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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think kennels are a bit cruel?

105 replies

yoshithe · 31/03/2023 17:49

I don't think cruel in the sense that it's some kind of abusive thing to do but wasn't sure how else to word it. Our dog is 11 months old and DH really wants to go to New York for his birthday, so far we have taken our dog with us to UK getaways and did drive with him to the Netherlands.

We don't have any friends or family that would look after our dog for the time we are away, so it feels like our only option is kennels. I've seen dog boarding but I'm actually unsure if that's also difficult for a dog? Just being taken to a new home environment.

Kennels seem particularly sad though, aren't they enclosed in their "room" most of the time with only human interaction a couple times a day? He's obviously quite young still as well.

Personally, I don't really want to leave him, would rather do another suitable getaway that involves him, but DH really wants to go.

The title is less about me judging kennel use and more about hearing he's going to be perfectly okay if we put him in one!!

OP posts:
Frogdoglog · 31/03/2023 21:42

I used kennels for a previous dog and he seemed happy enough to go, was capable of making his feelings about going to the vet VERY clear so I assume if he had felt similarly about kennels we would know. Current dog hadnt been in kennels but a family emergency necessitated a last minute booking at a different kennels.

I assumed she would be fine as had no issues with separation anxiety etc and was very friendly and well socialised, but we received a call on the second day saying she was apparently so aggressive that the man who ran the kennels couldn’t get near her to get her out for a walks/ toilet trips so was sitting in her own filth for 2 days (came home early to pick her up). She was so traumatised It took YEARS for her get over the fear of strangers and she still isn’t good with men. Every persons she knew before the kennels she was fine with but was terrified of anyone new she met after.

A Trainer we had worked with since dog was a puppy was shocked by how traumatised she was by the experience, she was a completely different dog. I guess it was just the stress of being left and the fact that the owner didn’t take any time to try and reassure her. I’m not sure if he tried to punish her for behaving aggressively or not as he claimed her to have been unable to get near her so had no contact with her at all while she was there but I’m not convinced and only he and my poor dog know what really happened while she was there.

Paddingtonthebear · 31/03/2023 23:02

I mentioned earlier I use a home dog boarder. We use this company. I wouldn’t use anyone not inspected, insured etc. I also wouldn’t use anyone who takes in different dogs from different homes at the same time, unfortunately there are a lot of those people about.

https://www.petstay.net/

PetStay Home Dog Boarding & Dog Sitting | Alternative to Kennels

PetStay, established in 2005 provides dog sitting and home dog boarding services throughout the uk, offering the perfect loving alternative to kennels.

https://www.petstay.net/

WiddlinDiddlin · 31/03/2023 23:42

I would use a pet sitter who stays in your home. For the dog, for all dogs really (barring those who can't handle strangers at all but in that case, no other option suit them either), this is the best option.

With the best will in the world, the nicest facilities, the exercise paddocks, play groups, lovely food, warm kennels etc etc...

In kennels, your dog is spending the vast majority of the day and night alone in a small space.

Now if your dog spends all day at home alone and sleeps in a utility room or kitchen or outshed all night alone (or indeed, lives in an outdoor kennel at home), and is genuinely fine with that, they may well cope just fine, in fact they may be getting more interaction than they do at home.

For most dogs however, outside of an hours exercise and when they're fed and cleaned out, they're alone, with fuck all to do but hope you return for them.

If they're used to all day or most of the day with you, sleeping in your room or on your bed, snuggling up on the sofa, training and games every day... they're going to have a shitty time in kennels. Safe, basic needs met, yes.. but shitty nonetheless.

Kennels will absolutely tell you they're fine, they'll tell you they were quiet, had loads of fun... and for a tiny handful of dogs that might be true but for the majority, it isn't. It's simply what you need to believe and what the kennels need you to believe. (Similarly when the vet tells you your dog was fine all morning waiting in a crate for surgery... regardless of whether they howled their heads off or actually went to sleep.)

Even the nicest of kennels - and I have been to and worked in (not for, just on the premises) some REALLY nice ones - is a stressful, barky, frustrating and often scary experience.

I know generally confident happy dogs will drag you in, its an exciting environment full of new people and interesting smells. That doesn't mean that two hours later they're still boinging around having a doggy party!

If you have to use them, visit first and discount any that won't let you visit within their normal opening hours WITHOUT an appointment. Pre-arranged appointments are no good, if they need prior warning of your visit during the hours they should be on site and available, you do not want your dog staying there at all!

Check that they are licenced with the local authority, check their insurance and find out exactly what that covers too.

But if you can, use a reputable, fully insured and experienced live-in dog sitter.

Delatron · 01/04/2023 09:41

lifeturnsonadime · 31/03/2023 19:31

@Delatron where is that, it sounds perfect for my dog who also wouldn't suit boarding for similar reasons.

It’s in South Bucks called Greendale Farm. They don’t mix the dogs. Which I like as my dog is reactive! They insist you come and look round before you book in which is a good sign and recommend an overnight trial.

shutthewindownow · 01/04/2023 09:56

Ours goes back to the rescue kennel where he came from once a year for a week. They arnt ideal and no home comforts but he lives the life of luxury most of the time and we deserve a holiday. I would suggest getting him used to it by booking In for 24 hrs to start with to get him used to it. Do this a few times before you go and build up the time. He will then trust that you are returning Also make sure he is vaccinated against kennel cough before he goes

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