Dogs and kennels

meames_2

Hi, I know I am being silly but I have booked my dog into kennels over xmas and spent 1/2 an hour crying! - He's not even in them yet.

Womble is old, and he was about 6/7 when I got him from a dog rescue which as more like a farm (about 6 years ago). I have no idea what happened to him before. Since I have had him he doesn't really like other dogs but sometimes he will walk nicely with other dogs and sometimes he won't.

He doesn't like my mums dog so he can't stay there with me over xmas. In the past he has stayed with a dog sitter but she is busy over xmas. I was going to stop in a hotel so at least I would be with him overnight as he is quite happy to be left for a few hours but the only one that accepts pets is £60 a night. He is going in a kennel near where I am staying rather staying in one near home 'just in case'. I spoke to the kennels and they say they will walk him separately and give him a kennel so he can't see dogs either side of him to ease any stress.


I just feel so mean! Am I being daft?

krlyr

Bless him. It's a little late now but some kennels are happy to work with customers to introduce a dog to kennels slowly, e.g. you take the dog just to visit, then you leave it an hour or so, then several hours, etc. working up to overnight stays. A friend is doing this with her dog, the dog can be a bit fear reactive to dogs and people so it's essential she finds a local kennel to use for him in emergencies (can't just have any old person drop in and care for him) so she's been taking him in just to acclimatise him to it. He's in for his first 3 night stay this weekend and the kennels have phoned to say he's slept in his bed, eaten dinner and toileted in the kennel (previously he was holding it until he was home) so he's definately getting more used to it!

If he's not great with other dogs you might even want to consider not having him walked - you could take a few toys and Kongs with you for him to keep him amused, missing a walk for a day won't kill him and it may lower his stress levels if he's just left to himself, rather than risk walking past other dogs, going out with a stranger after he's just got settled, etc.
You might also want to consider some calmatives - e.g. giving him some Zylkene in the run up to it or some Calmex on the day (Zylkene needs to get into the system but Calmex works immediately), an Adaptil collar, etc. as well as getting a fleece blanket to sleep on/next to for a week or so to get your scent on it and leave that with him.

Sally_A

Where are you Meames?, this will be my first Christmas without a dog for many years (40+ years), and I'm already missing seeing the wrapped up treats get ripped to bits (pressie opening always involved all members), and I'm ready and waiting to help out peeps with a temporary arrangement. (Christmas dinner included ).

I'll happily look after a collie/gsd/lab/spaniel/hound for a couple of days - I realise times are tight money wise, so no charge ( a bottle of red (or 6) never goes amiss ), as I don't have all the liability insurance in place, but often look after friends and neighbours pooches.

He'd have to be a bit sociable (and believe me, dogs are more sociable with those they don't know, as the pecking order hasn't been sorted out) as next door have a female collie, and often look after a spaniel. (both female).

meames_2

Aww thanks Sally A - that has brought a lump to my throat! I'm in the Midlands heading north!

I'm really sorry its your first xmas without a dog x.

Sally_A

Never mind, just thought I'd offer in case your Xmas plans were local to me, and it might have been less stressful to you, and you could be sure the dog was in a family home, and keeping his elderly joints warm, with walks as far as suited him.

zaksmum

Wow Sally. What a lovely kind person you are!

meames_2

Sally_A wrote: »

Never mind, just thought I'd offer in case your Xmas plans were local to me, and it might have been less stressful to you, and you could be sure the dog was in a family home, and keeping his elderly joints warm, with walks as far as suited him.

I really appreciate the thought!

When he could stop at my mums before they got Chester he would always be a little stressed at first because the pecking order changed from at home, but he always knew my mum was boss

rising_from_the_ashes

Is there no way you could keep him & your DMs dog in separate areas of the house?

If he doesn't like other dogs - then having just one dog to deal with must be better than being in a kennel environment where there could be loads of dogs?

Sorry ...

meames_2

Unfortunately my mums house is too small and a 60's open plan layout down stairs - no separate rooms. He can't do stairs either so I can't keep him upstairs either.

Too be fair to my mum - its her dogs house and she wants Ches there. Her neighbours often look after ches when I visit, but they are going away for xmas.

Katiehound

I would say take his bed & bedding and his favourite toys with you. Plus any special treats. I think you will find that your dog will be fine- shame you hadn't managed to 'break him in' gently.

I wonder if taking him to a local kennel even now for a morning, day etc would help you, okay it's not the same kennel but it would be a gradual experience. The kennel I use let me do that when my old boy was quite young. They had him for a day..he was fine. Can't say he loves it but he eats well and seems fine, just wants to get home after.

peachyprice

Have you researched home dog boarding? At least he would be in a home environment rather than a kennel.

I haven't taken my dog to kennels since he came out once a shivering wreck.