Boarding kennel experiences?

[Homerhomer]

Can you tell me what were your experiences with boarding kennels, what they should look like and how your dogs reacted to it. It will first time boarding for Homer (other than a month or so he spend at the shelter when he was abandoned at 6 months of age). We went to see the kennel yesterday, there were about 20 concrete mini rooms ( approx 4 feet by 10 feet), each dog has access to a separate potty area (graveled) and once a day they are let out to a playground area (grass, trees etc). Homer didn't think that this is a good idea, probably was spooked by the barking and all that (something like going to the vet).
Wonder what your dogs react to the boarding, what you think the kennel should look like, and how the dogs are after they leave the kennel.
Homer is gonna be there for a week.

[KattOK]

The description you gave sounds like the kennel I take Holly to. The only thing you didn't mention is that each section has a 'bed' in it. Also, if I pay extra, Holly can have 'play time' while at the kennel. Play time is when she's taken from the enclosure and played with for 30 minutes outside. If I leave her a week, I make sure she gets at least 3 play times.

Holly doesn't mind going to the kennel but when I pick her up she's really tired. I don't know if the barking of the other dogs bother her or if she had so much fun she never went to sleep. I can always expect her to sleep when we get home. She's even fallen asleep chewing a bone. The last time I took her I probably poked her 4 times that night because she was sleeping so deeply I couldn't see her breathing and I was afraid something was wrong.

Good luck.

[Roscoe's dad]

Guido gets a indoor \outdoor pen, with 2 15 min play sessions a day. She looks forward to th kennels, don't ask me why! the people at the kennels always give me a glowing report on her when I pick her up. When she gets home she sleeps for about 2 days straight! must be because I have never been in a kennel when the dogs are not non stop barking! The kennel people tell me that they do quit down when the lights get turned off.

Homer will probably hqave a good time in "doggy jail":D

[Homerhomer]

Glad you all had pleasant experiences, Homer looked quite spooked when we went to check it out so I was a bit concerned.
There are no beds but I will bring his own stinky blankets, that should be enough. Playing time in the playing area is inclusive but will ask if they would take him for short walk if I pay extra.

[Karyn]

I've had to board them maybe three times. The first on was horrible. It was at my then vets. then I took them to another one. Very clean indoor/out door runs- bring you own bedding so they could have comforting smells. Two 30- minute play times. air conditioned/heated - depending on the weather. You can provide your own food if you wish or they will provide food - just provide instructions. There is someone there 24 hours a day.. which I liked. It is also a doggie day care so they had interaction with other dogs too. They did very well at the second kennel and I used it again when I was moving. When I picked them up they were bathe, nails done and had a bandana.

[Teena]

The kennel I use is way out in the country. Each dog has it's own run that connects to outside cemented run. The building is heated airconditioned. The owner lives right next to the kennel. The dogs are never happy to leave me, but I know they are in good hands. Rose is a pound puppy, so going to the kennel makes her unsettled for a couple days after.
The kennel owner also feeds them barf meals that I prepare and take with them. :D I just label breakfast or lunch and she keeps them in the fridge until feeding times.

[Homerhomer]

Teena, the owners of the kennel feed their own dogs barf so they have no problem feeding it to Homer. They also accept titers instead of all the vaccines, all other kennels I called wouldn't go for it.