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Original poster

Kennels

41 replies

BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 14:44

We are due to go away for 5 days next April, we have a labrador who will be 5 years old by then and has never been in kennels.
She was left at a year old for 2 nights with her breeder but since then has been with us.
The kennels I'm thinking of looks amazing, social areas, baths, interaction etc etc and I have had good reports from people that use it.
BUT my heart is already breaking at the thought of leaving her. Will she think we've abandoned her? What if she cries the whole time? What if she won't eat? What if she escapes or gets hurt?
I'm tying myself in knots over this.
Can anyone reassure me 🙏

OP posts:
pilates · 08/10/2023 14:47

Could you do a trial run with the kennels?
Have you not got a family member or friend who could have her as it’s such a short time?

BrightLightTonight · 08/10/2023 14:47

I have never been happy leaving my dogs in kennels, so I always get a house sitter.

Pushpull · 08/10/2023 14:49

We were really nervous leaving our slightly clingy dog in a similar environment. They were super honest with us and said she was quiet the first couple of days and she did stay in the quieter kennels because she doesn't adore other dogs (tolerates but is a bit fearful). Anyway by day 4 she was having fun. They sent lots of pics. We had no choice at the time. If I'd known it was coming I'd perhaps have done a couple of over night stays in the run up so she a solitary knew we were coming back but she really was fine. She was a bit moody for a few days once we were back and then extra clingy for a week. But you know what she and we were fine. I'm sure it'll be great and sounds like you've found a great kennels

Original poster
BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 14:58

No family or friends that can have her.
Yes we can have taster days and overnight stays so I will do this if we decide that's the only option..
She probably could go back to the breeder but they now have 3 dogs in a tiny house so may not be ideal? The lady is brilliant with dogs tho.🤔

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margotrose · 08/10/2023 17:58

I wouldn't leave my dog in kennels unless it was an emergency and I had absolutely no other choice. He's very much a "people" dog though and he would be miserable on his own overnight or for long periods during the day.

What about a home boarder or a house-sitter?

Original poster
BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 20:34

I'm so torn. This kennel offers 2 hours free running with other dogs which she'd love, aswell as enrichment games in their 'bedrooms' and an assault course (which she would just laugh at!) Daily grooming and cuddles.
Also toying with her breeder but she has 3 labs already in a tiny house. But I know she loves her......

OP posts:
lightinthebox · 08/10/2023 20:39

Those kennels sound great, and doing trials there is a great idea.

A lot of people dismiss kennels and think home boarding means they care more about their dogs. Ours goes to a kennel and every time she goes in and out with her tail wagging.

Original poster
BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 20:43

Thanks, just interested in people's opinions. Being a lab she loves people and other dogs, but quite happily stays on her bed in a different room alone.

OP posts:
LongBoi · 08/10/2023 20:50

Our dogs love the kennels they stay at - they go in tails wagging, and have to be dragged out. The sleeping areas are clean and warm, the owners really understand dogs and set up a WhatsApp chat for us if we want update photos or videos. Ours actively enjoy hanging out with some canine company, and I think it's a pretty enriching experience for them, all in all. Why not do a taster day or overnight?

RunningFromInsanity · 08/10/2023 20:52

My dog loves his kennels.

BlueYonder57 · 08/10/2023 21:10

My dog has invested lots of time and effort into training the staff at his kennels. He loves it. Fantastic playground, more treats than I'd ever let him have, and you can learn other dog languages- his favourite is howling like a husky... honestly your dog will be fine. Its you that's thinking up the issues, but it's a dog and didn't think like you.

cryinglaughing · 08/10/2023 21:17

Any decent kennels will tell you if your dog isn't happy during a trial visit.
We don't want stressed dogs, as much as you don't want your dog to stress.

Those kennels sound amazing, much fun for the dogs.
I have home boarders (6) who kennel with me because they don't trust other home boarders to keep their dogs safe 🤔😳

DominoRules · 08/10/2023 21:24

Your kennels sound amazing!

My dog goes to kennels, he’s absolutely fine there and is quite a velcro dog at home. We tried a home boarder and he was really unsettled, I think the routine of kennels suits him.

Querty123456 · 08/10/2023 21:26

personally, I’d see if the breeder can have him. Home boarding with someone he knows would be preferable for me.

Octobermeterreadtime · 08/10/2023 21:29

We are currently onholiday.. Ddogs are in the kennels...
Do they look depressed or On Holiday? .

Kennels
Kennels
BIossomtoes · 08/10/2023 21:29

Ours loves kennels. She first went in when she was five months old and has been in several times. She nearly turns herself inside out with excitement when we take her in.

confusedmum2023 · 08/10/2023 21:31

My dog loved the kennels first few times I cried my heart out leaving her. We called it her holiday because she honestly had so much fun. It’s hard the first time but as long as you visit, get to know and trust them you and your dog will be fine.

RunningFromInsanity · 08/10/2023 21:54

Home boarders absolutely didn’t work as he was in a home but it wasn’t his so he was constantly looking for me. Everytime the door opened, everytime getting back from a walk he was searching for me.
Whereas kennels is a neutral place, he’s not expecting me to be there so he kinda forgets about me until I turn up!

Newpeep · 08/10/2023 22:08

A well run kennels is far better than even an average home boarder. Do a trial and see what happens 🙂 When our pup is a bit older and more settled we’re going to be doing the same as it’s great to have a good place for then to go in case of emergency even if you don’t holiday without them.

Corgiowner · 08/10/2023 22:31

My dog goes to doggy day care weekly at the kennels and boards when I go on holiday. Last year I was away for 10 days I came back and took him one day later for his usual doggy day session he jumped out of the car without his lead on and ran straight in, he still does this a year later; and he's boarded for a few nights since. On this basis I assuming that he is happy there.
I see other dogs turn up and they also seem very happy rushing to get in.
Friend take their dogs to another local kennel and say the same thing.

Mangofandangoo · 08/10/2023 22:42

Try rover.com 🙂

Original poster
BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 22:48

Thanks everyone, some lovely kennel stories. And yes @BlueYonder57 it certainly is me thinking up the issues😄 she's my baby, but I'm reassured by these stories.
@Octobermeterreadtime lovely dogs! 😍

OP posts:
Original poster
BigYellowBear · 08/10/2023 22:51

Here's my baby.....

Kennels
OP posts:
Honeysuckle16 · 08/10/2023 22:58

Unless the kennels are exceptional with comfy chairs, lots of walks, interaction with other good-tempered dogs, groomed regularly, top class food similar to home plus people around for company and cuddles AND a permanent camera that can be accessed by owners, definitely no.

We live in Edinburgh so have lots of applications for housesitting from second and third-time sitters who know our dogs and our set-up. They send us videos several times daily and we chat every couple of days. We let them have our car which they appreciate.

The one and only time my first dog was in kennels, he came home bewildered and disoriented. It was clearly traumatic for him and so never repeated. However, I’ve seen other kennels that are better set up than just a kennel and run so I wouldn’t dismiss them completely.

MrsDeaconClaybourne · 08/10/2023 22:59

Our two go to a local kennels and it's just the best place. They look after them so well, spend 1:1 time playing with them etc. When you talk to them it's obvious how well they know DDs and their little quirks. They jump out of the car quite happily when we get there to drop them off and although, they are obviously pleased to see us when we pick them up they don't show any signs of being unhappy.

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