Dog Minding Advice Required - Sydney

[jamesanddean]

We have a beautiful 2.5 year old Golden Retriever and we are going overseas for 3 weeks in July. Since we have had him as a puppy we have always had someone home to mind him when one or both of us was away but I am anxious about what to do with him when we go away for 3 weeks in July.

It would be preferable to have someone move in and stay at our house and mind him in his own environment but it is a long time and a big commitment for someone to take on. Alternatively I have had a look online at some of the dog boarding facilities, and also at dog minder websites.

He is a beautiful boy who has a great life (spoilt) and lives inside with us, sleeps in our bedroom (and on the bed with us on cold nights!), goes to day care a coouple of days a week, etc.

I am after any advice on what is the best option here

1) Do we look at getting someone we don't know to move in and look after him at home (OK but prefer not to have a stranger in the house) have others done this and it worked out OK.

2) Do we put him into a boarding facility (eg Hanrob, Pet Resorts Australia, etc) are these good, do they get good individual attention, any you can recommend?

3) Place him with a dog minder at their place. I have had a look at a couple who were great but I would really prefer he was with someone or a family that will let him sleep inside with them if possible - does anyone know of any in Sudney that will do this for the right dog?

As this will be the longest time we have left him I want to make sure we do the right thing...yes he is spoilt!

[Danois]

Boarding is the easiest option.

However I would not chose either of the 2 facilities you named for a number of reasons.

I would recommend sending a message to PAX from here or looking at Acacia Lodge (both out west)

[Vickie]

Boarding is the easiest option.

However I would not chose either of the 2 facilities you named for a number of reasons.

I would recommend sending a message to PAX from here

ditto re the boarding places mentioned, another recomendation for Pax from me (and from my dogs!)

Edited May 7, 2010 by Vickie

[cointreau]

I would board my dog for that length of time especially if you were considering someone you don't know looking after your dog. A good boarding kennel will look after your dog well, also your dog should be in a safe secure environment with people who are dog minded which should put your mind at ease.

I can't comment on the boarding facilities you mentioned as I don't use or know them, in my opinion you should not need to pay more for your dog to get attention and be fussed over or be allowed any extra play time a good facility will provide the attention and exercise your dog needs.

[MonElite]

When it comes to boarding there is no better place then PAXs

[mita]

I'd go for boarding at the best of recommended kennels. That'd be the most secure option.

No matter who you have coming into your house for 3 weeks, they won't watch your Goldie every minute of the day. I would worry terribly if I were overseas at the thought my dog might get out....especially as they'd be missing their family.

[Clyde]

I have heard only good things about Pax's kennels but at this stage I will only use a house sitter. I have a lovely girl who stays here when I go away. Whereabouts in Sydney are you?

[Kavik]

to PAX! And I am very careful who I leave my dogs with.

Another alternative could be his breeder? I have done this before with my guys too.

[jamesanddean]

Thanks everyone for your replies....we are located in Eastern suburbs near Maroubra.

[ShadesOfGrey]

I adore goldies, have pet-minded before and my dogs have almost free run of the house while I'm home. Having said that, I would probably entrust my dogs to a (good quality) boarding kennel before I would place them with a stranger at another home.

Is your boy fully vaccinated? Does he play well with others, e.g. could he be taken to an offlead dogpark and behave himself?

[Lady Flying Furball]

Thanks everyone for your replies....we are located in Eastern suburbs near Maroubra.

I also have a friend's mother who has come and stayed in my apartment with Tonka for weekends. She is so thorough and also caring of your place. Once Tonka had his leg bandaged as he pulled his claw off and she had to give an antibiotic tablet everyday...no problem. She may be available if you go for a housesitter... BUT i have to say I have also used a kennel (Hanrob) for longer trips and felt relaxed because he was really safe, no escaping, and had lots of doggy company as there they share a run with a roommate

[Cockerlover]

Hi ,do u mind travelling for a fantastic home away from home carer ,I can highly recomend someone in the Southern highlands ,if u r intersted pls feel free to pm me ,I have inspected this home & the owner is totally dog crazy allowing all to sleep where they r used to & given individual love & attention .

