using dog kennels

[informashun]

my son has a 9 month old miniture dachsund to which the family is very attached naturally.
in may they are going to florida for 2 weeks and for personal reasons my wife and i cant have him.
my question is what are your experiences ,tips or any views about using kennels.
i know there will be horror stories but can these be avoided . please.
positive comments are needed.
in anticipation many thanks.

[Athley]

I would speak to your local vet and ask for recommendations. Visit the kennels without an appointment you will know immediately if you would feel comfortable leaving your dachsund there. Check with the staff about the routine for the dogs and ensure that it would be suitable for your dog.

Good luck. Hope you find a nice one.

:o)

[denisegordon]

Trust your instincts when you visit one, and remember, your dog doesn't need as much cuddles and attention as you probably think it does, so don't worry too much!

[Sasha13]

My Mum had the same worries with her dog. She went on word of mouth and found a good one - when she came back to collect the dog (he had been mistreated as a youngster by his first owners so was very attached to my mum) he didn't even see her for a minute as he was having too much fun with one of the kennel hands. He loved it there, was given a huge cage, loads of exercise and fuss. Your son's dog will be fine, will probably enjoy the doggy company he'd be keeping for a fortnight!

[lankeela]

Some kennels specialise in small dogs and if he is not used to big dogs this can help, but I have small dogs and they love going to the kennels. They can bark at all the other dogs all they like.

Visit one or two to see what they are like, when you find one
book early as they get full up quite early on. Some people recommend taking him in for an overnight stay beforehand so they know you are coming back, although personally I don't think this is necessary. Take his bed and some toys or a jumper belonging to his owner and even his own food if they don't feed what he is fed on.

I have worked in many different kennels over the years, and can honestly say the owners worry far more than any dog ever does.

Remember most people who run kennels do so because they like animals, and it is their livelihood, so are unlikely to be uncaring or inexperienced.

[informashun]

thanks to one and all
it was very satisfying to receive your very useful comments.
i am sure he will also be reassured.
as an after thought i thought what a great asset the ab is.

[amonty1144]

You can also ask your local environmental health officer, they inspect the kennels on a regular basis. If you still don't fancy kennels there are agencies such as animal aunts who look after animals in your own home. I have a lady who has my dogs at her house, try looking for notices in the vets or local shops.
I have 3 dogs and they seem to love going away.