Boarding 6 mos old for weekend

[Marie and Hoka]

We are so lucky, we usually never need a boarding place.  My ex-husband and I take each others dogs and have for many years.  It was so easy since were were also likely dropping the kids off!

Anyway, we are proudly both going to our daughter's college graduation this weekend in Vermont... so I must find my own boarding plans.

Hoka will be 6 months old next week, and is very outgoing, confident, good in his crate for at least short bits (we aren't gone all that much).  I could bring his little sister with me on the plane (she rides under seat in front of me), but I feel I should probably leave them together so he is not lonely.

Any advice?

We have a couple of choices with "suites", which I will try to book since the 2 will be together.

I made them sleep together down in our family room the last 2 nights to get used to being away from us.  A little whining at first, but no problem after the lights were out.

[Brittney & Cally]

Marie, have you tried looking at dogvacay? It is a great website of people who do in home boarding. That way they can still be in a home environment.

[Deborah Brown]

I vote for dogvacay as well.  However, you might not have enough time to find the right match in the next few days. 

I think leaving them together is a very good idea.  They will have each other.

[Ginny Nightingale]

What college are you going to? There is a great place in New Hampshire that is north of Enfield and may not be too far from where you are headed. 

http://www.mountainviewpetresort.com

[Ginny Nightingale]

oops--forget my comment--just realized that you are flying to VT..too bad.

[Leslie & Max]

We've used Dogvacay for years, along doth other family members. It's the best!!

[Stella]

You don't have much time before you go. But, a good idea if you are planning on boarding at a kennel is to take them for a day first. That way they get to spend a few hours there and then come home. The next time they go to the kennel they will know they are not being abandoned and that you will be coming back for them.

[Christine & Shelby]

I had to board my Shelby for the first time at about that age... But it was a quick 1 night stay. I would ask how many times they take them out each to play/potty. I was so nervous the first time I boarded Shelby, but was able to find a faculty that I had confidence in and that was friendly. I called to check on her and she did just fine. It is important that you be as normal as possible so as to not stress out the dogs. If you have a goodbye routine... Do that at the boarding facility. I am sure they will be fine... Especially since they will be together. :) With me being a single doodle mom, I have to rely on boarding the 2-3 times a year I travel... Getting a short stay this first time is a good first step!

[Marie and Hoka]

Thanks everyone! Our friend's husband put the kibosh on taking just Hoka for the weekend.  Who could say no??? he must not have seen a picture!  He looks totally innocent! LOL

I hope to visit the place I am thinking of today. I am not too nervous... I am sure they will be fine. They have each other. It is a cage-free place, and they let you bring anything, their crates and bedding, etc.  At night, they will give Hoka and Moxie there own smaller run that they use for small doggie day-care during the day. I will just send their crates (sans doors) to hang out in if they want. I will send Moxie lots of pillows... she is a bit spoiled.

Someone is there 24-7. 

I'll try dogvacancy next time! Sometimes we just want to get away for one quick night, and hate to overstay our welcome with our friends.  That might be a good option.  

[Alex]

When our doodle was about 7 months, we unfortunately needed to board him for two ten-day stretches  (in a cage-free facility, like the one you're considering). Far from traumatizing him, it really seasoned his personality; he came back a little bit more obedient, somewhat more mature,  and infinitely more well-mannered with other dogs. Given how much he loves meeting other dogs, that last one was really useful.

We really, really did not want to do it. But in retrospect the timing seemed right, and we're glad that we did.

[Marie and Hoka]

Thanks Alex, We will be off in a couple of hours once I get organized. I do thick it will be great socialization.  Hoka needs to be "put in his place" a bit with other dogs. Moxie and our friend's 90 lb lab are both so submissive that he just gets away with anything. He is always top dog around here, even though he is just under 6 months. I am happy he will get the opportunity!