Kennels V Fostering

[HairExtensions]

I have an 8 month old Golden Retriever,

Due to problems with our house move (we are relocating from Yorkshire to Scotland) we will have to stay with family until we sort out another house to rent, this could be for anything from 2 weeks to 8 weeks.

Family member has said we cannot have our dog stay there too and I have no-one at all who could look after him.

My initial thought was to use a kennel but I have a few concerns as our other dog never did well in Kennels at all (depressed, lost weight etc) I also wondered if being Kenneled would have any adverse effect on our dogs development or temperament due to his age?

Someone has suggested that fostering might be a better option for our dog due to it being a family/home environment etc but I would hate to think I was taking a place from someone who really needed it or would lose their pet otherwise IYSWIM

Can anyone advise? Any other suggestions, most, most welcome also

Sorry I did of course mean Boarding Kennel, not one of those wooden dog-houses

I would prefer my dogs to be fostered rather than go into kennels, especially for the maximum time you've specified. I say this partly as I think they'd be happier and get more attention in a home-from-home environment as it's what they're used to and in your case because your dog is young and presumably needs ongoing training/positive reinforcement that I don't feel kennels have the time to offer.

FWIW the rescue folks I mix with are a bit anti boarding kennels, but I personally think that's probably because we get to hear the bad stories and not the good, which are no doubt in the majority. That said, if I go away the owners of the rescue I help at look after my dogs at their kennels (if they have room!), as a favour. I'm lucky there as I know the owners as friends and trust them implicitly and know for sure that my boys are well cared for.

If you opt to have your dog fostered do you have someone in mind or would you need to find someone?

Can you go to your local park and network with the dog walkers?

Many of them around here offer holiday boarding in their homes for a fee. Their dogs seem very happy with their walkers, and I would prefer this option to kennels.

Our dog walker did home boarding for £16 per day.

Have seen in passing lots of websites which list kennels, dog walkers etc and some of them with reviews.

Our dog loves the kennel but I wouldn't be happy leaving her there for longer than a week

If you got your dog from a good breeder, have you contacted them to ask if they would have your dog to stay during this period? A lot would be prepared to help you out, I know I would if it were a dog I had bred, no question. I always offer to have puppies/dogs I have bred to stay, partly so new owners don't feel they have to kennel them, as I don't feel Goldens do that well in kennels. I never kennel my own dogs and never would.

Otherwise, there are people who do boarding services for dogs in their home. Maybe your vet or the local dog groomer would know someone?

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

Vallhala I don't have anyone in mind for fostering. I would have to find someone or maybe apply to a fostering scheme/charity.

Mad Unfortunately there is no local park near here, I walk my dog in woodland next to my house. I have asked neighbours, workmates, friends etc if they could do it or know anyone but no-one can.

kateecass Thank you, I will look at Google again to see if I can find any private advertisers.

Midori Unfortunately, we didn't get him from a breeder. A family friend (DH side) got him, realised quickly he couldn't manage and so we took him in. I'm no expert on the breed at all (I had Dals before) but from my experience with him I don't think he would do well in Kennels at all.

I would prefer to have him in Scotland(as close as possible) so we can visit, take him out etc.

Thank you again