What should I do? Kennel or Dog sitter?
 

I need some advice.

I will be traveling out of the country for 10 days in January. Not sure if I should send Lola to a Kennel/Resort type place where she can play with other dogs or pay someone to stay at my house with her and give her daily walks and play time with the neighborhood dogs?

Not sure if she will feel more secure at our house or will she enjoy going to a kennel??

I really don’t know what to do??

Lola had really bad separation anxiety when she was younger but is doing a lot better. Will leaving her for so many days make her SA come back?

Any advice is greatly appreciated

I think it all depends on the dog. Some dogs love going to a kennel. My grandma's Lab is soo excited to go to there whenever she has to. I know that Jackson probably wouldn't do well in a kennel. I would prefer to have a person come to my house to watch him. As much as he would love to play with other dogs during the day, I don't think he would like being in an unknown place at night w/o me and I know he'd prefer to be in his comfort zone.

Ryan, given her history of separation anxiety I would definitely try to find a sitter if at all possible. It would be great if you could find someone she was already familiar with. Or perhaps you could find someone now and let them get to know each other before your trip. I just believe she would be much happier and more comfortable in her own home with the familiar surroundings and the neighborhood dogs to play with. Like Brit said - she would be in her comfort zone.

I hope you enjoy your trip! Where will you be traveling to?

I dog sit for people... But i do not go to peoples houses... who exactly can say that person it trust worthy... you know... I wouldnt want someone I didnt know being all up in my home when im not there... and a kennel... Would your baby have one on one attention... and what if she got in a fight with another dog.... I have people bring their dogs to me and I watch them in my home... I think that definatly a few of my rules would help you pick out a place... if you choose a dog sitter....

1. They meet us and Alice at a park or something to make sure their dog likes me and Alice...

2. They bring their dog to our house for a play date (1 hr. or so to make sure that they seem confortible in our home...) and then also their dog isnt going to be staying anywere they dont know...

3. When they bring the dog to stay with us... they bring teir own food ( so they keep being fed right...) their own dog beg, kennel, toys, exc... so that they have their owners sent exc. it makes them feel comfortable I think...

I personaly dont like the idea of Kennals or people in my house... so possibly another option for you...:D

Thanks for the advice.

Im going to start looking for a sitter or a friend in the area...

I agree she may feel more secure in her own surroundings.

I will be traveling to China - Shanghai to be exact. Very excited as this is my first trip outside of the US.

Very valid points :)

I have a few neighbors in the area that have dogs, I will see if they would be willing to have Lola stay at their house.

We are going to Hawaii in March. My son has agreed to come stay at my house so that I don't have to put Jazzi in a kennel. It's hard if you don't know anybody that would give as much time and attention to your little one that you would.

I'm going to be miserable without her. Thinking maybe I could sneak her into the suitcase after it goes through the ex ray.....:animal36 Just kidding folks...I wouldn't do that to her.

Have fun in China....sounds wonderful...my husband just got back from Thailand....no place like home!!!! If I could just stop him from clicking his heels!!!! LOL>>>>>:D

This will be the first time I will have to leave Lola for an extended amount of time.

I think its going to be harder on me...she will probably forget about me in a day or two...lol :)

I think kmm fantacy makes a very good point about having someone in your home. I would do this only with someone I knew well or someone with excellent references as a house/pet sitter.

Your trip sounds so exotic. I'm jealous!

LOL>>>> no she won't....but I'm hoping my son doesn't steal my dog!!! :animal36:eek: He loves her so much!!

I am a kennel tech at a pet resort/spa, if your baby is doing better with the SA then going to a kennel might cause a setback. Better to either get a pet sitter or house walker- and any reputable person will be bonded and be more than happy to give a list of references:)

I have kenneled before and I have had My son watch mine in our home. I prefer mine to be at home in the environment they are used to although my kenneling experience was a positive one

I've never kenneled but I know folks that have and they always had a good experience. I don't think people would work there if they didn't just absolutely love animals...unless of course they couldnt get any other kind of job...YIKES!!!!:eek:

Kennel or Dog Sitter?
 

