Dog Stressed While Boarding.

[cannibalgoldfish]

I just got back from a 2 week holiday and picked up the boys from the boarding kennel. This is the second time I have ever boarded them and I used a different place this time. My sensitive old boy Loki who stresses about everything was fine both times. In fact, he was happy and bouncy, when I expect him to fall apart. However Wylie, my silly happy go lucky nut who takes everything in his stride has fallen to pieces. The first time I boarded him earlier in the year he was very quiet and snuggly for a couple of days afterwards. This time... He is really quiet, and has licked all the hair off between his toes on his back feet and under his front legs He only started a few days ago and the lady at the kennels did contact my vet who told her it was probably stress and keep an eye on it. The kennel lady had been putting something on it but I forgot It isn't a contact allergy from anything there, he just licked himself raw. He hasn't been licking himself since I brought him home so I'm guessing it will clear up soon (vet visit just in case) however he is licking at nothing/air a bit

I originally had planned to have someone come round and look after them but decided Loki was too much a risk and thought a boarding kennel would be safer if he got too stressed, which naturally he didn't. (He attempts to escape when he stresses and will hurt himself in the process)

The question is, what do I do next time? Any ideas what I can do for Wylie if I have to board him again? Kinda makes me not want to go away again....

[KOE]

My Oliver stresses himself that much he had no skin on his nose lost half his body weight and became very ill, so I either dont go or take them with me from now on.

[cannibalgoldfish]

He was a little thinner too come to think of it. Picked at his dinner tonight

[sandgrubber]

The question is, what do I do next time? Any ideas what I can do for Wylie if I have to board him again? Kinda makes me not want to go away again....

A small, happy-go-lucky dog may have a hard time in a kennel for many reasons. Perhaps his well being was strongly tied to pack and environment and he goes adrift when his anchors are cut?

I would be clear about kennel practices, especially if and how they socialise dogs. Are Loki and Wylie close? Did the kennel separate them? Was Wylie left on his lonesome, or did he exercise with other dogs? How much play/socialisation time did he get?

If you can pinpoint what it was that didn't work for him, there's a good chance you can locate a kennel or home-sitting situation where he will have a good time.

I'd guess Loki basically likes to have a pack, any pack, and he found the kennel socially comfortable. Sometimes little dogs feel threatened when there are lots of bigger dogs around?

[Christina]

Maybe try a home minding service. When he is back to his usual self try having them come in for just a day maybe & then maybe a weekend so he gets used to them & build up slowly before your next longer holiday. Otherwise its a holiday with the dogs or no holidays.

He would be the same in any boarding kennel.

[Clyde]

Sometimes it's surprising how animals react in a boarding situation. When I moved and had to board my cats the one I said would be the most timid was the smoochiest and my bold cat was quite stressed. I've found it here with clients dogs too. Clients tell me how their dogs will cope and often it is the opposite. No matter how much love and attention I give a boarding dog some just fret. I prefer not to board these dogs again and recommend a house sitter who I use for my own dogs when I go away.

[Guest donatella]

There are lots of pet minding small business out too these days whereby you can drop you animals off and they stay at someone's home, living in a normal home environment.

That's another option as well.

I don't think I could ever board mine in a kennel as such with all these new pet sitting/home minding services available.

[mita]

I agree that some dogs do better with a house-sitter in their own homes. Relatives, with quite a few pets, have been very happy, over the years, with the sitters they've got from one of the house & pet minding services.

There's also the dogs being in the care of someone else in another home environment. But it helps if you can get them used to going to that place, before you ever leave them there for a longer holiday. We have a great deal going with other tibbie pet owners. The tibs have plenty of play dates & over-night stays, so they have no worries when they go stay for a longer period.

Also providing back-up, if ever they have to go into kennels can help. Like, I'll be providing 'refuge' to 2 tibs who'll be staying at kennels next month....if there's any sign of serious stress and pining. In that case, the arrangement is that they'll come here.

Edited November 19, 2011 by mita

[OverAlready]

I think the difference may be in the routine of a boarding facility. I know the one I use has playtime all day so that my dog

is only alone at night. She absoulutely loves going and playing with the other dogs. She actually comes home quite tired and her crazy mentality slows for a few days which is a nice break for me. Hope your dog gets back to his/her normal personality soon !!!

[cannibalgoldfish]

A small, happy-go-lucky dog may have a hard time in a kennel for many reasons. Perhaps his well being was strongly tied to pack and environment and he goes adrift when his anchors are cut? I think you hit the nail on the head there sandgrubber. He really does love his "family" When Loki was escaping Wylie would bark until we found him but Loki doesn't really care if Wylie goes anywhere

I would be clear about kennel practices, especially if and how they socialise dogs. Are Loki and Wylie close? Been together for 7 years. I think they enjoy each others company.Did the kennel separate them? Nope, they stayed togeter Was Wylie left on his lonesome, or did he exercise with other dogs? He exercised with Loki. I asked not to mix them with other dogs because Loki gets a bit intimidated now his eye sight is going and Wylie is a pain in the dominant little bum around other dogs. How much play/socialisation time did he get? They basically spent their time on their beds (this is normal, lil couch potatoes :D ) until play time out in the yard. Both were happy running around and playing.

If you can pinpoint what it was that didn't work for him, there's a good chance you can locate a kennel or home-sitting situation where he will have a good time.

I'd guess Loki basically likes to have a pack, any pack, and he found the kennel socially comfortable. This thread has made me really think about my dogs behaviours. It is facinating. Loki is more introverted and aloof, very take it or leave it most of the time. All his anxiety issues seem to have come from him starting to develop cataracts. Once we had a reason it has been easy to modify things to keep him happy. Wylie is the one to greet you by bouncing all over you wiggling in joy to see you. Sometimes little dogs feel threatened when there are lots of bigger dogs around? Wylie thinks he is a big dog... :rolleyes:

Will look into a pet sitter next time. Boarding them was a last minute thing as the friend looking after them hurt her shoulder the day before we left.