Hi all
Need some input from you.  Sam is 5 months old now and we took him home to my parents in wales for the first time last weekend.  He loved it!  but.... my mums dog didnt.  Lucy kept on growling and snarling (she is an old Jack russell) which is understandable because it is her home.  We tend to go home for weekend every three months.  My friends have offered to have Sam for the weekends but they have a two year old toddler who teases sam like crazy - last time Sam even tried to eat some of his toy cars.  I really think the best thing is to kennel Sam for the weekends but is it fair for Sam?

Any input is appreciated.

Jenny & Sam

I wouldn't hesitate, you would know he was being looked after giving you piece of mind (as long as you 'vet' the kennels out 1st).
Imagine getting a phone call on a Saturday night after your dog has bitten the toddler because it's teased it to death?
My daughter makes regular trips to the hospital and being in Wales it's one hell of a trek and i wouldn't trust anyone to care for her (dog) like i do, i'd be frightened of her running off and injuring herself.

I'd agree with Mygirl. I didn't think I would ever be able to put Sparky in kennels, but have found the perfect option at our new training club. Hopefully by August he'll be used to going there, he is already happy to play in the socialisation areas, and the dogs are taken for a run after half an hour in the kennels, then go home with the trainers at night. They even throw in a training session for a few extra pounds. Will just have to be economical with the truth when admitting to my OH how much it costs ;)
I think the key is to find a kennels you are comfortable with - I imagined they were all blocks, a bit like prisons, with dogs only be letting out for a wee, then put back in, but have discovered this isn't the case if you look around. Far better than coming back from a weekend away and having Dad moan that his garden's a mess and Sparky fattened up on chocolate biscuits or worse, by Mum!
Tracy

Hi Jenny,

Don't know if you use a crate at home, but as this will be an ongoing thing I think in your position I would take him with me, give him regular walks and play, then settle him in his crate with a nice chew - this way he's with you, but Lucy gets peace and quiet.

Just a thought :)

M.

spot on, good advise Brihow.