How would you like to have to sleep in a strange place on cold concrete away from all your loved ones?

Nuf said.

I would go with a dog sitter, preferably one you trust to stay at your home. There is NO WAY I'd use a kennel, especially with a dog who has seperation anxiety.

Plumeria-we do love animals, I have co workers who either can't have pets for a variety of reasons or just love the variety of pets that come in.

John Stelting- any good boarding facility DOES NOT put pets on a cold concrete floor! We can never take the place of our clients families- but we are constantly checking on them,playing and just giving a hug all day long in between our other duties. When my clients come through the door they become "my" furkids" and will be spoiled accordingly!

Would it be possible to take her to the puppy spa for a 1/2 day to see how she does? I know some dogs who really love it, they go for doggy daycare and are so happy at the end of the day. Maddie has some SA, but does alot better if she has other dogs to play with.

If I were you I would try finding a sitter. Poor Gizzy had the worst Kennel experience... The little guy was so depressed and so out of his element that he barely ate when we were away and of course I called the kennel twice or more a day to check on him and the assured me everything was ok....they just wanted the money....Boy did I raise hell when I picked him up... I knew they weren't taking him out regularly because he peed in his bed and everyone knows that a dog...especially a yorkie won't pee in the spot where he/she sleeps!!! AHHHHHHHH getting hot in the face thinking about it!

I bet you are excited about your trip! I went to China in 2004 for 6 weeks and I had a hard time adjusting but I grew to love it. Its just so different there! I spent most of my time in Shanghai and then a little less than a week in Beijing. You will have to share pictures when you get back.

As for kenneling/finding someone come to your home... we are in that same situation right now. Where we have 4, its difficult to travel (even on a day trip) and sometimes it would be less stressful to take them (especially if its to someone's house who is not a big fan of furry ones). Last year on vacation (when we just had 2) we had friends take care of them (at their apartment) but I think they got stressed out (they had just gotten a new puppy) having 3 so.... the hunt is on again. We then found another sitter but they already have 3 inside dogs and adding 4 more (making 7 PLUS they have 7 kids under the age of 12) makes for a very busy and full house and the dad just wasn't having it. So.... yeah... we may have to split them up (Dozer and then keep the little ones together) when going out of town for a long time b/c its a lot to ask someone to keep 4 (even if you are paying them)...

Thanks everyone!

To make it an easy transition for Lola I will have a sitter/friend stay at my house with her and keep her on the same routine we have been on for the last few months.

Lola has also been difficult to house train like most of our yorkies and I don’t want to ruin what we have going. Shes been doing so well with the pad outside on the deck :) if I was to send her to a kennel she may revert back to peeing on the carpet.

Thanks again for all the great advice

I think 10 days is a lot for a kennel, but people have to do what they have to do. Ella goes to doggie day camp and loves it! Plus, all the other dogs are crying in their cage when it's 'nap time,' so I don't feel as bad. haha

So while a kennel isn't a bad choice, glad you found someone that can stay at your house. Have a great time!! :)

Yep....what he said....

I'm lucky to have my son who is willing to stay here....but I do understand that some folks may not have the choice.

That sounds perfect. I hope you have a wonderful trip! :)

nice to see all the different inputs.
a lot to consider .

I am soooooo happy!!! Jazzi went to the pup patch and did BIG potty!!!! Took her outside as soon as I got home from work and she did TT potty....but BIG potty has been a problem....never knew where in the house you would find it!!!! EWWWWW>>>>>>

So I am very excited right now....sending hubby an email so he can celebrate with us!!!! Two treats this time for Jazz!!! YEA!!!! Hope it's not short lived....hope it wasn't just a fluke....so praying she got it in her head what to do!!! Whoopie!!!!:cheer::cheer::cheer::woof::woof::yay_j ump::yay_jump:

this is the best forum I have found to learn about Yorkies....I had no clues when I got her but I have learned a lot from these folks.:)