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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

What are kennels really like, and can you usually put a dog in for the day?

30 replies

MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 19:21

We're having new windows in a few weeks and a few others jobs done and the house is going to be over run with builders etc.

We have a 2yo lab cross and although she loves people she tends to get over excited and then anxious and unsettled.

I am going to have to stay out of the house during the day with 17mo dd and it's not going to be possible to have the dog with me all day but obviously can't leave her at the house.

There is literally nobody who can have her for us so I was thinking about putting her in kennels for the day, picking her up at tea time.

Have never put her in kennels before, and have heard a few horror stories about the only one I know near to us. So I'm quite worried about what to do.

What do I do for the best?

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kid · 27/02/2011 19:29

Isn't there a doggy day care near you?
It might be a bit more expensive but I'm sure your dog would love it.

I'm having new windows fitted next month but I haven't thought much about it yet!

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 19:37

There aren't any day care kennels afaik, I'm worried about leaving her too because we've never left her before. Even when we go on holiday we make sure we go somewhere we can take the dog. I'm being pfb with my dog Grin

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BeerTricksPotter · 27/02/2011 19:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

kid · 27/02/2011 19:51

What area are you in?
I'm being pfb about my dog too and will be paying nearly £400 to homeboard him when we go abroad in august. Only the best for my doggy! Grin

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 20:07

The work should only last a couple of days hopefully.

We are in Warrington in Cheshire. I have nobody to ask fir reccomendations as none of my family or friends have dogs.

I wonder if the vet would be able to recommend anywhere?

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Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 20:08

What's homeboarding?

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BeerTricksPotter · 27/02/2011 20:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

vjg13 · 27/02/2011 20:40

Ask people you meet dog walking. We're in the North West and use a very good one in Wilmslow. It is expensive though, one day would be about £17.

chickchickchicken · 27/02/2011 20:51

snap - i'm having new windows too. i am lucky enough to have builder who knows my dogs so they will stay here.

if you can ask other dog walkers when you are out and about. we have two great places here where they can board overnight or day only. both are in people's homes with other dogs and access to lots of walks.

my neighbour's daughter works in boarding kennels and she said dogs are locked in kennel most of the time and only walked on a lead individually. this wouldnt work for me so i use the above

Vallhala · 27/02/2011 21:36

I do dog care of the sort you need (nowhere near enough to help though) and would honestly say that this would probably be a better option than kennels.

I'd recommend that you contact one or two reputable rescues near you as well as your vet, and ask for recommendations. A rescue may well be able to recommend one of their own staff or volunteers.

Re the comment chick made about walking on the lead individually, this would be the responsible way of a dog-carer/dogsitter/dogwalker act until they really knew the dog and had a good enough bond with the dog to be confident that he would return when called. A kennels however should have a secure paddock in which the dogs can run free under supervision.

If you are looking at kennels remember that they will want proof of up-to-date vaccination, generally including kennel cough, and that these will have to have been given a couple of weeks before the dog is to be boarded.

Vallhala · 27/02/2011 21:38

Sorry - vaccinations will have to have been given at least a couple of weeks before the dog is to be boarded.

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 21:38

Some good ideas, thank you. Always get talking to fellow dog walkers so will ask. Going to phone the vets tomorrow and maybe ask the rescue centre we got her from. Then can do visits next weekend.

Honestly, it's like having another child Grin

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Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 21:40

Ah thanks Vallhala, she has her vaccinations every year. Would they need to be done again for the kennels?

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Vallhala · 27/02/2011 21:45

Nope as long as they were done within the last year she'll be fine. Sorry, I really didn't word my reply very well, did I? Blush

The main one which struck me as a potential problem is kennel cough as it can be optional and I didn't want you to turn up at a kennel just to find that it was needed and pooch didn't have it. :)

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 22:01

She was last vaccinated in August and she did have kennel cough. Will ask the vet for something in writing to say she has had them. Thanks for the advice.

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BeerTricksPotter · 27/02/2011 22:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

chickchickchicken · 27/02/2011 22:31

only mentioned kennels where my neighbour's daughter works as i asked her advice on day care for my dog. dog knows family and thought it would help him as he would recognise her. this kennel does have a good reputation. they dont leave dogs in kennels most of the time because they cant be bothered but they say because owners expect dogs to be in kennels/on lead at all times. they do have a paddock but dogs are still left on lead as they say without 8ft high metal fence they cant guarantee that a dog wouldnt escape and owner could sue. i am sure dogs are well looked after. it has a good reputation and gives some dog owners peace of mind that their dog is safe. i have a friend who uses it when she goes abroad as she says it gives them peace of mind.it just wasnt suitable for my ex rescue.

yes, when my dog goes to day care he is now left off the lead on walks. i know the woman who runs it well - she rescues dogs too - and she only lets dog off lead once she knows them and if the owners confirm in writing that they are ok with us

Vallhala · 27/02/2011 22:42

"she rescues dogs too - and she only lets dog off lead once she knows them and if the owners confirm in writing that they are ok with us"

Which is exactly what I do!

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 22:48

We can't let our dog off the lead, her recall is still a work in progress. 9 times out if 10 she is great but being the daft lab that she is she occasionally gets a bit over excited and won't come back! I'm working on it though with the long lead.

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Scuttlebutter · 27/02/2011 22:51

A couple of points. Firstly, any boarding kennel will be licensed by the local authority. This means they should have the current licence on display. You can do a FOI request to the Council to see a copy of the kennel's most recent inspection report, or indeed any previous ones and any relevant correspondence. This can be very revealing, and don't forget this is completely free of charge.

Secondly, reputable kennels will be delighted to show you round - obviously at a sensible time. The ones we use do, and also offer a free day board before any overnight stay.

Most kennels these days will have their own websites which will list the services they offer, and what vaccinations/paperwork they need.

It is also worth doing a Google search on them - this can often bring up comments, reviews, discussions on dog forums etc. - again, very useful background.

Check if they are familiar with your particular breed, especially if you have any special requirements. The one we use has lots of lovely heat lamps for the sighthounds - they are very experienced with them.

Our local authority also inspects and licences home boarders so you would be able to check out their inspection reports too.

Finally, there is the informal option of your dog going for a playdate with another woof at their home - if we were in this situation, that is probably what we would do, with some of our greyhound chums who know our dogs. As long as there was somewhere comfy to snooze, they'd be happy! This may not be appropriate though if the works are going on for a while and you don't want to impose on someone.

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 22:58

A playdate for dogs!? that is possibly the loveliest thing I have ever heard.

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Scuttlebutter · 27/02/2011 23:15
Grin

Ours have sleepovers with their fave chums too Smile

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 23:16

I want to go to a doggy sleepover! Grin

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Scuttlebutter · 27/02/2011 23:23

It's just like a human one. They come with their favourite cuddly toys, get fed treats and stay up watching DVDs about squirrels and rabbits Wink while munching snacks and farting companiably. There's often a bit of bed swapping in the night and the naughty one will wind up the guest by telling them stories about the Giant Killer Cat who comes and preys on sleeping greyhounds. Cue emergency cuddle and piece of chicken, then all back to bed.

A nice walk in the morning and a relaxed brunch - possibly a sausage if they are being good, then home after a final play. Smile

Original poster
MogadoredMemoo · 27/02/2011 23:28

Grin my Flora would love that! She adores other dogs, and loves anything on the tv with dogs in it. She sits and watches pippin on cebeebies with dd. She would be very frightened by scary killer cat stories though. If she sees one when we're out she freezes. Sausages for breakfast! Sounds like dog heaven Grin

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