Dog Community

My puppy is going for 1st time boarding!

inne

Posted : 6/13/2006 2:20:13 PM

On Thursday Louise is doing a trial night at the boarding place to see how she does before her 'real' boarding in July. I'm so nervous, but I'm also excited for her; I'm sure she'll have lots of fun after she realizes being away from me isn't the worst thing in the whole word. It's a really nice place - she did her puppy kindergarten and grooming there, everyone is lovely, it's cage-free boarding with lots of space inside and out for playing. I had to fill out a 20 page document full of questions about her habits and training. Anyway, I just want it to be over and know that she's okay! How do your dogs react to boarding? Any last minute advice?

marlania

Posted : 6/14/2006 2:31:20 AM

Sounds like a pretty nice place! Remember to send Louise off with something of hers...maybe a blanket or something that will comfort her.

Brown and Grey love going to the kennel, which makes it easier on me if they have to be boarded. (I have separation anxiety from my dogs lol). The last time we sent them away on "vacation" (our term for "the kennels"), they completely forgot about me once they got inside. They literally ran to the back to play and left me behind. It was only an overnight stay, but they get to run around and play with friends so I know they enjoy it.

whatsh0uldmyl0ginbe?

Posted : 6/14/2006 3:15:05 PM

make sure you bring a favorite toy of hers and a old shirt or something that smells like you. it will make her feel more at home and comfortable. good luck!

meagan

inne

Posted : 6/17/2006 1:25:15 AM

Thanks.

I picked Louise up this morning and she was more excited than I've ever seen her - she was a blur of fur and of course peed all over their nice floor. They told me she had been good, but a little timid. When I got to my car I realized I forgot her crate, so we had to go back to get it and she didn't resist going back into the building at all, so that was relieving. The whole thing was obviously far more traumatic for me - I was sitting at home missing her more than I could have imagined and worrying about her.

Dana Elliott

Posted : 6/17/2006 8:08:45 AM

My dogs seem to be OK with boarding. The first time or 2 was the worst, but now they know when they go, we'll be back. I prefer it to having someone come to our home. We did that once and the dogs didn't eat and they seemed depressed, because they expect us to be home "any minute" where as with boarding they seem to understand. They also get to interact with new people and dogs, which they both love.

The last time I took them to boarding, they trotted off with the attendant, and they didn't so much as look back at me! I think once the kennel workers get to know you and your dogs, and the dogs know them and the place, it's not too bad.