--- title: Boarding an Anxious or Shy Dog | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-an-anxious-dog/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Boarding an anxious or shy dog # Boarding an anxious or shy dog A shy or nervous dog can board well when you pick a quieter-feeling setup, share exactly what scares your dog, and tour first. At Happy Paws every dog has its own run with an inside and outside area, and Business Class suits a dog who does not like to share. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Shy is not the same as unsuited. Many nervous dogs do fine once they understand the routine. What matters is information in both directions. ## Tour first and bring your dog's profile Tours happen every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, and no appointment is needed. A staff member walks with you, so you can ask about noise, neighbors and daily routine and watch how the runs feel. The AKC recommends looking at the whole facility, including the runs and where meals are prepared, before you decide. ## Choose a kennel that gives space Kennel class matters more for a nervous dog than for a confident one. Economy runs have about 16 square feet inside and 48 outside. Business Class has about 30 inside and 60 outside, which the kennel describes as right for a dog who does not like to share. First Class is about 48 inside and 72 outside. At $59 a night for one dog in Business Class on the 2026 rates, the extra space is often a good choice for a worried dog. The [kennel class finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/) asks a few questions to help. ## How the runs are set up Dogs can see neighbors through the fence but have their own space, and a doggie door lets each dog choose between the heated or air-conditioned inside and the outdoor area. A shy dog can stay inside on a Kuranda bed, and a curious one can watch from the outside area. ## What to share with staff - Triggers: noises, men with hats, other dogs, being handled - How your dog shows fear: freezing, hiding, snapping, trembling - What helps: a calm voice, a treat, a walk first - Bite history, if any - Medications, including anxiety medications, which are given at no charge ## Plan the first day Keep drop-off short and relaxed. Leave your dog in the car at check-in so staff can walk your dog in; this avoids scuffles in the lot. A day-care visit before the first overnight is a gentle way to practice. If your dog is truly fearful, the [stress guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-boarding-stressful-for-dogs/) and your veterinarian can help you weigh other options. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, boarding tips](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, touring the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Boarding a dog with separation anxiety](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-separation-anxiety/) - [Business Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/business-class-kennel/) - [Which kennel class?](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/kennel-class-finder/) - [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Plan a visit](https://happypawskennels.com/tour-request/) ## Read next - [Questions to ask a boarding kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boarding-kennel/) - [How to choose a dog kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-kennel/) - [Kennel or pet sitter? An honest comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-vs-pet-sitter/) - [Twelve boarding tips from the kennel side of the counter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-tips/) - [Can you board a dog in heat?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-you-board-a-dog-in-heat/) - [How old does a puppy have to be to board?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/) - [Boarding a dog on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-dog-on-medication/) - [Boarding a diabetic dog or cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-a-diabetic-pet/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Which kennel is best for a shy dog? Business Class gives more space and suits a dog who prefers not to share. Tour first and ask staff what they see in your dog. ### Can my nervous dog have a bed from home? Runs include a Kuranda bed and blankets, and own beds are not recommended. You may bring one toy that is not the favorite. ### Will staff know what scares my dog? Only if you tell them. Write it on the pet information form.