Dog Boarding Question

[BCV513]

I know there a lot of dog lovers here, so I'm hoping someone can help me.

I have a Sheltie who just turned one and is a rescue from a puppy mill. We've had her for less than a year and are going to WDW for ten days in July. We've never been on vacation since we got her and I'm so worried about leaving her. She is crated during the day because she still chews and destroys things, but just this week she started sleeping in bed with us.

Basically we have two options for when we're away. We can board her, which I'm not at all crazy about. She goes to obedience school at Petsmart and still gets nervous going into the store and around bigger dogs. I'm afraid that being in a cage with other dogs will be too traumatic and remind her of the puppy mill. Plus, I hear horror stories of dogs coming home sick.

My uncle offered to watch her in our house while we're gone. She'd be in the crate mostly on weekdays. My uncle could get there for about an hour before work, during his lunch hour, and for four or five hours after work. On weekends, he would be there all day. She'd be in her own house, her own backyard, her own crate, etc. It still seems like an awful long time in the crate though. I just don't know what to do. Any advice?

 

[DMickey28]

Have you looked into the boarding facilities around you? Some can be like little dog spas.

I would not kennel her at a "typical" vet office kennel where they have cages all open to each other. I would consider kenneling her in a country/family owned kennel where each dog has their own kennel/run/room area that is not opened on the sides by fencing but rather closed in with cement or wood. Something that has an indoor/outdoor run and they allow her own toys and bedding in with her. We used to board one of our dogs in a place like that and he loved it. Our new dog HATES crates and is a shelter dog. He gets boarded at a place similar to that and does fairly well. We bring his own bed and his own food. He doesn't have to be face to face with other dogs.

Obviously the best choice for her is to be at her own home. Will she be crated at night when your Uncle is not there? How long is she typically crated now during the day? Is there anyway at night she can be gated into the room she typically sleeps in rather than crated?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Ten days? Can you get someone to stay at your house? I do have to say we board our dogs. They were rescues in foster care.

We have to board them a ton this summer so having someone stay over is not an option to us. They are going to a new place on Fri...I am hoping they have a good experience because they will be boarded almost every weekend in June.

I prefer the peace of mind for them in a kennel rather than at home. My dogs would be freaking out at home if they were alone that much.

It is tough.

 

[Ilivetogo]

I'm not exactly sure where you're located, but Pets Are Inn is a nice setup. They take your doggie/kittie to someone else's house who pet-sits your pet. Kind of like boarding them, but they get to go to a house instead of a cage. I did this with my Akita some years ago. Now I just get pet-sitter ladies to come over several times a day when I'm gone.

http://petsareinn.com/

 

[jody]

My daughter works at a "Pet Lodge and Spa". There are no wire cages like a traditional kennel. The dogs have their own little area and bed with plexiglass walls. They can see other dogs. They have their own outdoor run and if you want them to they can be let out to play with other dogs that they are compatable with during the day.

She says that many dogs love being there and adjust well when their owners leave.

As far as getting sick, the kennel will require the dog to be up to date on shots including Bordatella (kennel cough).

Maybe you could find a similar facility.

I know how you feel about leaving the dog. We've always been lucky enough to have a relative care for our dogs in our home. I always felt they would do better in their own familiar surroundings.

Good Luck.

 

[rottiemom]

Oh I feel your pain .

I'd be hesitant about leaving a dog alone for 10 days, even with a sitter coming in, but that's just me.

We have a rescue Rottie & she absolutely, under no circumstances can be left at home while we're away. We've tried it. She'll hide from a sitter, refuse to come out of her crate...it's a nightmare. Since she was pulled from a kill shelter (and having a really bad time) I thought that I'd never be able to board her.

What we did was try day boarding first. This way she knew that we were coming back for her at night. After a few days she was happily leading the workers out at night when we'd come to pick her up. We choose to board her at our vet's office where she knew everyone & they all knew her. She doesn't like to play with other dogs & would really prefer to be left alone so a place with playtime & dog interaction would be a waste. And while she's not happy about being boarded the rare times that we do go away I know that she's safe & cared for. She's certainly not any skinnier when she comes home so I know that she's eating. And yes, I call them every day .

I suggest taking a look at some boarding facilities in your area & when you find one you like, do some day boarding as a test drive. I would never have thought that I could board my Amber but the peace of mind is priceless (plus I've caught her mushing up against the kennel attendants when I take her for check ups so she's obviously made a few friends ).

