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Kennel for 4 month old puppy

8 replies

imissbluesky · 08/07/2014 22:12

We are going on holiday for 10 days when our Labrador puppy will be 4months old. The plan was for FIL to look after her but there are complications and no longer possible. The breeder unable to help out. There is a very good kennel nearby who are happy to have her but I worry that she's too young.

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GobblersKnob · 09/07/2014 12:54

Personally I wouldn't put a four month old puppy in a kennel. I might leave one with a sitter where it would stay in their home, but only on a lot of very good recommendations. And tbf you will struggle to find anyone good who isn't already booked up for the summer and is prepared to have a shark lab puppy as a houseguests. I used to do some sitting but I wouldn't have had a young puppy, far too much hassle and destruction.

Very surprised the breeder isn't prepared to help out.

If she were mine I would be cancelling the holiday, our at least my part in it, sorry.

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Tootyfilou · 09/07/2014 13:16

Nooo! Dont leave him he is only a baby!
Seriously, as previous poster said not a good time in puppies development for them to be left.
If it was me I would cancel holiday... Sorry.

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moosemama · 09/07/2014 13:25

We use an excellent kennels and they wouldn't take one that young I'm afraid.

It's either a home-sitter or failing that if you absolutely have to a home-boarder, but you will struggle to find someone at this late notice and you really should only go with someone you have a personal recommendation for. If I were I'd being either changing my plans and taking her with me or cancelling my holiday.

Last year we had a holiday to Ireland booked when our boy was a similar age and discovered too late that dogs now need a pet passport to go there. We didn't consider leaving him behind for a minute, took the administration fees on the chin and moved the holiday to a few months later so the dogs could still come with us.

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moosemama · 09/07/2014 13:27

Forgot to say, my boy is now just over a year old and went to kennels for the first time (after several visits and getting to know the kennel staff) at around the time of his first birthday. He is totally happy and settled there and drags us down the drive to get in when we drop him off, so it's not that I'm against kennelling, I just think your girl is too young.

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monkeyfacegrace · 09/07/2014 13:28

No no no you can't kennel that young. Well, not unless you want to potentially cause separation anxiety and other issues.

Use a home boarder or house sitter.

Where are you in the UK? Maybe we could recommend someone?

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creekyknees · 09/07/2014 13:29

We found a brilliant lady who looks after dogs in her own home when our Dog was a 6 month old pup.

He had a lovely week with her and as an added bonus he got the additional socialisation with all of her daily dog walking dogs.

I wouldnt use a kennel but look for someone who will treat him as theirs in their own home.

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daisydotandgertie · 09/07/2014 13:30

He is far too young for a kennel - I am really surprised you found one willing to take him.

Are you seriously planning to leave him when you've only had him at home for 4 weeks? While he is in the most critical time for socialisation and bonding? It is also some of the most valuable time for training and development.

Afraid I think that if the breeder is not willing to help out (shame on them), you will have to reconsider your plans.

Kennelling is not an option, IMO.

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imissbluesky · 09/07/2014 13:41

Thanks for all the posts. It looks like the breeder is willing to help out after all. Huge sigh of relief. Had to laugh at shark reference - the chewing has been a complete pain!