My dog is going into kennels for the first time!!

[onwardandupwards]

My dog is going into kennels for 5 days and i am so worried about him, he is a tiny jack who has never been away from home. Any advice welcome as so worried and dont want to spend the 5 days worried sick about him.

An old shirt that you've worn so it has your smell on it might help.

When my 2 went in for the first time I ended up calling the kennels a few times to see if they were ok! Felt a bit stupid but apparently it's not that unusual!
Since then they've been into kennels countless times and these days they love it! Can't wait to run down into the kennel area to get started on all the barking!

We did a couple of day boardings before leaving overnight, but to be honest he was fine - take plenty of things to chew on, so if they get bored after the first day of "this is new" they have plenty to have a go at...

I own a boarding kennels so my advice to new customers who have never left their dog anywhere before is as follows. If you don't take your dog for a 3mile walk everyday don't do it on the day they are going to kennels, don't change your normal routine at all, by all means you should be allowed to take something that smells of home and any favourite toys your dog has, don't 'guilt' feed before going to kennels (no special new treat foods) Stay calm you can transfer your anxiety to your dog, when you leave him don't make a huge cuddly fuss - talk to him the same as you would if you were off to the supermarket. Let the kennels know of any traits he has ie doesn't like fireworks, not keen on men, won't eat from a metal bowl etc, also let them know of any lumps and bumps he might have - you dont want to come back to a vet bill for something you already knew about and had had checked. Be clear on the food he eats if it makes you feel better write a list for the kennels (it's always useful) Make sure you give them a number where you can be reached or the number of a relative that could step in if needed. But most of all try not to worry if it's a good kennels your dog will be fine. p.s Please don't give your dog a 'special food treat' when you get home he will have been on controlled food and you may give him diarrhoea and then blame the kennels.
Hope this helps

Kay, how do you know if it is a good kennels? We have a new dog & before she came I was very vocal about how I could be hard hearted and put her in kennels when needed. Now she's here and I love her I don't know that I could do it! Mostly I think because I have no idea on what to look for in a kennel.

I am aware I may be being ridiculous!

Sorry for hijack OP.

Thats ok slightlycrumpled. I cant sleep as so worried, sad but true, rang kennels today and they said to bring my own food if it helps my dog and they said he will be fine and they will ring me if theres a problem. I feel so guilty how sad is that? Thank you for all the advice, especially the idea about the jumper and chew toys.