We are desperate for help info advice on what to do.

We're Americans living in the UK, due to fly back to the States in July and it's clear to us after two kennel boardings that we really have a problem with Aslan, our 2 yr old GSD (Alsatian).

The Kennel staff called our emergency contact (friend) and said he was barking very loudly, aggressive, wanted to come after other customers entering the kennel. They said it was clear allowing him to stay there was only going to make things worse. Also, they could not let him stay because of what that looked like to other customers.

He was only in the kennel 2 days (of our 7 day trip). Once our friend got there to pick him up, she said she had never seen him this angry/mean. Once she brought him back to our home it was like nothing had happened and he was normal again.

The first time we kennelled him (Sep-04), he was in this different kennel for 5 days. When we got back, the staff said he was very aggressive, so all they did was feed him and they did not let him out for the entire time.

We have two GSDs. One is a 6 month puppy and no problems with her. In fact, we had them both in the same kennel so they could be together. Maybe this was a bad move.

Any ideas on what we can do?

A lot of kennels don't want to deal with any aggressive display from a client dog ( to which I say...."then why in the h#ll did they even go into that business for!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> ).

Have you looked for kennels that advertise that they will deal with aggressive dogs? Some kennels will charge a bit extra for handling aggressive dogs but at least they won't complain about it.

I have a boarding kennel, started it when I moved here last year. At first I got the normal labradors and other various family dogs - then the 'big dogs' started trickling in. AMAZING to me how many kennels in this area won't accept dogs because of their breed, let alone if they are aggressive or not. Many won't touch a Rottweiler, definately no Pitts, some won't take any dog that can't pass a "temperament test" - if they don't wiggle and waggle and hit themselves with their own tail when meeting the kennel staff for the first time, they fail the temperament test. Of course I have no problem with any of these dogs, so I get LOTS of Rotties, Pitts, spooky GSDs and vicious Shih Tzus (the meanest dogs I have here are the Shih Tzus and Lhasas). I don't have to touch them if they are aggressive - I have indoor/outdoor kennels with guillotine door in between so I can shut them in/out as needed to clean/feed etc (if they are that aggressive). I have an exercise yard attached to the kennel so I can let them in/out without handling them - and if I do need to handle them for some reason, I have a catch-pole I can do that without freaking the dog out or getting bit by trying to handle them. I don't have a problem with dogs barking - I can shut them outside if weenie clients come through and would be bothered by that. Anyway - some kennels have people who are not bothered by these breeds and some temperament problems.
Oh, and just as a side-note, did you know there are no pitt bulls in my area at all? Since (apparently) no kennels or vets or groomers will take them, all of the pitts in this are are "boxer/lab" mixes, or "greyhound/terrier" mixes, or "bulldog mixes". Most of these are definately 100% "pitt". I find that amusing.

Molly

Would it be better to keep the dogs on your own property and hire someone to go to the house to take care of them a few times a day?

If you have a kennel built all that is necessary is a quick feeding, daily watering, and to hose out the kennel. If the dog has food, water, and shelter he'll be fine for a week or so in prison. That's probably better for him anyway if boarding stresses him out.

The problem with most Kennels is that they suffer from the general mentality that dogs who display the least bit of character are unnaceptable. That being said - if your(not you personally - just a generaic you) dog is willing to try and eat any and everyone at the drop of a hat - I can understand that they may be feeling like there is an easier way to make a few bucks than by handling satan's pooch.

I would ask for references to a boarding a training facility who specialize in protection dogs because you are likely to find someone who at the very least understands dogs with character and isn't going to be affraid and will likely know how to read and handle what your dog is doing.

Good luck,
Nick

"Satan's pooch"...hehe...I know that dog! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I board my dog at the vet's because the people are more experienced and they follow my directions. My vet just built a new building with kennels and a run on the gound level with the hospital/clinic upstairs. That means there is no unauthorized people traffic below and no "visiters' to bug my dog. While my dog is not Satan's pooch, he is well-socialized but not friendly, if you know what I mean. It's stressful enough having to be boarded without the added stress of people trying to engage him.

Last time he was boarded, they put a note on his kennel that only women could handle him and one of the vet techs spent her lunch hours reading in the kennel with him so he'd have company without actually having to "play". So I completely trust them now because they certainly got his number!

I pay a friend of mine, who also has two GSDs and goes to the same trainer, to stay at my house. She even brings her dogs. (I'm sure the neighbors LOVE seeing 4 GDDs running around. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I do this because I don't have an outdoor kennel and it's the least stressful thing for my dogs. Also, I feed a raw diet and I haven't found a single kennel that is willing to deal with that, despite the fact that I said I would bring in my own freezer and pre-package all of the meals with the date and feeding time on them. I even offered to pay double the price for each dog!

Before I met this friend, I would have my Sister or Mother-in-Law stay at my house. Though they don't really understand the training that I do (and don't speak the language), the dogs know them. (I did just have one dog at this time.) She just didn't get any walks for a week and had to play in the backyard instead. (There was one slight problem with this. My Sister decided that she wanted the Roxy to sleep with her in my bed. That was easily corrected when I got home.)

I swear I just need to buy 10 acres, build a kennel and specialize in working breeds. I'd make a killing!

" swear I just need to buy 10 acres, build a kennel and specialize in working breeds. I'd make a killing!"

That's the dream of most of us here! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If you lived in Colorado, we would take care of your dogs,raw food and all. We wouldn't require double the price it would still be 32 a night for the two of them.