Dog borders- advice.

[Beansandcheesearegood]

We've been invited to a wedding. It means 1 night away and almost 2 full days. We've got an 18 month old Springer who We've never left. He's quite friendly on walks and no issues. He doesn't like 'strangers' in our house/garden so barks and growls then but if we meet outside of house abd walk in together he's fine.
Anyway we are going to leave him-thinking a dog border would be better than someone in house or a kennel. Any advice on things to ask? Thinking we will do a day here abd there before the over night.

Honestly I'm quite anxious! But do want to be able to leave him and go on holiday etc in the future.

Do you not know anyone who could stay at yours? I know he doesn’t like strangers. Might be more settled at home.
Have you got a dog boarder in mind? My concern would be that there would be other dogs there and certainly lots of dog smells that might unsettle him.

We had to leave our ( then) collies for one night in a kennels as everyone we knew was at the wedding ( daughter’s) It was one of the most stressful parts and I organised most of the wedding! (She lived away from home town) Our female dog didn’t wee the whole time we were gone! Sorry not trying to scare you I know you must be worried.

Could you ask for recommendations on local forums? Good idea to try before the wedding as he and you will be less anxious.
I’d be reassured about what detail any potential boarders asked you too ( food, treats, sleeping location exercise etc)
Might be a good “ dummy run” if you are planning to leave him in future if you can find a solution you are happy with.
We have spaniels now and they come with us on holiday. I know that’s not for everyone. Good luck.

Do you have a local dog walker that offers boarding? That's the least stressful route.

We use the dog walker a few times a week anyway, but in advance of the wedding, you could have the dog walked with them. Then perhaps a house visit/overnight stay before so they are comfortable.

I would avoid a kennel tbh, it would probably be quite a stressful experience for the dog. Even home boarding is stressful for ours tbh, it takes a few days for their eating to return to normal, and he's a fairly confident little dog.

We found a lovely dog boarding family. She had an incredible time there, and was treated like a queen! I used Rover to find someone, and went for a visit with her before booking. I then booked a weekend stay when I was actually still at home, so she could try one night and know I was coming back, before we went away for the week. If you find someone, maybe they could have her for the day as a trial for you both. They sent me loads of photos, and honestly, she had the best time.

I looked for someone that just has one dog at a time and doesn't do dog walking during the day. I wanted to minimise the other doggy encounters and stress. I also looked for a family with kids because that is what she is used to.

I'd ask how often and for how long your dog will be left e.g. do they work at home, do school runs etc, and where your dog will sleep.