Boarding kennels

So we're going abroad in September and there is no one to look after the pooch whilst we're away apart from my family who live 3 hours away. This then means she would have to take time of work to look after both dogs and we would have to travel a lot more than we need to to get to an airport.

Ive done some research on boarding kennels and i found one that provides a heated kennel with a tv and you can take your own bedding as a comfort and you can pay for additional services such as rough and tumble time, one to one sessions with a trainer, agility, social classes etc, plus they would have a health check everyday and 3 walks.

However, i know of people that have returned to a 'different' dog. Their personality seems different, almost like they dont trust you anymore.

Whats your opinions on this?

I had to put Dempsey in a kennel (specialist EBT kennel) for a week just after we got him. The only difference in him (apart from the fact that he'd grown so much) was that he was covered in mud (he'd just been given a good romp in a safe field) and he was very excited to see us.

For a couple of days afterwards he was a little bit anxious if we went out (obviously thought he was going to be left again), but nothing too bad, and he settled again really quickly.

The only thing I'd advise is a thorough check of the kennels and preferably some first class references from others who have left their dogs there.

I personally wouldn't feel uncomfortable leaving Logan in kennels no matter how much I researched, I would worry the whole time and wouldn't enjoy myself so I don't think I'll ever do that.

However there are some great kennels out there that do a fantastic job, and if they have been checked out and references got I can't see any problem.

My parents owned boarding kennels before their divorce when I was 11. It was a very caring establishment and most boarders were repeat business or reccomendations . In general staffys don't do as well as other breeds in kennels so it's important to have a good look around . Ask them about exercise and time spent with each dog every day.
There are some plush kennels about nowadays but caring staff is most important . If you can have both then even better. I would turn up without telling them
My friebd always sends her dog to a sitter who charges £15 per day Inc food . It's quite pricey but she says her dog gets so excited when dropped off. This might be something to look into ? I think they have to be dog friendly though ?
Good luck !

We've never left Suki but I left my old English Bulldog a few times and other than her being really excitied to leave the kennel when I picked her up she didn't have any problems.

would they let you take him there a few times before you go away and leave him there for a hour or two may be and see how he reacts to it,just a thought.

The ones I looked at let you have a trial day, so I can leave the pooch there in the morning and pick him up at night so he knows I will be returning. I dont know if id worry too much whilst im away hmmm decisions decisions :/

The trial day is a great idea

i've spoken to a kennel today, as i have to leave Lola for a night in a couple of weeks (as much as i'm dreading it, but its unavoidable). one of the first questions i asked was if she catered for staffies

"Ohhhhh staff's! my favorite breed, i've got one of my own, and a staffie american bulldog cross! oh they are wonderful!"

i'm going for a look around this sunday, but the reviews i've read are positive, and the lady was more than happy to allow Lola to go down there just makes me feel better that she's not going to be overlooked, and she even recommened me to put her in the cheaper kennels, because they are a)warmer, and b)closer to her during the day, so she'll get more interaction.

Speak to vets, dog trainers or rescue centres for sitters - we found a sitter who moved into our house that way (after lots of referencing of course). Definitely the best way - staffs felt secure in their own home and we had a couple of visits from the sitter first so they got to know him. Charged £20 a day but well worth it.

kita90 wrote:
However, i know of people that have returned to a 'different' dog. Their personality seems different, almost like they dont trust you anymore.

Whats your opinions on this?

This happened to me many years ago, the Kennel was fantastic and comfy little units, large play areas and kind and friendly staff onsite who just loved being with dogs, we came back after 2 weeks to a changed dog. It was as if she was sulking and had lost her spark, yes she was happy to see us but things at home were different, she preferred her own bed rather than ours, never gave as many cuddles, almost as if she had grown up and forgotten how to play.
I don't for one min blame the Kennel i just think that Staffies get all upset and cant handle it.

Since then I've always taken my dogs with me or left them with close familiar family,

You also may want to consider this place as an alternative to boarding kennels, sorry that I cannot personally recommend them though, but have a look anyway:

http://www.barkingmad.uk.com/