[wendyg]

We have a couple of dogs  and may be going away for a long weekend.  My son will look after the cat,hamster,fish and I may have someone to look after the chickens.  I have never used kennels before (but have used a cattery for the cat),  do dogs like them, and how much notice is need to ensure that you can get the dogs booked in.  Our dogs are father fussy eaters sometimes they eat tripe, sometimes dry dog food, sometimes cans, will this be catered for?  Will the dogs be walked twice a day?  Will the dogs forgive us?  Any info will be of help as this is new territory.

[joyfull]

My dogs go to a great kennels at Billinghay, Lincolnshire. They love it there and I cant praise them highly enough. She breeds and shows British Bulldogs so really understands dogs. I'm not sure how far away from you they are but worth checking them out. here is their website and contact details  .

[tosca100]

Although our's have had a change of personality in the past when they go into kennels (as in our usually fairly laid back silent lab is a barking excitable twit, with a very waggy tail) there is never a problem with eating for either of them. I tend to send their own food as I use a local brand, and they will feed whatever they need, whenever they need it. They tend to stock a wide range to suit all tastes. As for exercise, you will need to ask lots of questions to make sure it will suit your dogs. There is no way we would send our's to somewhere who only do lead or yard exercise. We have now found somewhere who exercise in packs in a large field, so that the dogs have stimulation and socialisation, get more than most as they only need two staff to exercise all(but the nowty ones) so they get a minimum of 90 minutes a day of play and interaction, split into two or three sessions depending on the weather. They come home well and relaxed and happy...and the lab is quiet there! Not the cheapest, but worth seeking out. Our's breed working labs.

As for notice, the good ones get booked up early,and I would be suspicious of any kennel who can take new dogs at short notice in busy periods.

[joyfull]

Your place sounds very much like ours Tosca, ours get lead walked each day and then have time free running in a very large paddock. Ours feed their own mix of hypo-allergenic feed which suits my dogs and when Rosie gets onto junior feed then I will buy the feed from them. Again our kennels aren't the cheapest but well worth it.
I would always say though that you check any kennels out first.

[Agatha]

Ask around for recommendations as kennels can really vary in quality.  As joyfull & tosca100 have said, good ones tend to be more expensive & get booked up fast.  Ask lots of questions & insist on a tour of the place - I knew one kennels that had a couple of lovely 'show' kennels at the front - as soon as the owner had left, the dog was moved to a grotty little 'cupboard' at the back.  If the people are genuine, they will want both dogs and owners to be happy, so if they don't want to show you round or answer questions, be suspicious.

[Oliveview]

We went to look around a kennel when we had our Chihuahua, it looked nice, except Barney hated it    He was very quiet on the way home). He loved the ladies house where he was boarded after that (except he was killed there) 
The boarding kennels had a slope.... I said to hubby ´Mind the slope¨ and before I had finished speaking he had slipped down the slope and broke his leg 

Pamela

[Lulu]

Not had much luck with kennels.  My Collie went to a few different ones and the one thing in common was that he wouldn't or didn't seem to do was pee in them.  When we collected him he stood and pee'd for 10 mins and I'm not kidding.  Got a bit embarrassing waiting for him to finish.  His way of showing stress I guess.  Also he came back with kennel cough from one and smelly and dirty from the other 2.  After that I used family  for him (& my Spaniel) who were always very accommodating especially M & D.  I am very lucky with  M & D but I always keep the boys vaccinated as you never know if they will have to go in at short notice for something.

I have seen some lovely looking kennels advertised at the vets - very luxurious - I think its definitely going to visit before you put your dog in and go on a recommendation if you have had one.  What ever you decide  - have a good holiday

[wendyg]

Thank you for all of your replies.  Joyfull, the boarding kennels at Billinghay is unfortunately fully booked.  I am a bit worried about leaving Charlie (border terrier x min. bull terrier) anyway, as he barks and growls at strangers and other dogs, but if the stranger offers him treats, well it's friend for life.  Mind you he is much better that he used to be (think demon dog from hell).  Diggle the cocker spaniel is a great big softie so I don't think he will cause any problems.  I am worried in case they neglect Charlie because they think he is vicious, in fact he is a loving dog who only wants to please.  I will have to get some recommendations from fellow dog-walkers in our area, and research which ones will be suitable.

[tosca100]

Don't forget they deal with all sorts. and know that a dog might behave differently when away from home, either better or worse. Be honest and let them meet the dog, you may be worrying about nothing.

Another option is a pet sitter, someone who will look after home and animals. Not a cheap option of course, but good for the dogs. But again, recommendation is important.

I was a pet sitter for three years, through a reputable agency, and we were always warned if there was a temperament problem, so it was our choice if we wanted to take the job. My second job was with a Bernese pup and a grumpy old Great Dane who was fussy who he let into the house. They wanted me to go and meet the dog, to see if he would accept me, but they were in Newbury and I am in North Wales so it was not practical. Luckily we got on great, and went back again at other times.

Have I ever mentioned I'm scared of strange dogs?

[joyfull]

Billinghay kennels are great so do go and look around and meet them - so that if you need a kennels in the future you will know where to go and feel happier about your dogs going there. Do book early though as they are very popular.
Neglect? I don't think it's part of their vocabulary, if she can cope with my two giant breeds (who can bark for England) then our dogs will be a walk in the park  . When you go for a visit explaine your worries (and she always has treats close by) 

[Diddy Gardener]

We used a company called Barking Mad last year. The dogs are boarded in someones home for the duration. They come and see you and meet the dogs, then place them with the most appropriate host family. It is a tad annoying when the dogs go away with them though with not even a backward glance 

Not cheap (at all) but I was very happy to dop this. You even get doggy postcards from your pooches.