Hi

Following my post asking for advice about camping with our dog which you may have read, we had a trial run in the garden last night which didnt go that well. Ruby was ok till it came to us trying to get to sleep. However, she is used to sleeping in a warm living room with double glazing so it is always quiet. In the tent it must have seemed really odd to her because every sound she heard set her off barking and growling.

In the end we had to put her in the house so we could sleep, and so as not to disturb the neighbours! Now I dont really feel confident about taking her camping in September incase she barks all night and keeps the whole campsite awake!

I am toying with the idea of putting her in kennels, as it is only for two nights, but it makes me feel like a bad mum. Especially as she is nervous around other dogs, is it likely to make her worse or better?

My friend recommended Murrayhill Kennels in Melton Mowbray as they took her dogs which arent too good with other dogs, and walked them seperately. Also they have a hydro pool for dogs and you can pay extra for luxuries, etc. Ruby is a real 'home dog' though who loves her family and her own house, she was pretty bad when we stayed in a holiday cottage too, and barked a bit there at anyone passing by, which she does not do at home usually.

So, to cut a long story short, do you lot think Ruby will forgive me for putting her in kennels for 2 nights? Is it likely to traumatise her alot? Or do some of you use kennels and find it is ok? I'd really welcome some help on this one, thank you :)

By the way, she is in season at the moment ( 2nd week) so she is more grumpy than usual, poor mite :)

Helen

Find a local kennels near your campsite so you can have take her out with you each day and just pop her in overnight.
Lara x

WOW!! what a brilliant idea! I may try that, thanks :)

Only thing is though, the kennels I was going to use have been recommended to me by a friend, I would be wary of booking kennels that I havent checked out. Unless anyone knows of kennels near Cromer, Norfolk?

Helen :)

Don't think that you can really go wrong if it is just literally for overnight. You could even feed your dog yourself and provide the kennels with her own bed, toys, bowl etc...
Lara x

there is a kennels in norfolk not far from cromer i think, it is run by the man who owns the birchams affix for gundogs i know there is a website so do a search on it.
tanya

Hi

If your friend has reccommended it then go for it, 2 days in kennels will not hurt. When I first put my two in I was so worried because they has never been in a kennel before (they were 6 and 8) but they actually loved it and always were quite happy to go again.

Nikki

I totally agree that a couple of days in kennels won't do any harm. I put mine in for considerably longer than that on occasion. Mine far from love it though - they always want to be with me :) You'll need an up to date vaccination certificate to show them.
The only thing is that when you are camping and you go on beautiful scenic walks you'll think 'damn - I wish the dog was here!' :D
Lara x

I know! :) Its just the night time in the tent that bothers me, if she hears other dogs she'll bark her head off! I just know Im going to feel soooooo guilty for leaving her :(

Helen

Is she happy travelling in the car ?? maybe just at night time put her in the car to sleep, at least she will be in familiar surroundings and she wont be able to hear as many strange noises as what she can in a tent. Obviously only something to do at night - during the day would get too hot for her.

Just a quick comment - a friend and I have both used MurrayHill nr Melton Mowbray and have found it to be excellent. You can take your own bed/crate, food, toys etc. Also, my friends dog was in season when they last put her in kennels and they paid extra for a luxury dog kennel which included own private small run....

Good luck.

Thank you :)

That is very reassuring. I have booked her in there now and the owner sounds lovely :)
I havent paid for the extra armchair etc as she may chew it, but will take her bed and fav blanket, and a few of her toys :)
He even said he will walk her individually as she doesnt get on with other dogs. I know I will still feel guilty as hell, but at least I know she is safe and lokked after well.

Helen

helen, i totally understand, my 5 month old it going into kennels on the 11-9 i feel so guilty to the point of not sleeping. Its the best kennel in the area my mums dog goes there along with my partners mums pets. Im suffering with servere seperation anxiety bradleys fine

Helen

We started by putting our pup in for two nights when she was just 17 weeks old (it felt awful). Then a month later she went for another two nights and a few weeks after she had to go for just one day between 8.00am and 6.00pm. Then more recently she had a four night visit and I know feel quite relaxed about the whole thing. Not sure how I'd feel if a big holiday overseas cropped up????? But, Poppy's reaction when we arrive at the Kennels is one of complete excitement, and lots of barking - which is a completely different reaction to that we get on a visit to the vets!!!

(I have also used High Barn in Queniborough).

Karen.

Well, Im a little worried to say the least, especially as she is nervous about other dogs. I am concerned that she may be even more nervous afterwards, but some people have said it may help her to be LESS nervous! At least its only a short stay though, fingers crossed!

Helen :)

I work in kennels and everyday we get dog owners who are so worried about their dogs but honestly there is no need. As soon as the owners are out of sight the dogs are fine, they are more interested in all the dogs which are boarding, and they soon get into the routine of things. So dont worry, as long as the kennels are clean and the dogs are well looked after, your dog should be fine, try to see if they will let you take the dog down to the kennel its going to be in, we have lots of owners which do this and it settles there mind knowing they have given their dog its own bed,toys etc. Enjoy your holiday, i'm sure your dog will :)

Thanks for that Jacki :)

That helps alot .

Helen