Boarding Kennels

Lila

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My boy is going into kennels while were away this year. I work there so i know he will be so well looked after and they love bulldogs (have 2 of their own) so he will be spoilt rotten.

But im having sleepless nights over it. Hes treated like a baby so hates being away from us. Last time he was abit of a nightmare. He kennel guarded and refused to eat. they tried everything but he was just petrifed.

He will be coming in with me for atleast a week before he goes in for the 10days so he gets used to being there and used to everyone who works there but i was wondering if anyone has any little things i can do to help him settle while im gone?
im going to send some of my tops n stuff in so he has our smell and a cistomer send in a clock as they said it mimics a humans heart beat?!
He will also be sharing a pound (big outside area) during the day with my mums dog who he now lives with which he couldnt last time as they were in season (hes been cut but hes much heavier than them so would have hurt them jumping on them) and hadnt been living together very long so could still be abit off with eachother. They all get on well now but will be seperated at night as he likes his own space.
Does anyone have anything else they do with their bulldogs to help them feel more at home? Finding someone to look after him isnt an option as he will stress without the girls.
 
I run a boarding kennels.
I tell people to bring something fabric that they have had in the pet's favourite person's bed for a couple of days - the pet brings their own scent along.

Dogs with worried owners are invited to visit and be walked and fed here in advance -You have an advantage that you can start to feed at the kennels. A radio is good -start using one at home and tune it in to the station that the kennels can play.
For really stressy dogs I loan a crate in advance and this becomes that dog's den which comes in with them. This can be a good option for overnight if you have two that want to be together but are safer separated.

If a dog won't eat I will use Primula or mashed sardines on it's legs - it will lick this off an so get some nutrition.

I have never had a dog not eat after a day of food on legs or sharing warm roast chicken.

Bulldogs are usually easy boarders as long as they have a comfy bed and lots of fuss. I am surprised you haven't left him for days or overnight stays to get him (& you) settled?
 
It's natural for you to worry, but atleast as you suggest you work there so that should put your mind at ease and your mams dog being kenneled next door, always good to have 2 in together or a familiar dog close by.
I think as suggested aslong as he has a comfy bed with familair scent he will probably retreat there or stay out and bark if he is more outgoing and not phased, atleast he will be safe. Even if he does not eat a few days (perfectly natural) in a strange environment dont worry yourself especially if he has a descent amount of weight on him. Pack a few extra bags of cooked meats if you are worried and ask them to offer some up and maybe ask if you leave some long lasting treats (obs to be removed when your mam dogs goes in):)
 
thanks for replies.

I have never thought of the sardines on legs i will be asking them to try that.

He has his own bed and blankets (2 blankets at £35 a go ment to be for the couch but he claimed them) and ill be sending mine and hubbys jumpers in which i likes to sleep on.

Im starting this week to take him in with me as we have been full since may with the odd day with a spare kennel so i havent been able to take him due to space.

I already have sardines stocked up for his stay with his denta sticks and ill be sending in packs of chicken and sausages for them to cook if hes being fussy.

Hes very clingy. At the moment i work 12 hour days (mum is at home all day with him and our 3 other dogs) but he doesnt leave my side for the minuet i get home so iv been trying to ignore him so he gets used to being away from me.

Always been lucky enough to have someone look after him while were away but being back at home its hard to get someone to look after 4 dogs and he will fret without the others.

Ill try the cage, my sister has a spare one so ill pick that up tomorrow and see if he will go in it.
hes very quiet in kennels so just stays in his bed but hopefully if he sees our others playing outside he will liven up and join them.

My next dog will not be this spoilt i cant cope with this worry lol
 
I have a Bulldog and didnt go away for ages as was worried about leaving him with anyone.

Have found a great place now that has sound proofed kennels, heated and air conned.

I take his teddy, blankets own food, baby wipes for top and tail. Lady knows exactly how to look after him and monitors him when its hot and humid. He goes with my 3 other dogs and I am very happy now leaving him.
 
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