Just looking for any ideas / thoughts on this one. It's not a big deal, but I'd be interested in people's perspectives. (And as usual I'm using the forum as a way of thinking out loud about this to get my own thoughts straight.) We are just back from 8 days holiday, and Pongo has been in the local kennels. For the second time, we've had a report from them that his behaviour is challenging when in there. This time it was my daughter who picked him up for us, and apparently what they said to her was: "Pongo hates other dogs. We can't let him near other dogs because he would kill them." (Daughter is clear that this is the words they used, and when I spoke to them directly today, they agreed that this was accurate.) Those of you who have met Pongo will understand my shock at this description. I should say up front that I think this is a good kennels, well-staffed with qualified people, and that they are experienced and caring. Pongo is always very pleased and excited about going there, and is delighted to greet the staff when he arrives, and enthusiastically rushes in without a backward glance. So I don't think there is any bad treatment going on. But he is always absolutely exhausted after an extended stay, as though he hasn't slept or relaxed for a week. So....he clearly find the whole kennels experience very taxing. They now put him in one of the "quieter" areas (where he has dogs either side of him but not immediately line-of-sight) and take him for free-runs in their paddock on his own twice a day. Nevertheless his behaviour is still generating the sort of description above. Personally I think they are mis-reading him at least a bit - I think he is probably just desperate to go and do a meet-and-greet with every dog he sees, and he is not allowed to, so he gets over-frustrated and it shows. But they say that (once) he turned and really snapped at the person holding his lead, so clearly he is acting waaaaay out of character. I'm looking at options, and we can probably do something clever when we are next away for an extended time by having various family members come and house-sit / Pongo-sit for us; so we ought to be able to avoid too many extended stays in future. I'm not too worried. But I am wondering a few things: The kennels are a good option for us, because they are very local, very convenient, very well-rated and I do have confidence in them to look after my boy as well as is possible in that environment. But am I exposing Pongo to stress that will have a lasting effect on him? I can handle the idea that he might find it tiring and a bit stressful (we all have bad days like that), but should I worry about lasting harm? Is there anything that I could do to prepare him / help him to cope? Has anyone else had a similar "Jekyll and Hyde" experience with their dogs? As always, all thoughts welcome folks! Thank you!
It sounds like all of the extra stimulus is overwhelming for him and he's going a bit bananas. Perhaps finding a home boarding situation would be better for him, where it's just him or perhaps one or two other dogs?
How did Pongo get on at Oaktree Kennels that time? Mine have the Ivy pad to themselves, complete with sofa There is a lass close to us that I am talking too regarding house sitting/out of hours dogs sitting etc..I am very impressed with her so far. Have you got any good dog walkers that will house sit? Benson and Bramble are fine in kennels...but I am not convinced that Casper is happy in them.
In all honesty I would be concerned as his behaviour is very far from his norm, particularly with a report that he had snapped at a handler - although I would also question the exact sequence of events that lead to this reaction. A snap is a warning so Pongo was very stressed/upset about something and he had probably been giving other signals withour success. It sounds as if Pongo finds the entire kennel environment overwhelming and the size of the kennels may or may not be relevant. I've yet to find a kennels that meets the care and standards I want and now use Holidays4dogs and have a regular carer for our holidays who I trust and I can relax knowing my dogs are relaxed in their home from home (already booked for next June/July to ensure availability). I also know some trainers who also offer home boarding which may also be an option for Pongo.
That doesn't sound at all like the Pongo I know from all our SW walks. I agree with @SilverFalcon that home boarding might be a better option for him.
That definitely is NOT the Pongo I know and love! It does sound like he is getting stressed there and maybe they don't quite understand him and I know that you rate the kennels, but it may not be right for Pongo.
Well, like Hollysdad and Naya, I have to say that this doesn't sound at all like the Pongo that we have met. That being the case, and assuming that we have faith in the description given by the kennel staff, then it must be this particular environment that produces the reported reaction. So, as I see it, you have two choices: 1. Work on Pongo's behaviour in that environment. 2. Don't put him in that environment. Unless you take up temporary residence at the kennels I think choice 1 isn't really viable. That leaves choice 2 and, as suggested above, I think perhaps a smaller kennels or a home boarding option might be favourable.
Interestingly, this sounds very like the experience of my SIL and their younger dog, who is almost 4 now...he loves his small daycare at a farm and gets along with all other dogs very well. He was amazing with Quinn from day 1, and was/has never annoyed with her puppy playfulness. They take care of many friends dogs, no issues. I don't believe the place they boarded him were kennels, but an open area with all the dogs sleeping together, but not 100% sure about sleeping arrangements but definitely a daycare environment during the day. When they picked him up the second time they left him there (10 days), he was exhausted like they have never seen before and the place mentioned his behaviour, not like him at all. Previously, he had only stayed for a shorter time (a long weekend I think). My SIL actually spoke to a dog psychic (i know, i know) and they first thing she told her was that their dog did not like being left at that place, and he (the dog) asked to please please never leave him there again! I'm not saying that dog psychics mean anything, but looking at the signs from just his level of exhaustion, it was clear he must have been stressed like crazy and not slept much. We also believe he tore a muscle there (but could have just worsened from something that occurred previously) so that may have added to his stress/behaviour. Poor Pongo, maybe it was just too long for him there? Any possible physical things going on, like pain?
Just to close this thread off.... We have found a nice lass, lives just two miles away, looking to establish a business of dog boarding and dog sitting. She is going to come and Pongo-sit for the long weekend that we are away, later this month. She has a little welsh collie - Moss - who will come and stay too, who seems to like Pongo (and of course he thinks she is lovely). We have been out together this afternoon showing them Pongo's Favourite Walk, and making final arrangements. So I think this might be the perfect solution - Pongo can stay in his own home with his own routine (and my tomato plants get watered too). It will cost just fractionally more than kennels, and Pongo will get individual attention in his own quiet setting - except for the attentions of Moss of course! I'm just about to give the kennels a ring to cancel his booking. Very pleased.
Really hope this works out for you and Pongo. Sounds like a good resolution. I have also been turned off kennels as I wasn't quite happy with them. Though I never doubted he was perfectly safe and generally looked after. Sometimes we go above and beyond what we thought we would originally do for our dogs and it's no doubt for the best. Can you let us know how Pongo gets on with his dogsitter?
Pongo says NOBODY can take the place of his best girl. Moss is nice but she doesn't play ballie as nicely as Harley. And she didn't want to join him in the stinkypond. And her tail isn't nearly so pretty. He says he won't let her sleep on his bed like Harley did.
Another idea for another time. When my niece goes on holiday, her dog comes to me for his holiday. He stays with my dogs and loves it. He know us all and is very happy. He brings his bed and his food. May be you have a family member or friend who could do the same with Pongo.
