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We have to go out of town for one week and I have asked for advice on where to board my puppy, but we have a person that has volunteered to come over to our house 4 times a day (basically every 4 hours) to play and check on our dog who is almost 8 months old. Is it more humane for him to be in a kennel for a week or be at his own home but alone for part of the time? Does anyone have any input for me? I feel terrible about either choice but surely one choice is better than the other? Thanks, I have been agonizing over this.
I know people will disagree but I think I'd opt for a kennel unless you can get someone to stay overnite w/ him - 7 days is a long time for you to be gone and he'll be basically alone except for occasional walks. If your trip isn't for a while, maybe you can ask your vet and see if one of the receptionists or vet techs petsits on the side (in their home - but ask to see if first and get ref's) - I'd just be uneasy about someone coming in 4x a day but that's just me, others like it and are fine w/ it, it all depends.
I would let the pet sitter take care of him. dogs mostly sleep all day anyway, I would think he would be most comfortable being at home where he is used to it. maybe close off the kitchen with some baby gates if you can't trust him with the run of the house. have the pet sitter take him for a long walk once a day and he should be fine. maybe get him a treat kong to have when the pet sitter leaves to keep him busy
\edited to say if he is comfortable in a crate then a kennel might be ok, as I think most places keep the dogs either in a crate/kennel or a run. I would check the facilities to see if you are comfortable with it
I think that depends on the dog. I have 4 dogs...2 I would leave at home and have a pet-sitter stop in for feeding/walks/clean-up/play. The other 2 would definitely be ok to board.
Another option: Check with a local obedience school. The one I'm taking my dog to offers boarding in a trainer's home. I like that option, too.
I see you dog is only 7 months old... I'd probably go with boarding. I'd be deathly afraid to leave a puppy alone... my house may not be standing when I got back.
Last edited by steelstress; 06-16-2009 at 07:32 PM..
Reason: Wanted to comment on your dog's age.
For a puppy that young, I'd either board or have someone stay at the house. 7 days is a long time. Macie is 3, we'll be on vacation next week and I'm having someone come stay at the house - otherwise we would board her. If we were just going for the weekend at 3 years old, I have no problem with neighbors coming to check on her, feed her let her out etc a few times/day. A whole week would be too much for her to be alone.
I would go with boarding unless you have someone who does overnights. Even someone who comes in last thing at night and again first thing in the morning is still probably going to mean at least 9 hours and possibly more that your pup will be inside, unless you have a doggy dog that he already uses and can get out by himself for a potty break.
I like pet sitters b/c the dogs are not exposed to any illnesses. I also think they are more comfortable at home. If this person comes over 4 times per day, that should work out OK.
The most important thing is trust. Do you trust your dogsitter or do you have a trustworthy kennel. If all things are equal, I would opt for the kennel. There is 24 hour supervision, other dogs to relate to and once you get your baby to realize that you are coming back, he will not be fearful in the future to be boarded.
Talk to the staff at your vet's: someone there might be willing to pet-sit for you and you know they're good with your dog. Many techs at my vet do pet-sitting for their clients.
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