Member

Posts: 169
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-02-2003 11:52 AM         

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Well the time has come that I must bring Max to kennel. We are travelling over night one night this weekend, and we can't bring Max. I found a great place that has 4ft X 15ft kennels on heated cement floor and that let's the dogs out 2 times a day for about 20 - 30 mins for play time with each other. I have a few questions I was hoping you all could help me with.
One is I'm assuming since Max is only 7 months old that he is going to be forced to eliminate somewhere in the kennel, since they are only let out twice a day, is this horribly cruel? Also, they said I could bring a few toys for Max to play with while he is in the kennel, which I want to do because he is a big chewer and it helps to keep him occupied. What toys should I put in there since most recommend that they be supervised while using them? I haven't noticed any problems so far with his kong, it's still in tact and same for this rubber bone thing that is made of the same material as the kong. I would like to give him his rope because he really likes to chew on that but I'm concerned about leaving these things with him unsupervised even though I haven't seen any problems with them in the past. I guess I just want encouragement that I can give him toys that I have found relatively safe from his destruction. Also is his tummy going to be horribly upset since I they won't allow me to bring my own food. He eats Innova and they feed Precise.

I know people bring their dogs to kennels all the time but since this is the first time I feel very nervous about it. Do these size kennels seem appropriate?

Thanks for your help and your ear for listening

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Posts: 291
From:Australia
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 12-02-2003 01:12 PM         

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I don't know much about kennels but I'm sure he will be fine, sorry I can't give any advice except to make sure you take all the toys he plays with - which you are already doing LOL. Give the big guy a hug for me!!

Hopefully he will use his "run around" time to do his business. My dogs after travelling in the car for a couple of hours would hold off until we stopped for a break. I'm not sure its the same as being shut in the kennel but he might hold off, I would ask them at the kennel how often they are checked and cleaned for poop.

[This message has been edited by neek (edited 12-02-2003).]

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From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 12-02-2003 01:39 PM         

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I would bring his kong, How well behaved is he with rest of his toys? And also what about bedding can he have something or do they not recommend that. I wont board my dogs, but I have heard from others that have good kennels swear by them. They say their dogs love them. Just make sure they are clean and dont have history of kennel cough. Have you considered a dog sitter and letting Max stay in his own invironment as an option?

Good luck - I know when we travel and the dogs are at home I still worry about them.

Honeybear

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From:
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 12-02-2003 01:55 PM         

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This question has come up at a perfect time. We will be boarding our 6 month old lab in a couple of weeks for two nights. I have had the same concerns. Fortunetly, the kennel we are using will allow us to bring our own food. Your kennel should...I don't understand that rule.

But, I asked at our kennel about a dog eliminating in their kennel on concrete. Rudy has never gone anywhere but on grass. The trainer (this is where we go for obedience classes as well) told me he has never seen a dog have a problem with eliminating on the concrete. Especially in the big kennels.

I hope he is right. This is one big worry of mine!

Rae

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posted 12-02-2003 02:36 PM         

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Yes, I share your concerns. Nala is going to have to be boarded for almost 2 weeks (gulp!) over the holidays (she will be about 7 months old). But the place I found is a woman who runs a boarding kennel from her home. She has a heated building and several enclosures for the dogs to play in small groups. That should be enough bathroom time. She also requires that you bring their own food.

Jamiya

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Posts: 169
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-02-2003 03:10 PM         

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Thanks for responding.

I have considered someone sitting for us here at our house, it's actually what I would really prefer. However we are taking the trip with all our local friends and noone is going to be left here but married friends with babies who I wouldn't even dare ask to watch my hyper puppy. It put me in a big dilema. Also this trip came up on short notice and the one friend we have that is a dog trainer/sitter is not available. I feel so guilty to have to bring him to a kennel . Just had to vent that out, hehe. He will only be there for about 24 hours, and I'm sure he will have fun because he loves to be with other dogs.
And no they provide the bedding as well.

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posted 12-02-2003 04:08 PM         

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glad to hear they provide bedding. I am the biggest procastinator my stepdaughter is getting married in 2 weeks and I hadnt arranged for a dog sitter. Well both of my neighbors are going to be gone too. Luckily I just heard from a friend who I helped her big time for 2 weeks by going out of my way to and from work to feed the dog and to let it in and out and she can do it! I will only be gone 2 nights but again I do freak.
Especially since I want to leave my dog door open at night and last week I was awakened by my cat staring at 2 huge racoons who were staring back thru the glass bedroom door!
Honeybear

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Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-03-2003 12:58 AM         

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When you get back you should consider finding a pet sitter, one who comes to your place or one where your dog stays with them in more of a home setting. I have the same problem with my horse, the dogs I can take with me, but the horse...well hotels just won't go for that! We usually do stuff with all our horse friends and then there is nobody to stay behind and care for her. I would be nervous about having someone come in to care for her from a service though...I would think they would be tempted to ride her. (Yes I am paranoid!) Another solution may be to find yourself a college student who would come to care for her. Just some ideas. I would be upset about the food thing...there is no reason to upset her diet.

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Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-03-2003 09:23 AM         

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I would make sure that all his toys are indestrucatable and much larger than he can swallow, as for the food thing??? I Have a problem with that. If they won't let you bring your own food, then buy some of theirs and gradually change him over to it, and when you get home gradually change him back. Directly and suddendly changing their diets can be bad and lead to tummy aches, diareha and upset stomachs......

Kennels are normaly very safe, and the size sounds about right. Personally I use 16"X16".

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Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-03-2003 09:24 AM         

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CORRECTION >>>>> 16'X16'. Sorry, typo I don't want yall thinking I shove dogs into tiny boxes or anything! LOL

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