God I'm livid,had to come and ask all your opinions.
My dogs are going in Kennels in the summer for 2 weeks so as I
have a new Dane pup I thought I'd send him Kennals tonight with his best mate
a 4yr old GSD, so he could get used to it gradually.
Iv'e just dropped them off and I feel like crying ( far worse than when my kids went to school for the first time)
As I was talking to the girl about the pups food another came and started to whisk them off through a gate.My pup having never been walked away from me before stopped and tried to pull back to me and the b****y woman started to drag him after her, the poor thing was choking.So I went through the gate to say ' let me take him to his pen but she refused to let me have him.The owner then appeared and asked me what I was doing as I was upsetting all the other dogs.As I walked towards her the gate shut.I explained that I didn't expect my pup to be treated like that and she went off to check on him.I didn't see her again.
I really wanted my pup to have a positive experience of the Kennels but I'm worried now about how upset he will be.
I suppose I'm more anxious than usual as my friends pup died in kennels a few weeks ago when it was there for the first time.
Am I being over sensitive????
Thanks for listening to my rambling.
Rach

Rach,

You poor thing! No, you are NOT being over sensitive IMO under the circumstances. Have you used this kennel before? I'm not sure I'd want to use it again. Did they know why your baby was there? To have a good experience!

I hope he's OK and there's no harm done. If you can't sleep for fretting later, come on here :) there's normally someone up late and drinking ;) :D who will help you while away the time.

Keep us posted when you pick him up tomorrow,

Linda

rach---if you come here late theres opften lots on and drinking, but then theres also me---stone cold sober!!!!!!

Did they let you look round the kennels before you put him in there, to see what it was like?

Hi.Yes I have used the kennels for a few years.I looked around Years ago but the kennels were in different hands then.The have always been really nice before but I cant understand that ,they must be used to people going in the kennels to look around so whats the harm of me going in with the pup.I had taken their beds and chews ect with me but I expected them to put them into the kennel first so the pup saw them there as soon as he went in not just a blank kennel.I have booked all 3 of them in for summer but now I'm having second thoughts about them going there.
The other thing is that the kennels don't have an attached run.They have to be let out in a large pen then back into their kennels,where as some places have the runs attached to the kennel for the dog to come and go as they like.Which type do you all prefer?
Rach

This is a very bad experience for you if they handle them roughly in front of you I wouldnt like to think of the treatment inside,My advice would be find another kennels,at our borading kennels everone is allowed to take their dogs in to say goodbye etc...

I would opt for kennels with individual runs. for a start with a puppy you don not want to undo it's housetraining, as it would be forced to urinate and deficate to all intents and purposes indoors. also if they all have to go in a main excersise area there is more risk of picking up infection, and the liklihood is that when they are full each dog will get very little time out!

Sorry short answer I know but NO:D you are not being over sensitive!

Anita

Last time my two went into kennels, we took them to their kennel and run ourselves. The owner showed us the way but we held onto their leads and put them in the run.

If you aren't happy with the treatment, go elsewhere. It's enough of a worry leaving them, let alone worrying about how they are being treated.

Helen

Rach,
You are not being sensitive at all!!! Your inner voice is telling you something. Listen to it. I'm furious for you about this horrible behavior.

I've boarded my dogs over the years at 10 separate kennel facilities between Washington DC, Germany, New Mexico, & Washington state. I worked as a kennel keeper for a vet who did boardings when I was a teenager for almost 3 years. So I have a little experience with kennel staff behavior towards owners.

Reassurance is the most important thing in my book. I want to know my dog will be safe & healthy while I'm away. I am paying them for this service & it is their job to help me feel secure.

No one ever took my dogs away from me, even if I had visited prior to check out the facility. I always walked my dogs to their pen. I sit/stand there for as long as I want to get it comfortable. I arrange the bed or crate shell plus make small talk about the food & treat situation. Sure the other dogs barked, but the kennel owner/worker didn't care, so long as I was happy to leave my dog/s there. The dogs would settle down anyway once I was in the pen.

