Boarding Kennels for me dog

[johnnyr6]

Hi all. I'm going away in December and originally my folks were going to watch my dog but now that my Dad has got himself another dog ( he now has 2 Huskies) I'm thinking it may be too much for them to watch my dog aswell. ( I have a german shepherd so that would be 3 big dogs to look after).

So I'm now thinking using a local boarding kennel may be the route I have to take.

So... my questions are.

Has anyone any experiences with kennels? and does anyone recommend any in the south Lanarkshire area?

I found one nearby called Ardelle Boarding kennels which sounds ok with good rates if anyone knows anything about them.

Thanks, johnny.

[Jasandjules]

Would suggest you consider a pet sitter instead.

[AdiT]

Mine goes into kennels about 3 times a year. He has been going since he was just a pup. He loves it there, gets excited as soon as he works out where we're going, gets out of the car and runs off with the staff around their paddock, never even looks back (judas).
He gets 4-5 walks a day, loads of attention and plenty going on for him to watch.

Think the secret is finding somewhere good by recommendation and getting the dog used to it with short stays first.

[Jasandjules]

AdiT said:

Think the secret is finding somewhere good by recommendation and getting the dog used to it with short stays first.

I know several kennel maids. Very few would put their dogs in kennels......

[Shaw Tarse]

Could you try leaving your dog with dad for a few days?
Or as Jas&Jules suggests a pet/house sitter?
(think there are PHers who do this)

[AdiT]

Jasandjules said:

I know several kennel maids. Very few would put their dogs in kennels......

Which is why you need to find somewhere good... somewhere with kennel maids who aren't willing to treat the dogs differently than they treat their own dogs maybe?

I've visited several kennels I wouldn't go near with a barge-pole, where the dogs were just kenneled and fed/watered for the time they were there; Full of sad lonely looking dogs.
I've turned up to collect mine a day early before now, to find him playing with the staff in the paddock and there's regularly customers dogs in the office.

Kenneling isn't going to be the answer for every dog and home boarding/dog sittersmight be better suited, but it's not right to tar the whole industry because some kennels aren't to a standard you'd be happy with.

[johnnyr6]

I've not thought about a dog sitter, apart from my folks, as I'm obviously a bit wary leaving my boy with a stranger. At least with kennels they are insured. Thats not to say it won't be the better option but just more difficult to arrange I guess.

It's not till December so time to look at a a few Kennels or sort an alternative out. hopefully.

Johnny.

[Jasandjules]

Plenty of pet sitters are insured and very experienced. If you are in Essex I can suggest one company.

[bakerstreet]

Find a good pet sitter. We have a greyhound and they know of nothing else apart from kennels from birth and we used the kennel he came from a couple of times, but now we use a local pet sitter.

He is much happier at a sitter as he gets more outside time, his own sofa to sit on and he is in someone's house, which is warm and homely.

Mrs Bakerstreet and I both find it hard saying goodbye to Herbie for a week, but leaving him with our sitter is a bit easier as the sitter loves him and he gets on well with other dogs, so we know he is in good hands.

Putting him in Greyhound kennels did have its advantages. The owners have been working with Greyhounds for nearly 40 years and have huge knowledge of the breed and its cheap at only £8 per day. We pay £25 per day for the sitter and we provide food for him as well as a treats for what ever other dogs are staying there.

Also, Greyhounds are very affectionate dogs and they like to sit next to you of an evening and have a cuddle. He won't get that in a kennel.

Also, you can build relationship with a sitter which can be really useful if you ever finnd your self in a desperate situation. We had to dump Herbie on her when they induced my wife and things moved much faster than we anticipated.

Our sitter is also fully insured, registered and has a several years of dog agility experience. She even let Herbie off the lead last time! Apparently he behaved brilliantly!

[Jasandjules]

Oh, I should add the sitters I am talking about (and use) live in our house so the dogs (and cats) are completely relaxed.

[Mr Roper]

My two are going into a kennel this weekend. First time that I know of.
I'm a bit nervous as it's two weeks but having seen the kennel and met the owner I'm happy that they will be looked after but i can't help but feel a bit sorry for them not knowing what's going on or why.

At least they'll be together all the time....Kennel big enough for two and plenty of play time.

[condor]

Shaw Tarse said:

Could you try leaving your dog with dad for a few days?
Or as Jas&Jules suggests a pet/house sitter?
(think there are PHers who do this)

I've been a dog walker and pet/house sitter for the last 5 years I stay local to the Bedford area as I have regular clients.
I'm sure there would be suitable pet sitters local to your area, ask other dog owners who they use or could recommend.

[MaxMX5]

We have a lady come to stay at our house when we go away to look after our dog. I feel much happier going away knowing he is in his own home and having all the attention he needs. She sends us photos and updates at the end of each day and I can see from the way he behaves around her that he likes her very much, as I can see she feels the same. She is fully insured and we went through a local dog walking/sitting company.

[wack]

We left our two KC spaniels with a couple who look after them in their own home, they've made a business out of doing something they love , £100 a dog a week but they got a 5 mile walk every day and loved every minute of it.

My only experience of kennels was with a boxer for 2 weeks and he came out about 1/3 lighter because he wouldn't eat anything so I'd never use a kennel again

[glasgowrob]

speak to Anna at allpaws drop me a PM if you want her number,

nm her numbers on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-paws-dog-walkin...


shes based in Blantyre and has a great rep with pet sitting and also does dog walking. been using her for ages with our 2 dogs and cant praise her highly enough

[P700DEE]

I have yet to find many people who's dogs love kennels. Barking Mad Dog care http://www.barkingmad.uk.com/franchisees/north-gla... are a national organisation who give your dog a holiday with a family who will lavish attention on your pet. They are a national company so cover all the UK