Good luck, this is tough.

 

[2BigKIdz]

I know there a lot of dog lovers here, so I'm hoping someone can help me.

I have a Sheltie who just turned one and is a rescue from a puppy mill. We've had her for less than a year and are going to WDW for ten days in July. We've never been on vacation since we got her and I'm so worried about leaving her. She is crated during the day because she still chews and destroys things, but just this week she started sleeping in bed with us.

Basically we have two options for when we're away. We can board her, which I'm not at all crazy about. She goes to obedience school at Petsmart and still gets nervous going into the store and around bigger dogs. I'm afraid that being in a cage with other dogs will be too traumatic and remind her of the puppy mill. Plus, I hear horror stories of dogs coming home sick.

My uncle offered to watch her in our house while we're gone. She'd be in the crate mostly on weekdays. My uncle could get there for about an hour before work, during his lunch hour, and for four or five hours after work. On weekends, he would be there all day. She'd be in her own house, her own backyard, her own crate, etc. It still seems like an awful long time in the crate though. I just don't know what to do. Any advice?

Would your uncle be staying at your house during the week also? If so, this sounds okay to me. I realize it is longer in the crate than the dog is used to but she will be fine. I would prefer that over being in a kennel any day. Some are better than others but I've really never had a great kennel experience and have used the most expensive in our area. The dogs I have now have never been to a kennel and never will.

 

[Regina]

I have used a "traditional" kennel for many years with gated runs. Much as the trend is for a more home like environment, the staff at my kennel is absolutely wonderful and I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.

I have a shelter pooch. He's a sweetheart with us but let him see anyone else and he goes into psycho mode. (We've had him evaluated by a behaviorist and we have a private trainer as he's not at the point where he can go to a class with other dogs/people.)

Honestly, I thought that we'd never be able to travel again. I called my kennel, explained the situation and brought him there to get acquainted. They were so patient and he grew to trust them. Now he loves going there to see his other "mommy."

I would give the kennel a try. As someone suggested, start with one day and see how she does. Hopefully your pup will be able to overcome her fears and learn that others can care for her.

 

[rcraw45425]

After bad kennel experience with our vet (whom I love, it's just the stress on the SHih-Tzu's = over $200 in tratment and meds afterward), we have been using a Pets at Home lady. She lives right around the corner from us, comes by and checks on the guys once or twice a day (they are mat trained) and changes mats/tidies up. So much easier on everyone. in factI need to catch up with her today and give her the key as we're leaving Saturday for the beach.

 

[BCV513]

Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it. I called my vet yesterday as well, and he agreed with me that a kennel probably wouldn't be best for Lucy if we can avoid it at this point. He told me that when she was spayed they had to keep her separated from the other dogs because she was so afraid of the big dogs. They actually kept her up front with the office staff. And that was only for a few hours.

We did out the math, and it would only be about two more hours per day in the crate than normally. I still hate the idea of her being cooped up so long, so we're planning on puppy-proofing the kitchen (where the crate is) and gating her in there. That way, she'll have her food and water, her toys, and can go into her crate if she wants, but she'll have room to walk around and stretch out. At night, she'll be in her crate. We're going to try it out slowly and see if it works.

 

[Sleepy]

Find someone with a smaller set up (max number of dogs 5 or 6) that watches dogs in their home. Make sure they don't watch big dogs since yours is timid. I watch dogs in my home. only small breed. I will go as large as a sheltie. The sheltie i watched for 6 weeks over the winter was an absolute joy. We really missed him when he left. He was very intelligent, but extremely curious. Always wanted attention and loved being active with the other dogs. I really would not recommend any dog to be crated or left alone all day/night with only a visit here and there.....especially a dog that is not just an outside fixture. I wish I was close. I would watch her for ya

 

[Hercules10]

Would your uncle be staying at your house during the week also? If so, this sounds okay to me. I realize it is longer in the crate than the dog is used to but she will be fine. I would prefer that over being in a kennel any day. Some are better than others but I've really never had a great kennel experience and have used the most expensive in our area. The dogs I have now have never been to a kennel and never will.

I agree with this. Less traumatic to pets I think. It's is nice you have a uncle to do this. I hire a pet-sitter that I've known for a while.