what can I expect from dog kennels? bit disappointed in what I've seen

[hatwoman]

I've looked into 3 kennels to use while we're away for a week and I'm not really all that happy with any of them - but maybe I'm expecting too much.

Option 1 is the one my db uses - run by breeders (top standard - crufts winners) has a good reputation but don't let you look round - "because it disturbs the dogs and I already have enough clients..."

option 2 (currently the least favourite): structurally ok - in terms of kennel size, access to open air, but a bit run down - seems to be a one man band. bit non-commital on walks they "get let out" twice a day.

option 3: here. been to visit - structurally fine, clean, well run. but the only down side is that they get 2 walks a day - on the lead and lasting about 10 mins. My lively lab will surely go nuts with so little exercise. dh thinks that's the best we'll get.

any opinions? I've trawled the internet for dog sitters (ie someone who would have him in their home) but haven;t found anything. possibly need to check out the local paper. I'd feel so much happier with this.

How about a housesitter who'll also look after the dog?

It might be an idea to contact your local vet to see if they know of anyone.

Keep looking hatwoman. I looked at about 8 kennels before I found one which is head and shoulders above the rest in terms of facilities and care.

A vet's recommendation is often worthless as they have to 'recommend' kennels run by clients.

I recently tried a different kennels which I wasn't 100% sure about and bitterly regretted it

Good luck...

And while I agree that 2 x 10 minute walks is not enough for a young lab, do remember to factor in the sheer excitement of being in kennels. Mine always come back knackered!

hi bella - the walk thing was the only thing I wasn't happy about - everything else about the place is just as it should be - very professionally run - so I don;t know if I'm being pfp about it...

I've found a number for someone who has them in her home - haven't been able to get through yet - and I suspect she'll be booked because it's in the Easter holidays. but I'll keep trying.

"A vet's recommendation is often worthless as they have to 'recommend' kennels run by clients."

Actually I disagree totally with this statement as a vet. I will not recommend any kennels/catteries at all to people as we do not inspect and therefore can not give any sort of opinion about a kennels. We will give out local numbers but make it clear that we are not recommending for that reason. The best recommendations will usually come from other dog owners locally.

bella - can i ask - why did you regret it? and what amount of walking do they provide at the one you like?

beautifulgirls - do you know what's standard in terms of walking provision at kennels? I'm a bit new to all this. dh suspects that lead walking for short periods might be as good as it gets.

That's what I mean, beautifulgirls - I probably didn't phrase it very well but all the vets I have worked for and used would not recommend kennels as such, but gave out names of local ones, including clients.

I just wanted people to understand that vets giving out these lists are not recommending the kennels, and that the only way to know is to visit the kennels yourself.

x post with hatwoman - there were lots of reasons but yes, the walking was a factor, i.e. non-existent despite their advertised 'routine' of several walks a day

Good kennels often offer a day trial to see if your dog is happy there.

I think a personal recommendation from another dog owner is probably the best way to go. We have a few kennels locally and the best one is the one that is always busy.

Our kennel does 4 walks a day but I think this is unusual. Some of that is playing out in an enclosed field and some is lead walking. The people who run the kennel we use love dogs and see them as pets and part of your family. Some of the kennels we looked at didn't really see it the same way and I felt less comfortable with this.

Sorry, hatwoman - forgot to answer your question re walking. The good kennels I use do 2 longish walks a day, but they also have large enclosed outdoor play areas and the whole place is immaculate and well staffed.

The most telling factor was that my dogs got very excited when we returned there next time

From my recent experience I'd say go with your gut feeling about the place, and ask lots of questions. There used to be a good factsheet on the Dogs Trust website which I used when I initially went looking - it has a good list of questions to ask.

It is hard though - I spent a lot more time researching kennels than I did booking our holiday!!!

at this rate bella, I think I'll just not bother with holidays any more...

Try this: www.dogboardinguk.com

Might just be the south-east though