Does anyone have a dog that enjoys their stay in kennels?

[Blondewithredlips]

I would not trust my dog with a pet sitter as she may run away (she has form). I have found some kennels that look lovely with 3 walks a day which she would love. I am not sure I would enjoy a holiday thinking she was miserable.

We’ve found another family to look after our dog when we’re away. They have their own dog and have space for a couple more small/medium-sized dogs. Their teenagers are similar ages to ours and our dog absolutely loves it, he gets on really well with their dog and essentially he has his own holiday.

His reaction when we bring him home is hysterical, he’s grumpy and off with us for 24 hours, because he didn’t want to leave! Then he forgets and we’re his No. 1 humans again. 🤣

They also charge us considerably less than kennels would. Plus they love him.

Unfortunately my dog could not be trusted in that situation. She would need to be in kennels for her safety. She is placid but can get spooked easily and will just run away. She was a stray found on the street.

Ah, just a thought. Ours was also a stray that we adopted from a shelter. We believe, however, that he was well-treated by his original owner as he was very comfortable with people and fairly house-trained. I wouldn't say that he's placid, though, he's small and excitable

We use a home boarding place for ours and he hated the kennels we tried. This summer our friend is staying at ours instead.

I find kennels a bit empty and soulless, although maybe other kennels are better than the one we tried. Our dog is used to being with us all day every day, he needs company even if he is happy to snooze a lot. The boarding place lets him be around other dogs.

Get recommendations from other dog owners (dog walkers are particularly knowledgable) about local kennels. I good one will do a trial and will not take on your dog if they are too stressed.

We have had one kennel and one home boarder refuse our dog after trials. The home boarder loves him, but he won't drink or eat whilst there. I'm now in contact with a dog behavourist, but don't hold out much hope!!

My dog is happy in kennels. She was very unhappy at day care and home boarding places. Kennels are perfect for her as they smell interesting but she's not overwhelmed with other dogs being boisterous. She gets 3 walks a day plus a one-on-one play session. She always walks into the kennels happy and wagging.

Mine used to love it as the owner of the kennels walked/groomed/played with BBC all the dogs. All that changed CD when the kennels changed hand and I don’t know what we will do now.

My elderly dog gets quite excited going into his kennels! He pulls forward on the lead to get in, which is something he never normally does otherwise. I think he really enjoys the walks/ plays on the huge open field that smells of other dogs.

My three love it.
Always race in when we arrive, not a backward glance, come home a bit chubby, content and look like they have had a great holiday!

Tbh it annoys me all the posters/dog owners that male out kennels are cruel and that home boarding is the only option.

Home boarding has a its own issues which means they aren't suitable for all dogs. Bolters like yours, but sharing a space with another dog can be stressful for others, you don't know what situation the dog will be exposed to or who will be visiting it.

Mine go to kennels, they are always happy to jump out of the car (which one won't do at the vet) I know they are safe, they won't be left with another dog (or walked with them) and they have the experience to deal with my handful dog. This means I can have a break without worry.

all of my previous dogs have loved kennels and rushed to go in, my current boy hates them so he doesn’t go. Ask around locally or at your vet for recommendations and then pop your dog in for a trial for a half day or day and see how they get on.

Yea, my dog pulls to go in and has a great time. I don’t feel bad at all about leaving here.

My 2 absolutely love it!! The buggars don't even look round when we leave!!
Proof..

Ours loves it, very excited when she realises where we are. But she is a Labrador and very easygoing. Food and a bit of fuss, she's happy. It's a good kennels though - before the first time she went I was discussing the different packages they offer, number of walks and exercise sessions singly or with other dogs, training sessions, treats etc. The top of the range package includes 1-1 and the guy said "that could include playing with toys, cuddles, story time.." 😂
Happy to recommend them, we are in South Wales but they have another site in Surrey.

(They also post photos every day of every dog on Facebook so you can see how much fun they're having while you're away)

Our dog loves it! Really looks forward to her stay there.

Stoneysongs Would you be able to give me the name of the kennels in Surrey?

Stoneysongs have sent you a PM

Ours seem to like it. We have 2 now so they go together but the older one had been going for a while on her own and seemed perfectly happy. We used a dog sitter or my DM for our previous dog but, like you, it's not a suitable option for current DDogs. We found our kennel by recommendation and they are fab - lots of walks and play time. Dogs seem fine when we arrive to drop them off and happy when we pick up.

We use borrow my doggy and get a dog sitter to come to our house when we are away. The best solution we have found as our dog remains calm as same environment.

you need to put the work in initially to meet and greet your potential dog borrower, and while they do it unpaid, I always try to give a really nice gift for their efforts.

this technique only works if you live somewhere a bit popular so that house and dog sitting is an attractive prospect for people though.

we have never looked back after using borrow my doggy, just lots of lovely people who love dogs. Our dog has about 5 regular borrowers and has actually become much more confident with people and children etc since we have used the website.

We had to do this because the kennel that we liked, ended up changing their prices to £90 per day!!!!!!

We have a romanian rescue and i was nervous putting her in doggie day care but she absolutely loves it. When she stays overnight they go to a different location to sleep and stay there at weekends but she cant wait to go in when we turn up.

I think a lot depends on age and temperament of dog - my present bouncy 2 year old springer spaniel loves her kennels and comes back delighted with herself. My previous 2 were older and did better in homes but with not more than 1 other dog or I noticed symptoms of stress.

Ours have always loved the kennels - they sprint in, and virtually have to be dragged out. It's a really well-run place with clean kennels, big exercise paddocks, and experienced owners who genuinely care for the dogs. They're also groomers, and our scruffiest dog often comes back smelling suspiciously cleaner than when I left her. I sometimes wish I could book myself in for a couple of days.

My 6yr old German Shepherd loves kennels!! She went for “doggy play dates” with my older Shepherd when she was still a small pup, just to get used to the idea of going away from home without me, and seeing me return a few hours later. These increased to overnights, then building up to a few nights. I suppose sharing with the older Shepherd helped a lot.
The girls work there are lovely and she gets walks and playtimes. I
couldn’t fault any of the kennels I’ve used, and it’s a godsend if you have any emergencies, illnesses (she went there for a few days when I had Covid) or need to decorate, for example (long-coated nosy GSDs and gloss paint are not a good mix)
The earlier you start with kennels, the better they seem to settle.

P.S. Love the ‘Dog Borrowers’ name😁