Trial day in kennels!

[ShazzaC]

Morning all,
Well, sometimes we need to go somewhere without our pups. We don't have anyone who will have him. I have been looking in my local area (Malvern in Worcs) for a nice dog sitter. I found two. One was a lovely older lady but had an older, calmer dog. It just didn't feel the right place for Blue. Another lovely lady was fully booked forever. In desperation I asked around about kennels, and visited a nice one last week.

So, today my boy is off for a trial day, to see how he gets on, with a view to staying overnight there in a couple of weeks. It has a good reputation, the dogs get walked in the paddock 4 times a day, kennels are heated. At least there I know he is secure, whereas with a dog sitter who doesn't know his ways he could be lost (unlikely I know!)

Wish me luck!

[MIN]

He will be alright. I would always go for the kennel option. Secure at all times and i know where she is all the time.
 Gemma has just returned from her first holiday away and i think i suffered more than her with the separation.
 Gemma has been welcomed to return  so long as we give the owner plenty of notice so she can get fitter. Gemma wore her out with all the zoomies around the paddock and lake and the "me me me" attention.  I think we were not missed at all 

[Emilyoliver]

I also choose the kennel option (unless my mum can look after them) for the same reasons as MIN.  They're also less likely to pick up bad habits s kennels are totally different to home situations - so no having to retrain house/lead manners when they come home.  Mine have always been happy to go in.

Try not to worry  , he'll be fine.

[Sharon]

First time for us too, our daughter is getting married in July, so all my dogs have to go into Kennels for 2 days, not looking forward to it, but need to concentrate 100% on the wedding without worrying about the dogs (although I probably still will)

[ShazzaC]

Thanks for the helpful words 

The guy who runs it has working cockers, and the kennel maid who saw us also has one, the same age as Blue who she'll let him have a run with today. He's a confident pup, so I think he'll be fine.

Will let you know how harassed the staff look when I pick him up later 

[ShazzaC]

Well, I have one tired pupster next to me on the sofa! They said he was very good, not noisy, and had a lovely play with a Tibetan Terrier. They had him on a long line outside this time, to get used to his ways. He ate his lunch (not that I was worried he wouldn't eat  ) and was absolutely fine I think.

He came home, ate his tea and tore around the room for a bit, rolling around (I think it's the kennel smell he didn't like), then plopped up here by me. Not too worried about leaving him again (although next time is overnight - eek!) This week he has been left at the groomers for the morning and been to kennels. Quite enough for one week I think!