The past weeks have brought a noticeable number of phone calls to my office from clients requesting names of kennels, dog walkers and the like, as well as basic advise on leaving their dogs for extended holidays. Though I wrote on the subject a couple of years ago, I offer another summary in today’s article.
Of the options to consider: kenneling ones pet, leaving them home with a house-sitter/dog walker, or housing them elsewhere, there is no ideal. Each option has pros and cons, and the one’s influence who should be considered above all, is your dog. There are dogs, for example, who view a kennel stay as a social child views camp, and other dogs who will literally chew their fur off, stop eating and return home completely unhousebroken. I offer you a guideline on how to judge what is right for your dog.
Kennel: Kennels are ideal for social animals who enjoy interacting with other pets and people. They’re not ideal for protective dogs or solitary pets who thrive on family interaction, but are stressed when leaving their home environment.
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker: This person comes to your home either living with your pet or dropping in throughout the day. This option is ideal for dogs whose life pattern is adjusted to unpredictable schedules and who welcome the attention of people outside of their immediate family. If your dog is accustom to an organized schedule, bonded to one particular person or is wary of unfamiliar people or routines, he/she may be stressed. Examples of such anxiety may include destructive chewing, housesoiling, or eccesive.
Another Home: If you have the option to leave your dog with family or friends, or find a home-based kennel, consider it from two vantage points: your dogs and the person who will be responsible for watching him. The dog who fares best in a new setting is mature, reasonably trained, and socialized with and adaptable to new experiences. Placing a young puppy, or nervous dog in a new household for a week is unwise and inconsiderate to the person asked to take on this responsibility. Dogs in this situation may resort to aggression (out of fear), running away, destructive chewing or housesoiling. Consider this option only if your dog’s fits the first description or if you’re paying for this service with a professional that know how to handle all dogs.
To determine if a professional establishment is adequate for your pet, and to prepare your dog for the separation, keep these final things in mind.
Kennel: Referrals are useful, though you should visit the location in person. Do you feel comfortable talking to the staff? Ask to view the dog runs—are they clean, do the dog’s seem content? Question the feeding schedule, exercise routines, and how emergencies are handled. When you bring your dog, label familiar bedding and ask if you may leave a favorite toy/bone.
House-sitters: Ask for and follow up on referrals. Write out a lengthy explanation of your dog’s schedule, habits, and training commands. The more this person’s routines reflect your own, the calmer your dog will feel in their presence.
Another house: If you are leaving your dog in a different home, mirror the above instructions, outlining the course of your dog’s day. Show everyone involved familiar handling routines and leave a command sheet so the people will use familiar directions.
Needless to say, the question of leaving ones dog is a unavoidable and points to yet another reason to socialize and train all dogs. When final decisions are made, and you kiss your dog goodbye, be sure to separate yourself emotionally and have a good time.
Though your dog would rather his routine not change, he is lucky to have people who care enough to provide a safe alternative. Your dog will survive.
Bone Voyage!
For more on travel tips read Miss. Sarah’s Etiquette Guide for Dogs and Their People.