We have two rescue dogs.
A Jack Russell terrier who is around 5 years old who we have had for about 2.5 years. He took a very long time to settle in and relax. He still flinches if you move an object near him suddenly. He is affectionate and gentle with the family but defensive of his crate and of our house if other people visit. He is very nervous of people outside the family. He also growls and snaps if disturbed during the night so the two dogs sleep in separate rooms.
He is aggressive towards bigger dogs, hits the end of the lead barking and growling, etc.
We also have a terrier/collie cross bitch who we got at five months old almost a year ago. She is a lovely, playful, affectionate creature, very subordinate to the JRT and quite nervous when he's around.
They play together a fair amount but he occasionally turns and lays into her so she's always vigilant. If we leave them together overnight or while we are out, even in crates she is really cowed and nervous when we return.
DH has decided he would like us to take our caravan to France for our summer holiday this year. There are various options for the dogs.
We could take them with us but they would find the journey stressful and their presence would seriously curtail our eating out, visiting attractions, etc.
We could put them in kennels. I worry terribly that all the settling in that the JRT has done could be set back and also that anyone who decides to show him that they are top dog might frighten him so much that he bites them.
We could try to find someone who cares for dogs as part of their family but I don't think they'd want a snappy JRT.
We have one friend who has offered to have them but he doesn't know what he will be doing for work by August. Also they would be left all day and the younger dog is not used to being left alone. She follows me around all day at home.
So should we get pet passports and take them?
Should we try to find a decent kennels or dog hotel type place? I think they would have to be together during the day but separated at night.
Should we leave him with the friend who has two teenage children who love the dogs but they will all be out all day?
Should we give up on the idea and settle for holidays in the UK for the foreseeable future?
We are in Worcestershire so I would be really grateful for recommendations if anyone knows a really good kennels run by people who can care for anxious dogs.