I really don't like to board my dog (1y.old GSD)but I have to leave for 10 days. What should I look for to find a good Kennel? My concern is to get him back with some kind of 'bad expierence'that will create 'problems' with future training. Thanks

Hope it's OK to post this link:
http://www.abka.com/How_to_select/evaluating.htm

Take a look at the website of http://www.ABKA.com It may give you some info you'll find useful. You can download a leaflet on what to look for in a good kennel and they list member kennels in each state. I've nothing nice to say about any boarding kennels I've used. The big, expensive flashy ones look and sound good but aren't necessarily the best. Employees are trained in slick customer service but know very little about handling dogs - especially working ones. If you can borrow a copy of Kennel Management by Mario Migliorini, some of his chapters give you alot of insight into what to look for.

I've always had good luck at the local Vet. Nothing fancy, only interaction my dogs get are walked twice a day.
Ask for nothing more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Laureen, What's your question. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I guess that only walking dogs twice a day is your question.

That's what I want, no interaction with any other dogs, a clean kennel floor, fed the food I bring for them. A empty kennel seperates my dogs from all others being boarded.

Maybe I'm just real simple. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by Crabtree:
Laureen, What's your question. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Oh ok, that was my question. I don't ever board my gang - but would ask a lot more than that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I ask what the size of the indoor and outdoor sections of the run are, how long they make the dogs "hold it" overnight, how long the dogs are outside of the run, what is the size of the play area, how many dogs are in the play area, how closely is it supervised, are they willing to feed the food and supplements that I bring, will they give Auster eye drops, will they keep her out of direct sunlight (UV rays bother pannus), and they have to be willing to put leaves or pine bark in a corner of the potty area since Auster will only use those two substrates unless she absolutely can't hold it.

I also ask about the vet that they use, if the dogs have access to the outside portion of the run at night, and I'm sure there are other things that I am forgetting.

Having worked for a vet, I will NEVER board my dog with a vet unless there are indoor/outdoor runs. The vet I worked for had indoor only runs and only two potty breaks for the dogs a day. Very few dogs could hold it from 6pm until 8am and the smell was just awful. That walk twice a day is enough to play with your dog's head depending on the situation. There were frequently dog agressive dogs boarding with the vet, and they would try to attack each dog through the kennel door as they were being dragged out for their walk. I'd place much more emphasis on staff education and facility layout than "keeping it simple".

Just my opinions.

Some of us do not have much choice where our pets are boarded. Not many choices where I live. Yes, I agree that indoor runs only are not the best. Luckly our vet has remodled his kennel at my and a few others request. Indoor/outdoor runs, heated in winter and cooled by large fans in summer. However I don't like my dogs in a kennel that has wet floors.( working on that with the vet at present.

No, I don't want any of my dogs playing with other k-9's. They don't do it at home why do it when away!!

Yes, they are social to other dogs in my presence, cats or prey animals(anything that runs from the Akita) are a different story.

Yes, your dog should be fed the feed you request or provide. No exceptions with this demand.

As for other dogs passing by mine when in kennel, it makes no difference. I can see where it maybe a concern for a non confodent k-9.

When any dog comes in for boarding, they are checked for external and internal parisites. Treated if needed with no exceptions.

As for walking twice a day, it's not to releive themselves but to exercise. Do I want anyone else giving directions to my mutts. NO!! walking only will do.

The size of the runs, there is a good subject for discussion. I'm more concerned of the quality of the construction. Protection from the weather, secure.

Laureen, I guess I'll still keep it simple.
No need for them to have cake and ice cream, or a party with the other boarders. Who knows what bad habits these other k-9's have.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for explaining Butch! I do know of one kennel, that if I were hospitalized etc - I would use - includes a 1 1/2 hour hike, kiddie pools in the runs in the summer, no cake and ice cream, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> but $25-$27 per day per dog I think - so with my crew of 4 I had better get well quick! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> A pet sitter would be best but would not be able to cope with the dynamics in my house.