Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I have a problem where when we go away, I stress about the dogs the whole time. We usually leave them with my parents but that's only usually been for short periods of time and I wouldnt like to leave them there too long because my parents have three dogs there already and can't walk them all. Also there have been a few issues in the past that makes me not really trust my dad with the dogs, unfortunately. However, the dogs do love going there and it is familiar to them. Another difference is that there have to sleep outside whereas at home they sleep inside. So we are invited to go to Fiji for just over a week in October to a wedding. My husband wants to go because its his family that he doesn't see often. He's been overseas a few times before but I never have. So although I have a bit of a fear of going on a plane and never been overseas, I want to go so that I don't ruin it for hubby. There is a pet motel here and I know the manager, have seen the kennels and all the grounds and its all very good. If I was going to put the dogs in a kennel, that would be my top pick. But I do stress because they have never stayed at a kennel before. I know deep down that they'll be fine and will stress less than me. So, are they better off trying something new and staying in the kennels, or going to my parents where it is familiar? Will they stress or is it just me? Is there anything I can do to make myself adjust to the idea, since I think it's probably the right one? Where do you leave your dogs when you go away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polgara's Shadow Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 Hey Lollipup...its a dilemma isn't it. We are fortunate to have very accommodating family and friends so we get to share the love around a bit and reciprocate when their animals need caring for. They all adore Vulcan and love having him, they even bicker over who gets to have him when we go away :laugh: . But... he's often out of sorts when we get back, even though I know he's well loved while were gone. Doesn't last long..he's always back to his usual happy self in a day or so. we hate leaving him behind. I'd to be able to take him with us everywhere we go, but its not always possible. We went to Fiji ourselves earlier this year for my brothers wedding, and loved it - its a very easy place to vacation especially if you've never been overseas before. Leave your doggies with whoever you'll be most comfortable with. And most importantly enjoy your break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 Thanks PS. My dad can have some weird "training" ideas with the dogs which is one reason why I hesitate even though they are more than happy to look after them. Where did you stay? The place they have booked for the wedding accom is the Naviti resort which has mixed reviews. How is the food over there? I have a terribly sensitive stomach so its a bit of a worry lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosaline Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 We currently only have a cat (waiting on a puppy!), but if we go away for more than a week we get a house sitter. My parents are also frequent travellers and have two dogs, they also always get house/pet sitters who stay. Would this be an option? I think my parents may have used an agency at some stage, but we've also at times arranged friends-of-friends just by asking around to see if anyone knows someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poochmad Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) Check out House Sitters that list people wanting to house and pet sit. Some of the sites are free for home owners. You get to choose through lots of house sitters who have reference checks, police checks etc. I'm thinking of using them this year when we go away for 6 weeks. Edited January 16, 2012 by poochmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oscar (AmBull) Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I have quite a few friends who have done house sitting for family friends pets etc. And I have heard of people who do it for a fee, essentially they just live in your house for the duration and nothing really changes for your pets, except you are not there. We are lucky enough to have family who will look after them, but if not, this would be the option I would feel most comfortable with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voloclydes Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 we have a caravan and took our 5 away with us for the whole time. i loved it first holiday with dogies. most van parks won't have too many douges and so we would not be allowed but we found spots every where. last time i went o/s the mil came out to our place to feed the dog and found her dieing of snake bite...hence i now feel intensely guilty and cannot leave my dogs with her as she worries about something happening. this year may be the first time they might have to go to the kennels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 It may be an option. I know a couple of friends who do house sit but they're not really dog people either so they wouldn't spend a lot of time with them but they would definitely look after them. Thanks for the suggestion, another option to think about :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I'd pick s kennel over a random house sitter - I'd be worried about someone leaving the gate open Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
