Kennels for anxious dog

helliesin

We are going on holiday (abroad) in July. My partner has two dogs, American bulldog/ Staffordshire bull terrier crosses from same litter, both age 9, one boy and one girl, neither have been 'done'...

Original plan was to have a friend of his that the dogs know well to stay with them in the house whilst we are away. He has just announced that he may have to let us down.

Boy dog is very sociable with people and other dogs, friendly, and generally well behaved (although he is big, strong and often excitable and 'over friendly')

Girl dog is a nightmare. She absolutely cannot be around other dogs (except her brother), has separation anxiety when my partner goes out, is very anxious when out walking, and cannot be let off the lead for fear of attacking other dogs. She makes a strange screaming noise (not growling or crying) when she is anxious. It has reached a point where she rarely goes out for a walk during daylight hours. She is fine with people and children, and is generally very good in the house (besides being a bit mischevious!). That said, she would be very anxious in the new environment of a kennels, with other dogs barking and without my partner being there. She would have to be with her brother, but then her anxieties would wind him up too and that's not fair on him. She's not a bad dog... she's just misunderstood :rotfl:

Any suggestions? Besides cancel the holiday and have to deal with two disappointed children...

pinkteapot

Might be worth a chat with the vet before cancelling the holiday - there are anti-anxiety medications available.

missbiggles1

It sounds as if you would do well with a housesitter. You may find somebody locally who offes this on a paid basis or you could register with an agency like https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw5Z63BRCLqqLtpc6dk7gBEiQA0OuhsMwPoF9PnK9JCTKodWy_r_1WDG2S1Abb9VuIfhZ-Ca0aAn1i8P8HAQ where you can create a profile and then choose from anybody who contacts you.

bellaboo86

My old boys is too anxious for kennels. I use a company called Holiday for dogs. Dog lovers have your dogs in their homes. You're matched up with someone suitable, for example if you need an ultra secure garden because you have an escape artist. You then met with them in advance to check you are both happy.
It costs about £20-25 a night.
I've had two different gentleman. One gave any dogs free reign of the house and was more than happy to let them on the furniture. The other enquired if my dog was allowed gravy on his biscuits (Sunday visit). My dog seemed very happy on both occasions unlike the one time I tried Kennels.

arbrighton

amibovvered wrote: »

You can get home from home boarding but it's very expensive (I was quoted £30 per dog per night last year!) and wouldn't necessarily be any better for you.

Wowsers, I pay £15 for mine- and that's for day care (easier if I'm out for a long day) or for the overnights when we are away. Well worth it as she loves them and their dogs and will always be at their gate asking to go in if we past. It will mount up when we go away for 3.5 weeks this year but for my peace of mind, totally worth it.

SensibleSarah

I have a nervous dog & would never put her through a stay in kennels as I just know she wouldn't cope. I choose not to holiday outside of the UK (not that I often go away anyway) so I can always take her with me but I appreciate that most people actually like holidays with decent weather

Your girl does have the additional issue of separation anxiety so I would definitely look at dog boarders who take your dogs into their home for the duration. It's not the same as them being at home but it's a much easier alternative for most dogs to deal with than kennels.

gettingready

helliesin wrote: »

We are going on holiday (abroad) in July. My partner has two dogs, American bulldog/ Staffordshire bull terrier crosses from same litter, both age 9, one boy and one girl, neither have been 'done'...

.

Oh dear... aside for this alone to be very unfortunate...

Home boarding could be an option but I honestly doubt anyone would take un-neutered male and female.

Kennels very stressful from what you describe.

House sitter may be your only option here xx

ali-t

My boy was like this and we visited lots of places until i found one where i was confident they could manage him. Incidently it was the local place that looks after police dogs and those on death row when there has been a bite/attack. I was confident they could handle any negative or anxious behaviour in a positive way.

we put him in for 1 night initially and he was fine. Then upped it for future hols. He was a dog who wore his heart on his sleeve yet was always pleased to see the woman who ran the kennels which was a good sign for me.

Imwould suggest phoning round kennels to see if any of them specialise in difficult behaviours and take it from there.

arbrighton

gettingready wrote: »

Oh dear... aside for this alone to be very unfortunate...

Home boarding could be an option but I honestly doubt anyone would take un-neutered male and female.

Kennels very stressful from what you describe.

House sitter may be your only option here xx

No- our home boarders are not allowed to take entire males any more- condition of their license

Nagme

Can you use the time before your holiday to help your dog with her anxiety issues?

I home-board and have met some very anxious dogs, it's such a shame for them. One dog missed his owner so much I ended up sleeping on the sofa with him to stop him from whining and crying all night.