Kennels with secure field vs kennel where dogs are walked on lead

[Waynemanor]

Those that have used kennels. Which of these is your preference? My favourite kennel in terms of accommodation and the people running it. But has a secure field for the dogs to play in, rather than taking them for a walk. And I would prefer she got an actual walk. But this seems to not be the norm. The only play I have found that takes them for a walk was not very clean/quiet and I didn’t get a good feel when I visited. Just wondered what everyone else’s thoughts are ?

Just to say I haven’t actually used a kennel yet. We are just visiting and trying to decide which is best

I definitely wouldn't want my dogs' only exercise for a week (or even a weekend) to be running round the same field all the time. He'd get bored and it wouldn't tire him out if he never went to new places or smelt new things.

Have you thought about home-boarding or hiring a sitter instead? It's more expensive than kennels but means your dog(s) get undivided attention from the walker/boarder and they'll get all their normal walks too.

Thanks. This was my gut feel too but the people seemed nice and good with my dog which is a big plus.

I did find a pet sitter who could come to my home but I am apprehensive about this. She seemed nice but it’s a new buisness for her (only 6 months ago) so I am wary about how experienced she is.

Some kennels with yards will still take your dog for a walk if you ask them to. You know your dog best, and you feel uncomfortable with your dog in the yard, you should listen to your gut. While yards are amazing opportunity for dogs to socialize, play, and have free choice, walking is the safer option, as you have more control. I would reach out to the staff and ask them if they could please walk your dog instead. If they refuse, I'd call your vet and ask for nearby kennels who have dog walking as an excersize option

Ah, okay - it's understandable to be apprehensive but everyone has to start somewhere :)

I'm a pet-sitter myself and will do overnights - I have one coming up next month, actually! Two dogs, a cat and two goats I'll do my usual dog walks as normal and then base myself out of the clients' house for the rest of the time except when I need to go home to sort my own animals out.

I could ask on one of my sitting groups to see if there's anyone in your area who could help you if you'd like?

I prefer the field as it allows my dog to do what he wants rather than dragged along on a short hurried walk.

If the dog wants to play with a ball they throw a ball, if the dog wants to sniff around he can, if he wants to just sit and have cuddles he’s got that option too.

Plus it’s safer and don’t have the risk of slipping the lead.

Oh just to stress this is one on one play, I would never want my dog put in a field with several other dogs whilst I’m not there. Far too risky.

It would be great for mine. His preferred form of exercise is zoomies. 5 minutes of running around a field is worth an hour of me running on lead.

But if your dog is a walker... can you ask them?

My dog likes a walk really. I have taken her to a secure field before and she just sits and looks at me. I think the kennels would just end up throwing a ball over and over for her (she is a border collie) which isnt my ideal form of exercise but ok for a week perhaps.

The kennels normally say they will mix dogs if they think it ok and dogs are well matched but I can ask them not to. But I worry that if I say don’t mix with other dogs that she won’t really get out that much.

My dogs go to a kennels with a fenced field and get on we’ll with it. Obviously they have got each other to play with as they share a large kennel together, which helps. But the staff still play with them a lot, give cuddles, etc. They always seem to be in a good condition when I bring them home, so they must get a decent amount of stimulation and exercise.
I chose the kennels because of how engaged the staff seemed to be with the dogs, and I think the overall standard of the kennels and the people who work there are the most important thing.

I've never used kennels, but if I did I would only use one where the dogs go from secure kennel in to a secure field. Too many kennels have lost dogs, and you have no control over the competency levels of the person in charge on any particular day - and indeed, dogs won't always behave the same way in that environment to how they behave with you.

Security first, always.

I don't use kennels however I would go for the secured field one.

Fairylightsandwaxmelts thanks that’s a nice offer. I might get back to you

Depends on your dog.
Mine would much prefer free play in a field with other dogs to a walk on a lead.
Other dogs - especially older ones - might hate it.

The kennels we used to use (sadly now closed down as the owner retired) had both. Owners could choose to use either or both. We opted for both, but had been entrusting our dogs to them for over 25 years and knew the kennel staff really well.

Having looked around at lots of other kennels (after the owner of ours retired due to ill health) we decided to pay a dog/house sitter instead. We rarely leave our dogs anyway, as they come on holiday with us, but when we have to she comes and stays at our house and looks after our dogs exclusively for the weekend. We found her via word of mouth, as she came highly recommended and also sits for other family members and friends.

These days we no longer need a sitter, as we our dc are older and stay home if we are away for a night or two. If we had a rare situation where we were all away overnight I would use the house sitter again.

The ones near us all do the secured field option but have an added extra of an on lead walk if you want. Might be worth asking if that’s something they can offer

I suppose it’s so much easier for them to just use a field. It does seem kinda boring though. But much less worries about putting leads on and off and dogs staying with you on walk etc.

@Waynemanor

Look and see if there's any small scale boarders - we found one that took just 8 dogs and they owned several acres of land (small holding) my collie liked it because they let him out each morning and gave him free run of the land, and let him in the farm house (she had a soft spot for collies) he is safe around live stock though, she said he spent hours watching the sheep and goats through the fence

@Waynemanor

I suppose it’s so much easier for them to just use a field. It does seem kinda boring though. But much less worries about putting leads on and off and dogs staying with you on walk etc.

The thing is, dog walkers manage it so there's no reason why kennels shouldn't be able to cope with taking dogs on lead-walks if that's what the owners want.

I suspect it's a staffing issue as much as anything else. If someone is away walking dogs, the kennels' license will still dictate that someone needs to be on site for insurance purposes.