I need to find a quality boarding kennel for my (what will be) 4.5 month old working-line GSD pup, and I need it soon! I know this is a long post, but please hang it there and help if you can!

My fiance and 7 year old are driving from MA to FL to Disney during Feb school break. This will be a 7-10 day trip.

Technically, I have a spot for him already: My friend Eric agreed to take him a month or so ago. Here are the problems though:

1.) He's not really fond of my pup. I don't think he appreciates the working-line puppy energy in what is, size-wise, already a biggish dog. He's a mellow guy who prefers calm submissive dogs. He does value all animals, so I know he wouldn't harm him, but he's not looking forward to spending time with him. For example, he spent the weekend with us and my pup barked at 6am and woke him up and he was STILL mad about it at 6 pm. I don't forsee this being a "fun" experience for my easily stressed friend.

2.) Eric is a vet school student and will either have to be away during classes, or will need quiet time to study. My pup cannot be crated during all of the time he needs for school-related stuff.

3.) Eric has a roommate (who is also his landlord) and my pup barks when left alone in his crate for very long. I'm afraid this will cause friction. I'm working on the seperation anxiety but I don't think it'll be corrected by the time we need to go.

4.) Eric has a Gorden setter mix that isn't fond of the puppy either and they will have to be kept seperate. Eric lives in a basement apartment with only 2 rooms. This won't be easy.

I've explained all of these concerns to Eric very clearly and he is dreading it, but thinks he can do it.

But this is not the ideal situation. I'm getting more and more hesitant as my pup is getting older, sleeping less, and demanding more mental and physical exercise. I am very bonded to my dog and him to me, and I want him in the best place possible.

I know Disney has overnight kennels, but that requires you walking him 3 times a day. I've never been to Disney, but my finace says that isn't as easy as it sounds. Also we want to go to Bush Gardens, etc...places that don't have kennels. Plus, we may be too late to get a reservation at those kennels anyway. The place we rented does not allow dogs.

The kennels on Cape Cod are HORRIBLE. I wouldn't leave a rat there.

SO! Does anyone have any suggestions on a kennel--- that they know from personal experience is a good, safe place to leave my pup?

We're willing to take him anywhere along our route on the East Coast if it's not too far off track.

We're willing to take him all the way to FL if anyone knows of a great place near Disney.

Maybe I sound paranoid, but I've put a LOT of work into this pup already and I don't want some ding-dong 17 year old kennel attendant screwing my dog up. I'm willing to cancel the trip entirely but my son would be heartbroken.

I know it's a stupid time to take a trip, but my son and my fiance have been SO good and patient about all the things I need to do with this pup... and they want a vacation so badly. I really didn't think it'd be this difficult to work out.

HELP?!?!

Hi Amber,

I know of a great kennel a little north of you, I used them a lot when I was going back and forth from Salem to NYC. The trainer also has a Schutzhund Club there. They are Bay State K9 in Middleton. 978-777-1777 is the number there and their head trainer is Mike Citro.

Good luck!

I haven't been to this one, but I had considered bringing my dogs here when I was in the area last summer. Kennel

How do you feel about western Massachusetts? Berkshires?

Amber, I just sent you a PM.

I just PMed you all!

 Quote:

I've explained all of these concerns to Eric very clearly and he is dreading it, but thinks he can do it.

PLEASE rethink this option with Eric. I can't tell you how many working dogs have been messed up by sitters who don't understand them. I know you're looking for a kennel and I hope you find something great. Eric might mean well, but it doesn't sound like a good fit right now. Good luck.

 Quote: Lynn Ballard 2

 Quote:

I've explained all of these concerns to Eric very clearly and he is dreading it, but thinks he can do it.

PLEASE rethink this option with Eric. I can't tell you how many working dogs have been messed up by sitters who don't understand them. I know you're looking for a kennel and I hope you find something great. Eric might mean well, but it doesn't sound like a good fit right now. Good luck.

I feel exactly the same way. The more I think about it, the more it bothers me. He's not a bad guy at all--quite the opposite actually. If it were overnight or something I wouldn't worry at all. But 7-10 days is a looong time for a pup and a stressed-out vet student.

 Quote: Amber Morgan

Maybe I sound paranoid,

You don't.

IMHO, Lynn is correct; this is a bad fit. Nothing at all against Eric -- just a bad fit.


I would release Eric from his promise immediately, saying that I'm afraid it's too much with all he has going on.... nothing about his ability or attitude.

Well, I am getting some wonderful PMs from people. I'm hoping something pans out really soon. There aren't words to describe how thankful I am to everyone for their help.

We originally thought Eric was going to be on break from school when we made the arrangements and that he would be staying at our place with Carbon.

Grr. I wish we could just bring him, because even in the best of circumstanes I really hate leaving my pup.