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We recently adopted a 4 y.o. Yorkie/Jack Russell mix that is the sweetest girl in the world. We were going to wait to adopt a dog until next month because we will crossing out of town trips by just under 3 days, but we fell in love with our little Harley. She is a shelter girl and I knew that if we waited, someone would just snap her up. Because of this, we will be boarding her for a couple of days (I leave Sunday, Hubby returns on Tuesday). We checked out several places and found one that we are somewhat comfortable with. I say somewhat because we have never had to board before. It is a nice place, the owners live on property and therefore supervise 24 hours and they also breed and show Yorkies so they know about the breed. She will have her own food (we are bringing it) her toys, treats and pillow, the usual walks, socialized playtime and we are paying extra for nature walks and a bath before coming home. I just am having a hard time getting past the guilt. I don't want her to think we are taking her back to the shelter and I do want her to enjoy her time there.
Can any of you tell me your experiences with boarding your pups- both good and bad? Can you tell me what we should watch for when she gets back home to transition her back into the house?
I have boarded in both premium locations ($36-38/night) and kennels at the vet ($16/day).
The premium location allowed them to poop indoors so it was a set back for housebreaking. Aside from that it was good and he was happy.
He was also happy at the vet. However, he was kept in the crate for >10 hours overnight so he had an accident. I will probably not bring him back there.
Do you find that boarding was a setback behaviourally? Or were they handled enough that there was no seperation anxiety seen after bringing them home?
There was no separation anxiety or behavioral setback. However, that would really depend upon the relationship you have with your dog and the dog's temperament.
We had our dog for about 3 months prior to boarding him for a week. Then, when my father's illness was worse than we thought, I had to drop him off on the weekends. Luckily a family who likes dogs took him for a week when I went on leave. My only issue was the potty accidents since it knocked him out of his routine.
I boarded my five dogs when I took my first vacation in years. Four of them were adoptions from shelters and multiple placements, etc. I also feared they'd think they'd lost their homes. The people at the kennel assured me that dogs don't think that way.
After 17 days in-kennel, all four seemed fine. The beagle had visibly gained weight- the manager said "All that beagle did was lie around and wait for food!" They were in enclosures with runs, not crates.
My one dog who I got as a puppy, who has never been boarded, looked shell-shocked. I thought he was sick, he looked so stunned. But when he got home, he perked right up. The other four took it all in stride and seemed fine.
Good luck. Your pup is fortunate to have a home where people are so sensitive to her needs. She'll be fine.
Oh, and don't forget kennel cough vaccination (bortadella). I think most kennels would require it.
I put my JR in a kennel for a few days. He wasn't too happy the first day, but the ppl realized he liked one of their own dogs so they made sure he was out in the yard with him. He perked right up after that. I was so worried about him as I had never left him alone before.
I have no hesitation on taking him back there now.
We're going away for a few days next weekend. We totally lucked out by asking our dog obedience instructor if she knew of any reputable kennels (we're still relatively new here, and I always think it's best to get a recommendation from someone). She actually does boarding.
I think Fez will be very happy - she's home all day with them, and he'll have other dogs to play with. With us, he only has the cats - not nearly as happy to play with him. He's totally up to date on his shots. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.
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The premium location allowed them to poop indoors so it was a set back for housebreaking.
Ive boarded my dogs in kennels and at the vet for years. They are so happy to see you when they get home it's like they never left.
Never had any trouble with behavior after.
You might want to check into pet sitters in your area. Hear there is one "Home but not alone" that is great. She comes to the house as often as you like when your gone, plays with the dogs, feeds waters, meds if needed. She will also turn on and off lights, bring in the mail, feed the fish, pretty much whatever you want. Prices are reasonable and the babys get to stay in comfortable surroundings.
Just a thought.
We have 4 dogs and a cat and fish so boarding has become a little pricy.
when i did board i had 2 dogs so they were together-they were cute therefore gots lots
of love and attention. i mostly boarded with the vet, why, he loved and knew them.
for my mind that worked great.then one dog doggy day care so my 2 were there they did know one, and she was right at home with the staff.
We also use a pet sitter. Much more convenient for three dogs. Plus I have doggie doors so they can go in and out as they please.
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