Does anyone know of any kennels which offer day-care facilities in Somerset and an idea of the cost ?

Is this a common need for owners who have to work ?

Rosie, have you thought about building your own run/kennel to keep them in during the day?

I put dogs outside all day. I had their run built to my own spec by a Council sheltered workshop and it cost £350 including assembly at my house. I've had it for 3 years now and although a little chewed, it should be good for a few more yet.

What are your thoughts on putting dogs outside all day - Is there a maximum that they should be left.
I know it's difficult to answer for every dog, but in the future, because of changes in working hours, I may not have any choice and am afraid that maybe I shouldn't have a dog in those circumstances.

Also would one dog on his own be happy in a kennel all day ?

Alternatively, does anyone have experience of using dog-walkers ?

Is there a time limit to stay in a kennel all day?

I try to limit it to 4 or 5 hours, but plenty of people leave dogs in the house all day while they're at work, so I guess the answer is 8/9 hours, but preferably as short as possible. The good thing with your own kennel/run, is that they don't develop any bad habits, and can't get into any trouble like they can in the house. Downside, off course, is they can bark all day and upset the neighbours. You also have to consider theft of dogs, these days. Mine stay outside all the time, and manage to make it through the night from 9.30pm to 8.30am with no problems, but then they've known nothing else since birth.

I don't understand, one minute you say you limit your dogs time in the kennel to 4/5 hrs, then you say they are out there all the time. If your dogs are always in a kennel, why do you have them?

Katdog, when I say out there all the time, I mean that's their home, so when they're not with me, that's where they stay. As opposed to my house being their home, if you see what I mean! However, if I can't take one or both of them with me, I try to limit their time out there. And instead of sleeping on my bed at night, they sleep in their own bed in their kennel.

Of course, my house is the cat's house, andmy bed is also the cat's bed :)

We got a great kennel and run for Tally but he just barks and whines and dribbles the whole time he's in it (which isn't long!). But if we put him inside his crate in the kennel he's fine, he's curled up before I have closed the kennel door! If we're working in the garden we'll put him in the kennel and now he stays quiet but he is constantly watching us so that if we dare go inside the whining starts straight away.

Our neighbours are really understanding at the moment but barking in the kennel is a real consideration.

Rachel

p.s. if anyone has any useful suggestions for us to try which doesn't include water sprays or leaving him in there until there's no bark left I would really appreciate it:)

I find trying anything until there is no bark left just doesn't work - they can outbark anything. Eventually they will fall asleep but not until they have become totally exhausted and then when they wake up start all over again. To deal with barking you have to be doing something to deal with it and what that is is the $64000 question.

I'd be interested to know any fab cures for stopping barking as mine are getting worse in the car when we first set off and when we then stop. The usual trick of setting off again and not giving them what they were expecting just doesn't seem to be workling here.

Pam n co

Have you tried a citronella collar(can't remember the brand name), When the dog barks it sprays citronella at them this distracts them from what they are doing, then you can praise them for being quiet. Introducing speak to encourage them to bark can be useful as you are controlling the barking, then introduce quiet to stop it.

Hi

I live near Plymouth and there are 3 day care facilitys for dogs. One is at a local keenels which in my opinion is awful.
The other 2 are in the middle of Dartmoor and have spacious grounds for the dogs to run in all day. The one I used to use had up to 10 dogs per day and they had the run of the house and the grounds and day care was provided anytime from 6 am - 10.30pm. It used to cost me £150.00 per month but he was good with the dogs and he had a massive waiting list. It was kind of book in your dog 2 yrs before you got it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure there must be care in your area why not contact kennels, look in the yellow pages, or speak to your vet.

I'm really lucky as I have a minder who I take Thistle to if I'm going to be out more than 4 hours. Thistle is loved to bits there and there are lots of other minded dogs in the house. When the minders's husband goes up for a snooze Thistle is allowed to go and keep him company. They charge the princely sum of £4 a day. You can take them at 7am and collect at 10pm.

Have you tried St Giles Kennels near Taunton?
There are often advertisements in Illminster for ladies available for pet sitting duties. Or try advertising in local press for a retired person who wants some extra cash for visiting your dog once or twice a day, there are also lots of dog training places too in area where you post a card letting folk know your needs.
just a few thoughts
Gail