First time boarding

[katherine willis]

In the spring, I need to board Sandy for 14 days who will then be 11 months. The kennel is a good one which I used with a different dog. Sandy has never spent a night away and I'm concerned about whether I need to prepare him. He frequently goes to a puppy day care/play day at a different kennel and I can't bring him in advance to the kennel at which I will board him.

Have any of you boarded your puppy for an extended period? What did you do to prepare your pup? Is anything really necessary?

[Minders]

I agree. We have services that will come to our home to maintain comfort and familiarity.

[Moose&Mica]

We take our two to board at the same place we train. The dogs know the people up there because they see them a couple times a week. Plus, the folks were able to put the dogs in side by side kennels. It would be good if you could introduce your pup to at least a couple of the kennel workers, but since you said that wasn't possible the suggestions of taking the personal bed or toys is good. However, make sure you can bring those items. Some kennels discourage this due to toys getting lost, or the need to keep the toys and bedding clean. Most will allow you to bring up your own food, but check about treats also. Our first boarding attempt was a short trip (3 or 4 days) which helped get the dogs used to boarding since they had not been away from home overnight since we adopted them (1 and 2 years before). If that's a possibility, it might be good for your piece of mind to try a short boarding period first. Also, since we knew the trainers where we board, I was able to call one of them after the first night to see how the dogs were getting on. It did wonders for me to get a status report. Especially since Mica tends to be fairly timid about new situations.

[Doris]

It would make me very nervous to board Bodi, although I'm sure some dogs enjoy the experience! Why don't you try finding a college student who would be willing to house sit and take care of Sandy at the same time? College students are always looking for extra cash . . . .try to find someone you know and can trust. Good luck!

[katherine willis]

Thanks for these suggestions. Unfortunately, we will be at our summer home in rural Maine at the time I need to care for Sandy. Our nearest neighbor is over 1/2 mile away. I'm concerned that someone I might hire will not be reliable in making it our to our home. The nearest town is a 25 minute drive. That's why I'm figuring on boarding him. The kennel plan to use is a 2 hr drive but it so good I don't want to use a more local one.

I'm most worried that Sandy has never been away from us over night? Would it be good for him to spend a couple of nights at a kennel where I live for the winter even if it is not the same one he will be at for the 14 days?