Anyone who would drag an unhappy & fearful puppy roughly away is not worth paying to take care of my animals. What would she be willing to do out of my sight to my dog? I would look into finding another facility with better client service & politeness. Check with your vet, area breeders, or the local rescue groups. Sometimes they might recommend something.
good luck,
toodles

I think you should always go on your gut feelings and to me, this does not sound right. As you have some time before you have to board them, why don't you have a good look around. If you mention the area you're in, I'm sure someone on this board will be able to recommend somewhere good. Hope you don't fret too much. When I used to help at a primary school, the children would cry when their mums went, but within a few minutes would be happily playing. The mums probably imagined them crying all morning. I should imagine dogs are the same, and yours are probably at this very moment savouring all the new smells and sounds.
Lorna

Yes, I'm def going to look around.I'm in the Macclesfield area which is in Cheshire in case anyone can recomend somewhere.Thanks for all your comments, although I'm verging on tears now as I'm really worried about him.Iv'e never worried about boarding my GSD's or Schnauzers as they were all such tough cookies but my Little Dane is such a baby and so soft and unsure of the world.
I can guarantee I will be there at 9.00am when the doors open.
Thanks.
Rach

I work in kennels, so therefore i always try and find a dog sitter, my friend is one so it is handy for me, but seeing dogs sit in there kennels, i cant do it with mine, i would be worrying to much, i have to agree with the others, i would have been upset by the way they dragged him off, i probably would have cancelled my holiday and brought him home, im that stupid with my lot.:D

In our kennels, the owners of the dog/cat ALWAYS takes them to the kennel they will be staying in. I do know many are taken off owners at "reception" something we would not do. Why can't you see where they are going ? I would suggest when you collect your dog you INSIST on going to the kennel to get him out, at least then you will be able to see where he has been. If you are unhappy with the way you or your dog was treated make sure you tell them. I feel it is very important for a young dog to have a positive experience in kennels for his first time (and all others!) as you would not want to spoil him for the future.
Dawn B

Take the dog and run! Problem is how do you find a good kennel ? Agree with asking vet to recommend a kennel. But also found I got a lot of information from asking other (sensible) dog owners I met. They usually know where not to go, at least ! Another good sign, I felt, was if kennel owners have their own dogs who are obviously happy and loved.
Must admit after the first check of the kennels and getting to know the owners I never once took my dog to her kennel. I always used to get so upset they used to gently take her off me after I had given her a cuddle ! Perhaps that was wrong but it worked for us.

I would definitely look for other kennels, apart from the trauma to you all as the customer your requirements should be paramount.I am sure they will be absolutely fine but I would find somewhere else with attached runs especially if they are house dogs as they will really suffer if they have to foul their kennel.

Hello Rac,

It is natural to feel a 'wretched' feeling when leaving our dogs either in Kennels or that same feeling if/when you need to leave them at a Vet for tests/op etc... I think it's because we cannot explain we WILL BE BACK! and worry that the dog feels abandoned - VERY NORMAL for Owners to feel this way.

However, you have boarded your dogs before, so you can analyse yourself whether the worry and guilt is associated with this.

I, like others here wonder if you sense these Kennels are not right for you and your pup. I am therefore pleased, you are returning to pick them both up.

When I first needed a GOOD Kennel, I wrote a letter to the 'Letters Column' of 'Dog World' and 'Our Dogs', asking if people would write to me with recommendations of Kennels in my area.

I received seven replies, I went and viewed these Kennels, and interestingly, I was NOT IMPRESSED for various reasons or simply they did not FEEL RIGHT to me! However, the very last one, was SUPERB. Over the years they have proved their excellence in caring. Not just myself but many many people who have used them. The Vet I joined later, also recommends them. A Vet is also good to ask, because some Vets are called on by local Kennels to visit for various reasons, so Vets get to know them.

