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The doghouse

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Original poster

I feel genuinely sick to the stomach at the thought of leaving my pooch to go on holiday. What to do?

31 replies

EverestsEdge · 17/01/2022 21:51

Our little dog was bought just before lockdown number one; unfortunately he missed out on puppy classes and training but we tried our best to socialise him.

He’s been to multiple training classes now and overall he is a lovely dog. He is castrated.

However he does have flaws, he can be reactive on lead (not aggressive but he ‘air snaps’ and then goes in to a play bow), he can be annoyingly yappy when playing but this is settling down as he’s aged (he’s now 2). His recall is brilliant when he’s on his own but when he sights another dog, he becomes immediately tone deaf so he is only off leash in secure, private places.

In spite of much training on how to greet people, he still gets overexcited and jumps up. We are working on this.

We rarely have visitors to our home but on the odd occasion we have, he has been an absolute sod. Barking for attention, nipping at clothes for attention, jumping over our guest (thankfully a dog lover!).

For these reasons, I don’t think he would be suitable for a home from home boarder which means the only alternative is kennels Sad.

He has frequented various kennels for day care when we’ve needed it but never overnight. I hate leaving him as I know it distresses him however , I feel as it’s only for a few hours in the day it’s manageable.

DH has downloaded holiday brochures and I haven’t slept for 2 nights as I feel so anxious about leaving the dog Blush .

I’d be happy to holiday in the U.K. and take him with us but DH is of the opinion that our DC would miss out on travelling abroad.

Suggestions ?

OP posts:
savvy7 · 17/01/2022 21:56

I would try him with a boarder who does daycare also so you can do a few trial sessions. We did that when our dog was young and he settled happily.

oncemoreunto · 17/01/2022 21:56

Our dog has some reactivity with other dogs on leashes and doesn't like strangers in the house.

We managed however to find a lovely dog walker who took him out with other dogs a couple of times a week and boarded him in her house when we went away.

I wouldn't want to limit my dc to dog friendly UK holidays.

Landlubber2019 · 17/01/2022 21:59

We brought a lockdown puppy and he went to a home boarder when we were on holiday. She ironed out all the things we had struggled with, the other dogs taught him how to be a dog (as opposed to our baby). He learnt how to work in a pack and his recall improved. Could you send him for a weekend to see how he is as a trial.

I definitely think he had a blast whilst we were on holiday and it was so good as the handler sent daily videos and we were fully reassured whilst away x

Artichokeleaves · 17/01/2022 22:00

Mine comes on holiday and we only book what he can come along on. However when we've had an emergency, his lovely dog day care lady has had him overnight for us. He's used to her, and while he's anxious around other dogs he seems fine with the two or three others she has in at a time in a family home and she's been really good for his confidence.

Some of which is that he's desperately in love with her husband and while the other dogs leap around the garden he's on her husband's lap all day since he works from home. But I never expected him to settle anywhere at all and in this family home type set up he's been very happy. Disappears into her house without a backward glance when we arrive at the door.

PermanentTemporary · 17/01/2022 22:01

Our tricky and quite reactive rescue dog absolutely loved home care with other dogs, tbh he didn't always look delighted when we turned up again Grin I definitely wouldn't rule it out.

liveforsummer · 17/01/2022 22:05

I think a home from home boarder sounds exactly what your dog needs. Don't forget these are experienced professionals who will be used to all these issues. Try to find one that does a walking service so they can get to know your dog a bit first.

Original poster
EverestsEdge · 17/01/2022 22:06

My worry is how he would be with other dogs in the home; he can be annoying to other dogs sometimes as he is always in “look at me” mode.

I did try him overnight with a friend when he was younger and pre castration and she said he was exhausting Blush and hard work. He kept barking at her dog and would not let it alone. He also would not settle at night for her and she was up most of the night with him.

Most of the home boarders in our area have their own dogs.

OP posts:
Santahasjoinedww · 17/01/2022 22:08

Same boat last year op.. Kennels let ddog have a meet and greet with the place and staff!! She actually loved it!! They did some training at their suggestion.
She has been a few times now..

I feel genuinely sick to the stomach at the thought of leaving my pooch to go on holiday. What to do?
Newfluff · 17/01/2022 22:11

I agree with you and wouldn't put him in a home boarding environment unless he was the only dog.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 17/01/2022 22:22

Can you not hire a sitter who comes to your home instead? Most dog walkers offer overnight and holiday care.

