We have arranged our summer hols and been let down by our dog sitter (a family member - but that is another story!). We are now in a dilemma of trying to persuade someone else to have Jabba or to put her in a kennel.

I am really loath to let her go to kennels because I have never ever put a dog in kennels before. You hear so many horror stories, I am just really scared my lovely obedient pet will turn into a frightened barking beast. Also because she was a rescue, I am worried she might think that we don't love her anymore and we have returned her (she was returned by the previous rescue home before us). I don't want her to get depressed, which is why family was the best way forward for us.

Can anyone recommend a great kennel in the South East (we are in Surrey, but will travel wherever we need to for the right place). Alternatively has anyone had experience with the house and dog sitters who advertise the Dog's Today, etc?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The decision can only be yours, and all I can suggest is dropping in on a few kennels & asking for a look around, they shouldn't object. If they do, then don't board there! Also, once you have found the kennel that suits you, board your dog there for perhaps two days/nights, then when it goes back for its longer stay, it will be secure in knowing you are coming back. Well thats the theory! :D

Hi Jabba,
I've kenneled my dogs quite often. Here are some stuff that I've learned & that might help you out with some ideas. I don't know what breed/size your pup is, but shouldn't make too much difference.

Finding a kennel:
Ask around...your vet, groomer, friends, local breeders for reccomendations. Is there the equivalent of a Better Business Bureau office in Engl, that would keep track of complaints against a certain business?

Checking one out:
Condition of facility --- Examine the cages/runs-- hopefully they have concrete or tile floors. (wood floors = definite no no for sanitation practices.),
Where are the dogs kept?
Are they inside or out -- warm/dry + some type of run. Or do they take the dogs out to relieve themselves? Is there an open play area to get exercise.

Ask how often they clean the pens & interact with the animals. Are large and small dogs kept separate from one another in the play areas?
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The idea to have your dog stay a night or two before you leave, is a good one.
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These are the items I take to make my dogs more comfortable:
-- Our own dog food measured into sandwich baggies for daily portions & with their initials on each bag. Instructions clearly written out. {the quality of the kennel's food could be excellent, I just don't like changing their diets-- less stress on dog, too}

---a bottom half of a dog crate that they share with their own blankets & pads. Happier with the scents & comforts of home :-) Runs are usually washed down, so it gives them something dry & waterproof to put on the plastic ledge that is usually provided from kennel to kennel ....
---treats & pigears
---any medications
---sweaters -- Chienne gets cold easily -- desert dog emerges :D
---emergency numbers for me & the vet.
Shot Records --- always need proof for current vaccinations, & especially Kennel Cough (that usually has to be administered a month before boarding & is good for six months --- a study has now proven that subcutaneous is more effective in protection & prevention than the old fashioned nasal spray-- just a thought)
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Hope this helps you out a bit.
toodles

Thanks for your help. FYI - Jabba is a Lab X GSD & Battersea reckon she is about 8 years old. I have heard kenneling is not good for older dogs though.

Decisions, decisions!!!

Best wishes

Hi,
I occasionally kennelled my 8 yr old Yorkie without too much problems. The last time I kennelled her, she was around 11 years old. She'd always come back hoarse because she just loved to bark with the rest of the dogs there. Doggy laryngitis, imagine that :D
She was low pitched to begin with, but for the next week afterwards, she'd sound as if she had been drinking whisky and smoking with the boys :D

I also had doggy sitters come to my house twice a day when we'd be gone. Cheaper than boarding 4 dogs. They were certified, bonded, and had references.

So many choices....decisions, decisions, decisions ;-)
good luck,
toodles

BTW, I think that if you do kennel your older dog, by taking your own dog food & pre-portioning it out, it would really help with her stress level.
toodles

Hi Jabba, Weims dont kennel well at all and they fret terribly. But we use a kennel nr Gatwick Airport if and when we have to put a rescue dog into kennels, also my friend who has 2 weims puts hers in there and they are well looked after. They are used to dogs who are a little nervous or being away from owners and I am sure they would take great care of her. The kennels are Orchard Farm, but I dont know the number off hand.... I cant get it for you though if they are not in the phone book.! Let me know if you want the number?

Lynn

HI. Around our area there are people who advertise to look after your dog in their own home.This may be a better option for you rather than a kennel.Obviously you would want to get references ect.