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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put our dog into a kennel for a few days?

55 replies

UberFestive · 17/12/2019 10:30

DH is going away for a week with his friends early next year and I've just been invited to spend the weekend with a friend. I'll be taking our DD with me but can't take our dog as my friend is allergic. We'll be staying in her house and meeting up with others in the area that I haven't seen for a few years. DH had a strop when I mentioned it because I said that I will be putting our dog into kennels for 3 days. He's never been in kennels before but I don't see a problem with it. It's only 3 days and there's no one else I can ask to look after him. He'll be 15 months when he goes and is a very confident dog so I don't think leaving him will harm him. He said he won't go on his trip if I put our dog in a kennel.

When I asked him what will happen when we go on holiday ourselves in the summer because we had agreed that he will be put in kennels then he just said that "he'll be older then so it won't matter." I can't see how it's not ok to put him in for 3 days in March but it's ok for a week in July/August.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Ihaventgottimeforthis · 17/12/2019 11:58

As darkchocolate said, a three day visit will be a good trial for a week later on - in fact it is probably worth doing even if you're not going away.

My first job was in a (quite basic) kennels - most dogs didn't mind it at all and very quickly adapted to the change in routine. The ones who needed more attention got the special treatment.
It's not the end of the world if you don't have alternatives and you can afford it.

Grumpos · 17/12/2019 12:09

There’s nothing wrong with kennels! He’s being ridiculous to say it’s cruel - unless there’s a specific backstory here? Obviously you’re going to find kennels that you like, word of mouth is probably then best way but go round and visit them and get a feel for one which suits ur dog best.

If hubby isn’t ok with using kennels this time then suggest he find a sitter. He’s being unreasonable to not even discuss or go and visit any. Can’t stand pig headed men

notfromstepford · 17/12/2019 12:15

My dog loves going to kennels. I chose one that I was happy with and he has a great time and loves the staff there.
You DH is being ridiculous and as others have said sounds like he doesn't want you to go and using the dog as an excuse.

sleepismysuperpower1 · 17/12/2019 12:16

we use a lovely lady that we found on pawshake, ddog goes to her house and loves being there.

hellsbellsmelons · 17/12/2019 12:26

I pay a neighbours older teen (well, it's only happened once) to do overnights with my DDog.
I work with the mum and know her well.
Could you put a request on your local facebook page or do you know someone who might be willing to have your dog for a few days?
I know I'd do it for someone else.
I don't like kennels.
Dogs from my previous were put into kennels and they both got kennel cough even though they'd had the jabs.

IHateBlueLights · 17/12/2019 12:28

If hubby isn’t ok with using kennels this time then suggest he find a sitter. He’s being unreasonable to not even discuss or go and visit any. Can’t stand pig headed men

^ This
If he isn't happy he needs to organise something else. Your plan is to put the dog in kennels.

Jeleste · 17/12/2019 13:10

Its only 3 days. Its great to see how your dog will manage. It can be a practise run for your summer holiday!

LochJessMonster · 17/12/2019 13:15

My dogs loves going to his kennels! He trots off with the staff and doesn't even look back!

It's a really good idea to get them use to a kennel environment when they are young, and 3 days is a great taster before a longer holiday.

Durgasarrow · 17/12/2019 13:18

Your husband is being such a hypocrite. Either kennels are okay or they're not.

victoriashleigh · 17/12/2019 14:17

I think it’s fine especially if you’re planning to do it in future as well. It’s also a blessing when you find a great kennel. PIL’s dog absolutely loves going to hers as she knows the staff, gets spoilt rotten, lots of play and attention and a bath! Staff send photos of their dog and it puts PIL’s mind at ease as they know she’s well cared for.

Stephj78 · 17/12/2019 16:49

Where are you in the country as I run a home dog boarding business Smile dog’s are literally treated like my
Own and never want to leave xx

FairyBatman · 17/12/2019 16:53

If you are planning on putting him in kennels for 2 weeks in July it would actually be good for him to go in for 3 nights in March. You can see how he copes and if these particular kennels are right for him.

AryaStarkWolf · 17/12/2019 16:55

Your husband is being such a hypocrite. Either kennels are okay or they're not.

Exactly and as a PP pointed out the fact that he's younger now and it's for a shorter period of time is good training to get him used to and ready for the summer.

AryaStarkWolf · 17/12/2019 16:56

also OP you never answered the question, do you think it's really about the dog or does he have some problem with you going away?

lola006 · 17/12/2019 16:56

Is there a bigger backstory here, OP? It makes no sense why a week in the summer is fine but not 3 days in March. Does he not want you to see this friend? Would he seriously cancel his trip because of the dog, and if so, how long would he hold that over your head?

We call the kennels puppy camp and our dogs love it. Any good kennel will let you come and check out the facilities, they’ll explain when they’re fed, walked, etc.

Chewysmum · 17/12/2019 16:57

I'd say if you trust the kennels then his age should make no difference whatsoever. I've never left my dog in kennels because I left my last dog in one for a fortnight (and left a bag of her food which was enough for almost 4 weeks) and when I came back she was emaciated! I cried for weeks.
As others have suggested, home boarding is much more humane and is usually done by dog lovers as apposed to being a business as such.

AryaStarkWolf · 17/12/2019 17:03

@Chewysmum That's a terrible experience but there are some really good kennels as well, I think word of mouth is probably best for Kennels though, people you know who send their dogs there

HP67 · 17/12/2019 17:18

My dog went in kennels at 12 months old. I couldn’t stop thinking about him whilst we were away. Cried for him. Came home and he was absolutely fine. He went in again and trotted off with the kennel owner tail wagging

Beamur · 17/12/2019 17:22

Really good way to get puppy used to kennels with a shorter stay ahead of booking him in for 2 weeks.
Your DH is being silly.

Yetanotherwinter · 17/12/2019 17:27

I would definitely let your dog go and stay for a practice night before you leave it for three days. Just to make sure it’s ok. It can be incredibly stressful for them with constant 24 hour barking and noise. My dog would be very distressed but she is a bit of a princess. Definitely get recommendations from others rather than just pick somewhere.

Mayorquimby2 · 17/12/2019 17:38

Home boarding> kennels

Pawshake 🙌🙌🙌🙌

HP67 · 17/12/2019 18:18

I think kennels are safer. I could be wrong but if home boarding could they shoot out the door and run off? My dog goes to a secure regulated kennel on a farm

Twisique · 17/12/2019 18:18

We put our dog into kennels for a long weekend so she would get used to it before a week in the summer.

Leeds2 · 17/12/2019 18:22

I would tell DH that he can cancel his trip if he won't let the dog go to kennels for three days. And I bet he doesn't. He expects you to stay home.

KarmaStar · 17/12/2019 18:51

Choose your kennels with great care.
I've seen many horror stories so find one that is extremely open to thorough checks and has video so you can check your dog.
Boarding is a good option,a house sitter even better as the dog's routine is maintained and your house is secure.If you choose the house sitter,advise your insurance company.

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