It won't be cheap - I charge at minimum £35 per night but it would be better than either kennels or home boarding.

Original poster
EverestsEdge · 17/01/2022 22:23

@Santahasjoinedww do you use kennels rather than a home boarding service?

@Newfluff I am very nervous of attempting home boarding. I’m worried he will misbehave. However, I’m not sure if I’m not giving him a chance , he was very young and pre castration when my lovely friend looked after him. During this time I felt we had made a huge mistake in getting him; he really was a total arse!

Post castration and a good routine and he is wonderful but with his flaws. I would be open to trying him in a dog day care setting first.

OP posts:
WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe · 17/01/2022 22:28

My dog is reactive on the lead and a bit of a bellend off lead in an over enthusiastic, no personal boundaries bull in a china shop kind of way. BUT he goes to home from home doggy day care twice a week and for regular overnights and has a ball. He gets on completely fine with all the regular dogs and is generally spoilt and adored whilst there.

SeedsForDeeds · 17/01/2022 22:33

A sitter in your house?

That's what I do. It works best for all concerned.

Postdatedpandemic · 17/01/2022 22:33

You need to get him in a place where you can go on holiday without him. It does not sound like this year will be it. Get a behaviourist in and work on his problems. Find a good dog walker, home boarder and get him acclimatised to them. Go on holiday with him this year, have a plan to make the changes necessary to go on holiday without him next year.

Santahasjoinedww · 17/01/2022 23:11

Kennels.

Bexi3 · 17/01/2022 23:22

We have a local pet hotel (midlands) who can house 2 families dogs in separate rooms in part of their house. She is a behaviourist and also works with a rescue and is used to challenging dogs. Depending on their needs all dogs are kept separate. Each room has a sofa and tv and can be set up according to your requirements. The dogs get lots of one to one time outdoors and get to do scent work, agility and walks on private property and more. We get daily photo updates via Facebook.
My two love it there and come back shattered from all the freedom. Unfortunately we have to book at least 2 - 3 years in advance due to popularity, but it means we can go abroad knowing they are being well looked after.
Maybe there is something more bespoke where you live.

Mumblechum0 · 17/01/2022 23:51

My friend has an absolute PITA dog,she sent it to a sort of boot camp for 2 weeks for intensive training, and he’s now much more bearable. You could kill 2 birds with one stone by getting professionals to sort his behaviour while you’re on holiday?

Not fair on your kids to limit them to U.K. holidays for the sake of an animal imo.

Aria20 · 18/01/2022 06:54

I am also worrying over leaving mine with home boarders later in the year when we go away. She'll be 18 months by then. She's actually a very good dog and doesn't have any behaviour issues (so far) but she's not been to day care or dog walkers or anything before as when we went away last year a family member had her as she was working from home, she's back in the office now so not an option this year. I know I have to bite the bullet and start with a trial stay somewhere soon!

sweetheartyparty · 18/01/2022 07:00

Sorry to hijack this thread, but would boarding be suitable for intact dogs too?

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 18/01/2022 07:04

@sweetheartyparty

Sorry to hijack this thread, but would boarding be suitable for intact dogs too?
Many boarders won't take intact dogs, unfortunately. It's often in the T&C's that all pets are neutered which is a real shame IMO.

What about a sitter in your own home instead?

Pinkchocolate · 18/01/2022 07:08

Could someone come to your home? My dog is rubbish with other dogs so we have someone come and either stay at my house or come for a few hours a day and then for walks.

BiteyShark · 18/01/2022 07:09

Sitter in your own home or home boarding with no other dog.

Either option I would want a trial night to make sure everyone was happy before going on holiday.

Mol1628 · 18/01/2022 07:11

We use a home from home boarder who only has one dog, or the same family group of dogs at a time. Not an unusual set up either. Have a look around, ask for recommendations on Facebook pages?

SeedsForDeeds · 20/01/2022 15:47

A house sitter?

That's what I do. Dogs stay in their own home, have their own routine, the house gets looked after. It works really well for me.

SeedsForDeeds · 20/01/2022 15:48

I already replied to this post - I am going mad!