[Clyde]

Or there is Don't Fret Pet!

[aussielover]

Positive Puppies do pet sitting, They do the puppy school and walk dogs in boarding where I work, they are great, really responsible, take the dogs for really long walks (2hrs+) and great dog trainers.

this is the website if you want to have a look:

http://www.positivepuppies.com.au/Pet%20Sit.html

Boarding is not ideal imo, obviously it depends on the kennel, but I think most dogs feel more comfortable in a home environment. Have you got any friends who can mind him?

[Beaglelover:)]

I only use Hanrob!!

I would trust a boarding kennel with secure fencing and housing, then a stranger in my house any day! But that is just me.

Good boarding facilities allow you to pop in and have a tour at anytime (as long as it is within business hours). Hanrob does this.

I would go for a tour at different boarding places and see what you think, so you can make up "your" own mind!!

I know Hanrob have all types of different packages to suit your dogs needs. I always book my guy into the Pampered Pooch Package as he loves to play with other dogs, not to mention his suite he stays in!!

Letting your dog stay with someone else is a big decision, so just make sure you research your options and personally go see places.

[Danois]

I was happy to use Hanrob until my dog spent the day in their care and they did not notice part of his tongue was necrotic (I smelt it and saw it the minute he came out) and they disregarded my instructions that he was to be kept quiet and had let him out in the yard a lot of the day. Add to that the fact they did not bother to tell me that the beds in the runs are too small for bigger dogs and despite this, you're not allowed to provide their own bedding or even leave a toy with them!

I was also told things by an ex-Hanrob employee who said she would not board her dogs there. Have also heard about dogs sharing runs when you have paid for a single run.

The other issue is that you have to pay extra for 15 minutes of 'playtime' otherwise they get only 15 minutes outside of the kennel during the day. If you want it to be one on one its an extra $28 This is despite the PIAA Code for boarding (to which Hanrob prescribe) says minimum exercise requirement is 10mins twice a day.

[Colliewood]

I know it is a long way from you. BUT, take a look at Calabash. Well worth the look and inspection.

Do not disregard based on distance. They are worth it if you are not happy with others you have looked at.

www.calabashkennels.com.au

[Beaglelover:)]

I was happy to use Hanrob until my dog spent the day in their care and they did not notice part of his tongue was necrotic (I smelt it and saw it the minute he came out) and they disregarded my instructions that he was to be kept quiet and had let him out in the yard a lot of the day. Add to that the fact they did not bother to tell me that the beds in the runs are too small for bigger dogs and despite this, you're not allowed to provide their own bedding or even leave a toy with them!

I was also told things by an ex-Hanrob employee who said she would not board her dogs there. Have also heard about dogs sharing runs when you have paid for a single run.

The other issue is that you have to pay extra for 15 minutes of 'playtime' otherwise they get only 15 minutes outside of the kennel during the day. If you want it to be one on one its an extra $28 This is despite the PIAA Code for boarding (to which Hanrob prescribe) says minimum exercise requirement is 10mins twice a day.

I do not know how long ago you boarded at Hanrob, but I always provide my own bedding and toys and they are more then happy to put my creature comforts in with my furchilden Maybe it is under new management.

I have used Hanrob many times and have never had a problem. Sorry to hear your bad experience

I never knew about the one only 15 minutes for free, yet again I always go for the packages that have 4 hour socialisation.

Edited May 8, 2010 by Beaglelover:)

[Kaz]

Unfortunately I'm a four hour drive from Sydney or I would gladly petsit.

My dogs are used to other dogs staying as I have spent the last four years or so fostering rescues. All dogs have free run of the house and sleep with me at night. And I live next to a dog friendly beach

If you happen to be interested, pm me