All the best,
Denise.

Rach Change the kennels you are paying for him to stay there ,They shiould be a bit more polite knowing it's young puppie.

When Ollie first went into kennels, I asked fellow dog walkers for personal recommendations and then visited the kennels. I didnt like a lot of them for various reasons, but the one that was most highly recommended was awful. The kennels reminded me of brick built toilets, the floors were quarry tiled and wet through and the dogs looked extremely sad and cold. When I asked if they could feed twice a day they said they couldnt as they were too busy!!
I have two that I use, one is always booked up well in advance and is near to where we live, the other is equally as good, but is further away.
I think you have to go with your own gut feelings on this one....

You are not being sensative at all mate. How dare they treat you pup like that? Take him home or try another kennel and complain to the top becuase as one has already said if they treat your dog like that while you are there then dread to think what goes on when you are not there?

Julieann

Okay,I'm calm again.Got him home safe and sound.
I was there at 9.30 this morning and was told that the pup hadn't ate anything.He can be a bit of a fussy eater and I suppose being in there didn't help but I would worry if he went in for 2 weeks and wouldn't eat.He's skin and bone as it is.
Anyway the owner wasn't there so I have decided to write them a letter cancelling my future bookings there and to tell them exactly why.
Luckily I have spoke to a good freind and she says she will come and stay in the house while we're away and look after the dogs and horses,so that is a huge weight of my mind.
The only trouble with house sitters is it costs such a lot especially when they charge extra for every animal.Costs half the amount of the holiday.
Anyway peace of mind is much more important.
I will go around other Kennels though in case I have to leave them there in the future.
Thanks Everyone.
Rach

Hi Rach, glad the dogs are now home and safe. Give your puppy a big hug from me
Lorna

If that had happened to me, I would have demanded my dog back that instant and left. Nobody mistreats my animals, and to do so in front of you! How could you leave him there? I'm not trying to pick on you, but did you feel obligated at that point to just leave him? I've learned to go with my gut regardless of how silly others might view your decision. I believe you had the right to make him feel comfortable and to see exactly where the dog was housed. Sounds like they have something to hide. I'm glad you found a house sitter.

Oooo! I see a new career path opening up for me :D A job as a House Sitter, walking dogs, riding horses, eating someone elses food and getting paid to do it - Sounds like Heaven:D;)

Would people want a small, grey visitor to accompany the House Sitter.....

Zicos Mum.I would love to have you as a house sitter.You dont know how hard it is to find people who can cope with a GSD,Dane,Schnauzer,3 horses and cat.
I certainly wouldn't mind you bringing your buddy with you either.
Iv'e a nice house in the country.If your ever interested let me know.
Rach

Rac,
What sized Schnauzer??? That could be the breaking point for me ;) :D :p

Finally! A career I'm trained for :D All those years as a child spent with four-legged creatures!

I think my boss will wonder where I am though... However, if I do ever get round to jacking in the 'rat race' and settling down to write that novel, I'll be back in touch;)

Linda

Only a mini scnhauzer.We were going through a spell of trying to persuade hubby to have another one and all he'd let me have was a small one.
Have had a giant but have to admit he was the worst dog Iv'e ever owned.Not all his fault though I got him at the wrong time in life.
Actually although they sound a handfull they are all very well trained ( apart from pup Dane- but he's coming along nicely) and it usually runs like clockwork.
So far,hope I haven't spoke to soon!!!
Go on Linda give up the day job.....You know you want too:)
Just had 5 kids here sleeping last night- the final straw was this morning when woke up too no water.AAARRGH.
I need to fill the horses water trough up.
Rach

How do you manage to fill the horse trough, if you have no water? :P

PHEW.Water back on.
Couldn't have filled water trough but luckily there is a stream in our other field so would have had to let GG's through to it to get their water from there.
Take care.
Rach