, and you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for upfront.
A Home Away From Home in Austin
At the end of the day, finding the right fit for your gun dog means finding a place that truly understands them. You want folks who respect their training, appreciate their drive, and provide the kind of environment where they can thrive—not just survive.
Your hunting partner is more than a pet. They’re your loyal companion in the field, your hardworking teammate, and a valued member of your family. They deserve care that reflects that special bond.
That’s what we’ve built here at Pet Caddy. Our 5-acre ranch in the Austin area offers the wide open spaces your gun dog craves, the structured routine they need, and the hands-on care that keeps their tail wagging. From the moment your dog arrives, they’re welcomed into an environment where their unique needs are understood and celebrated. It’s a true home away from home—a place where they can enjoy a genuine ranch adventure while you’re away.
We’re proud to serve folks throughout Austin, Spicewood, Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls, Steiner Ranch, Hudson Ranch, Lakeway, and Barton Creek. As a locally owned and operated business, we’ve built our reputation on personalized attention, transparent pricing, and the kind of care that gives you real peace of mind.
So if you’re looking for a place where your four-legged partner can run free, stay sharp, and be treated like family, we’d love to welcome them to our ranch. Come see for yourself why Pet Caddy is the perfect spot for your gun dog to thrive.
Schedule your pup’s stay at our Austin ranch
