boarding at a kennel

[debbiej]

my niece is getting married on the 11th, and we are going up to Albuq. for her wedding on the 9th. much to my unease, I think we are going to put Hilda in a kennel because it seems kind of rude to take her to my sister's house with a wedding and all the excitement going on. But we don't really want to leave her in a kennel. Is it hard on dogs to stay in a kennel? my old guy seems to enjoy himself there, but I can't help but think Hilda will feel abandoned.

We are going to try to get to a Seiger show being held in Albuq. that weekend.

[SABELLESMOM]

Depends on the dog, actually. Sable doesn't seem to mind. She's well liked and makes friends with all staff easily. Raven hasn't boarded as she's only a small pup.

Digbee, however, doesn't kennel well. Perhaps it's some negative reaction from pre rescue days. It's gotten better over 10 years. We usually have someone stop in to care for him, instead. Or take him to my moms.

Will the kennel have a run during the day? It helps if she can exercise a bit. She will learn that you come back. Digbee has.

[Mochasmom]

Mocha doesn't mind, she gets excited as soon as we turn in the kennel driveway! She does put on a sad face when we leave but when we turn for the goodbye she is already greeting her neighbours!

[bcarlsen]

Sometimes we put human emotions on our dogs and forget that they are indeed, dogs. We've put our dogs ina kennel once per year when we go away on our yearly trip. Our Rottie couldn't wait to jump in the car after one keenel and we have had difficulty with that kennel owner. The woman didn't want our Rottie girl back but didn't say why. We asked around (an adviseable thing to do) and found a kennel that while it is not convenient at an hour away it makes up for it in that the owner is simply through and through a dog lover. Both of my dogs hated to leave! They were walked and allowed to run twice a day and had comfortable surroundings with a covered outdoor run too! When my Rottie refused to eat (she likes to have "mommy" nearby) the owner sat with her and offered her delectable treats. It didn't take long for her to win over our girl. Another bit of advise would be to see if the kennel you choose has a double or larger run where both dogs can be together. Our kennel does and it cost us a little less to have them in the same space. It also gave them company and eased their anxiety. Overall our dogs have had a positive experience. Ask around in your area from other dog lovers.

Warmly,
bcarlsen

[trackermom]

In my experience, most dogs love the kennel they whine a bit when mom and dad fuss over them but once mom and dad are out the door they are all wiggles... However, once and a while we come across a dog that just does not kennel well, generally they are older dogs and a just too nervous, young pups in my experience find a way to getting themselves into the routine... My reccomendation is if you need to leave your pup for an extended stay try a daycare day or a over night to see how she does, the staff should be honest with you as to her reaction, if she didn't do well look into a pet sitter, but remember that even a couple of nights in a well managed and loving kennel atmosphere, even if she wasn't a very happy camper will not harm her in any way... Also look for a kennel that will allow you to tour it, it should smell clean, be well lit, in good repair and have space for the dogs to stretch their legs, out of their runs.... Just my .02

[debbiej]

well, my other dog stays at this kennel when we go, and seems healthy happy and calm when we get him. I think a kennel would be safer than a sitter, as I always worry about a sitter letting the dogs out the gates or not remembering to let them in or out of the house. or a hundred other imagined disasters. Taking her for a night is a good idea. then she would get a clue that we will come back and get her.

[Judy Chrusch]

It definately depends on the dog but I have to say with all the dogs I've had, NONE of them did well in a kennel, not to mention they came home sick . Have you thought of a petsitter or someone competent to take on the responsibility of a rottweiler? Whatever kennel you chose, make sure you check it out and maybe it would be a good idea to just kennel her over night before you leave as a trial run but if that's your last resort I'm sure she'll do just fine. What makes you think Hilda will feel abandoned? Have a great time at the wedding and don't worry about Hilda .

Judy

[rottsnroses]

Reno never seemed to mind being kenneled. I worried about it far more than he did, and in retrospect, I think he actually liked being around all the other dogs. However, he always came home acting very "doggy", and it always took a few days before he was back to his normal civilized self again.

Max and Luna have never been kenneled, but if they needed to be, they would either go to the doggie daycare center (which also has boarding facilities), or they would get a pet sitter. My first preference is doggie daycare, simply for the socialization and play aspect of it, and because Judy doesn't live in my area.

[rottnelmo]

Elmo does not kennel well either, he is a major stressor...if you can find and afford a pet sitter in your area, that would probably be your best bet. My vets office has two techs (one happens to be my vets daughter) that will pet sit OVER night for a VERY reasonalbe rate! So check with your vets office, if you trust them, they can recommend pet sitters and good kennels.