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Originally Posted by moz205  Rommel was very quiet for a few days after bringing him home. This only happened at a kennel where he didn't do very well. It was rare I left him and I don't think they gave much attention although he was not the type for "playtime" etc. I took him to another kennel and he actually gained weight where as in the first kennel he lost. He was soooo sad it broke my heart. He did so well in the new place where were no changes at all. He actually let one guy there leash him and walk him. This was a dog that no stranger could come near. I did call and check on him daily while I was away though.
I am actually thinking of boarding Buddy (super friendly) for a day or two to get him used to this kennel. It may come in handy if the time comes when I HAVE to board. |
moz, I just had to write and thank you for your suggestion about doing what I call a test boarding. Samson and Gretchen had only ever been boarded once, which when I attended my brother's wedding out of state. Although the kennel had no issues with them, I didn't like Samson's behavior when he got home. He was mouthy, acted like he had no training, etc.
I'm using a timeshare in Florida, in mid-March for a week and they have a no pets policy. I thought of taking the dogs with me and finding a kennel near the timeshare, but it's a long drive and that's not really fair to the dogs.
The pet resort I use occassionally for taking the dogs swimming also boards dogs. The owners have Rottie mixes and used to breed Rottweilers so they aren't put off by Samson or Gretchen.
In January I discussed the possibility of doing a test boarding and explained that Samson's not fond of other dogs. I told them Gretchen seems uninterested in other dogs when we're in class. I even said my top priority was 'safety.' I wanted Samson and Gretchen safe, the other dogs to be safe, and the humans to be safe.
They just did their test boarding last Thursday and it went well. The owner said she's glad I did it because Gretchen was much happier on Friday than she was on Thursday. They worked with Samson by introducing him to the most submissive female they know, a yellow lab by the name of Marley. They then introduced him to a male that's submissive, but won't tolerate bad behavior. That went well too.
I've been working on his reactiveness to other dogs on our walks in town and he's doing better. My comfort level when I actually need to board them later this month is going to be a lot higher. Thanks again!
ETA: I must say their behavior when they got home on Friday was a 180 from last time. They slept the day away...