korbin13 Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I will have this dilemma soon. We want to go overseas for about 10 days in June. I have decided that I am going to book my two in for a few overnight stays while I am here to get them used to it. If there are any issues I will be a phone call away. Really, my human children were easier than this!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 It depends on what the "weird" training ideas are :) If you know the kennel owner and are confident that the dogs would be well cared for I would be more inclined to leave them there - at least you know they would be safe and secure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 It's mainly that he has lost my trust. Lola has some issues where she is a bit OCD and hyper and will get obsessed with chasing lights and reflections. One time that I left her there, I asked him specifically not to show her the laser light (because I know he gets his dogs to chase it) and he went behind my back and did it which made her issues worse. He didn't admit it to me either, my sister told me. One of the first times we left her there, when we picked her up she was afraid of the word stay. He likes to teach the dogs to stay on a mat and I have seen him be quite forceful with them while repeated the word stay so I could only guess something like that had happened. He is a lot better now. I would leave them there for a weekend but a week is a lot longer with no exercise. They also have a lot on their plate now with three small dogs. Two of them are young dogs who my sister has left there for over a year and they are still there, while she sorts out what she is doing with her life. She has moved away and doesn't even cover their costs, but that's another story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 And I am impressed with the kennels, I have been there twice and looked through them and very impressed. Its just that they have never been left in one before so I worry whether they will stress out. I just don't want any negative experiences for them. Chester is very impressionable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) :) Sounds like the boarding kennel is the way to go . perhaps do a weekend stay beforehand just to let them/and you used to the new feeling first ;) edit: and if one of your dogs is 'impressionable' just BE CALM and matter-of-fact.. no fussing/ extra cuddles as you leave ..that sort of mummy stuff - he will worry then , because you are . Better to just put them in the car..walk them in calmly..take them where you're told, and just turn around & walk out ...THEN have your breakdown ;) Edited January 16, 2012 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 :) Sounds like the boarding kennel is the way to go . perhaps do a weekend stay beforehand just to let them/and you used to the new feeling first ;) edit: and if one of your dogs is 'impressionable' just BE CALM and matter-of-fact.. no fussing/ extra cuddles as you leave ..that sort of mummy stuff - he will worry then , because you are . Better to just put them in the car..walk them in calmly..take them where you're told, and just turn around & walk out ...THEN have your breakdown ;) Haha yes I know about that behaviour affecting them. I keep thinking about it and how hard it is to not show what I'll be feeling! Might see if I can take them out there a few times for a play and then some short stays and make it a really fun place. Would make me feel better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lollipup Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 Lola has been to a different kennel through the day for two or three days in a row while I was there for some training. I took her with me at night though. Through the day, she HATED IT. First day she whinged fro ages. Second day onwards was ok but clearly stressed whenever I went and got her out. Do you think having Chester in with her would make a difference to this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Lola has been to a different kennel through the day for two or three days in a row while I was there for some training. I took her with me at night though. Through the day, she HATED IT. First day she whinged fro ages. Second day onwards was ok but clearly stressed whenever I went and got her out. Do you think having Chester in with her would make a difference to this? Only one way to find out and that is to put both dogs in the kennel for a weekend :) Kennels will usually house "family members" together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odin-Genie Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I'd pick s kennel over a random house sitter - I'd be worried about someone leaving the gate open That's what I worry about too even though I know that my dogs would be most comfortable at home. I have heard so many horror stories about dogs getting out when owners are away. I prefer to keep them in a nice kennel (I like the Terrigal Pet Resort in Sydney) where they can have their own air-conditioned room and their own small grassy yard. Even if they stress a little, I'll at least know that they are safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheena Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 We have housesitters & they are great. Got them off www.ausiehousesitters.com. In a few weeks time it will be the 4th time back for ours & the dogs love them...we had a few to choose from & you can ask for all sort of security checks & references etc. Costs them nothing for their holiday & cost you nothing to have them there..its win, win both ways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
**Super_Dogs** Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Only one way to find out and that is to put both dogs in the kennel for a weekend :) Kennels will usually house "family members" together. I would recommend a weekend stay to see how they go. I am sure they will be fine, but it will give you peace of mind when you leave them for a whole week. Personally I prefer kennels than a house sitter. IMO the dogs are more stressed at home as they are waiting everyday for you to come home. At the kennel there is so much movement and goings on that they are not waiting therefore they do not experience this stress. My lot stay in a kennel every year as we go overseas every year. I miss them, but I do not worry about their welfare. They have been staying at the same kennel for years and are very well looked after. A few years ago they spent 25 days at the kennel. The owner told me they left my lot in the yard for most of the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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