Boarding Trial Sessions

[HarrietJonesFlydaleNorth]

So DPup is around 4 months now, and next May we are due to go on a big family holiday for two weeks. Pup absolutely cannot come with us so we are planning on boarding her for this time.

We also want to get her used to staying with friends of ours in case of emergencies so she's not completely traumatised by having to be left somewhere else.

The question I have is would it be beneficial for her to have trial stays away, and if so, when would be a good age to start this. I want her to be secure enough with us, but not so fearful of new experiences.

Please be kind - I'm not wanting to just dump her and go away regularly, but aware that over her lifetime this will be necessary sometimes and I want to make it a normal experience for her rather than something scary. Thanks!

Yes, definitely do a trial, whether it’s with friends or a professional home boarder - in fact avoid ones who don’t suggest this.
Ddog went for a day, then an overnight before h went for any length of time

No decent boarder should accept your dog without a trial first.

I would start her ASAP for daycare - maybe start with a half day, then a full day, then an overnight, then a weekend etc. I would also advise having a back-up option in place too, just in case your boarder is unavailable or sick etc.

It's also worth thinking about what you would do if your dog came into season while she was due to be boarded.

We did trials of day care and overnight etc.Our Homeboarder will only board dogs that they know well and that they regularly walk .They known my boy since 16 weeks and he is nearly 9 now so obviously not an issue for us .We do regular fortnightly walk normally now as he is getting older

New licence conditions also means that if board.more than one dog they need to make sure the dogs know each other

Agree find someone you trust means if emrgencey happens then you know dog will be ok

Brilliant thank you! I had a gut feeling it would be a good idea - and to do slowly from an early age - but didn't want to traumatise her.

Good point about the possibility of going into heat - hadn't thought about that. Will need several Backup plans by the sounds of it!

Good point about the possibility of going into heat - hadn't thought about that. Will need several Backup plans by the sounds of it!

I just wouldn't want you to have to cancel last-minute - lots of kennels, daycares and walkers won't take dogs in season, so another option is someone coming to stay in your home while you're away.

I know a lot of people aren't comfortable with it but it's a good option for dogs in season or nervous dogs.

We had our pup go out with a dog walker from 6 months, then she has some daytime visits to the house and then she had an overnight trial. All for nought as she didn't settle there at all (one resident dog and one other dog staying that she knew). She now goes to someone who only boards dogs from a single household.

So I'd say be prepared that you might have to try different options (although our dog walker did say ours was the first dog in 10 years that didn't settle and she didn't expect it at all based on her temperament - at this point she'd been taking our dog out once a week for 2 months)

Thanks all, some good advice and ideas :)