Our 8 month lab puppy has to go into boarding for 2 weeks. She is an only dog and there is someone at home most of the time, she is very attached to us. Is there any merit in preparing her for her visit, taking her to the kennel for a few hours, perhaps even overnight? I would appreciate Pippa's and other comments. Thanks.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding Hi there, we haven't used the kennel for boarding as such, but I would recommend an introductory visit. My daughter works at a kennels (a weekend job, she is only 15) and we don't generally need to use kennels over holidays as my sister-in-law usually dog-sits and we reciprocate. Recently however we were having our roof fixed, and we knew Lilly wouldn't be happy being home alone with a herd of elephants on the roof, so we took her along to the kennels for a half day, and needed to repeat it again for a whole day the following week. It was great to see her BOTH times, happily going into the kennels, no hesitation. Only thing I would mention is that we gave her a rawhide stick to chew to keep her busy, and it went in whole, came out whole, both visits. We have a weekend away in September when we will need to board her overnight so that will be a next step. Personally I think it would be great to have a couple of visits, and an overnight too if that is possible before you go. Make sure you are happy with the kennels, and make sure your dog knows that you are going to be coming back. Good luck!
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding I think that's sound advice from Jac. My experience is a bit extreme - my boy went into kennels for 7 longs weeks (a long story why). He visited the kennels many times beforehand, and spent hours with the people who would be looking after him. Then, I took him for a weekend. Then he went in for 4 weeks, then weekends at home for the last three weeks. He was fine, although getting a bit stressed towards the end (kennels can be a stressful place for dogs). So I'd say whatever you can do to get her used to the people who will care for her, and a shorter visit beforehand so she knows you come back, will all help.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding I think it is a great idea to try kennels before you commit to leaving your dog with them. Not all kennels are equal. The first two I tried I didn't use again. The third I would happily use again.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding Our previous Lab, Cocoa, was a bit sensitive and didn't like kennels so we used to send her to a dog sitter. Basically she would stay with the couple in their home, and the wife would be with her most of the day. They would take her for walks and she would have company during the evenings. Cocoa really liked staying with them and it worked out cheaper than boarding kennels. We found out about them through the vets. This might be a good alternative to kennels, especially for people-centric dogs like Labs.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding [quote author=Hollysdad link=topic=6763.msg91645#msg91645 date=1403812860] Our previous Lab, Cocoa, was a bit sensitive and didn't like kennels so we used to send her to a dog sitter. Basically she would stay with the couple in their home, and the wife would be with her most of the day. They would take her for walks and she would have company during the evenings. Cocoa really liked staying with them and it worked out cheaper than boarding kennels. We found out about them through the vets. This might be a good alternative to kennels, especially for people-centric dogs like Labs. [/quote] That's what we do, our pup first stayed at the house boarding, so he about 6 months old. He only spent 3 days there and basically lived in their house with them and their dogs, it really worked out well, and Benson loved it!
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding I agree 100% with suggestions to see if there is a good in-home minding service in your area. Asking the vet is a great idea as these things are often word of mouth. What kind of dog is your puppy? Very people-oriented and loves attention? That kind of dog will usually do better in a home rather than a kennel. If you do need to use the kennels then I agree with suggestions to introduce it gradually and test the kennels with brief visits first.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding One of the boarding kennels around here won't have dogs to stay until they have had one day staying at the kennels to get used to it.
Re: Prepare puppy for boarding Thanks all, I have contacted the kennels and we will be taking Bella for a few short stays before we go on our trip. I feel a bit happier about leaving her for 2 weeks. Martin
