i will be going on vacation and my dog will be 7 months by then. I plan to board as I do not have anyone who can watch him for 7 days that is knowledgeable with pets too. Anyways since boarded dogs have to poop in their kennels will that set back training? The facilty of course says not because its a whole different environment and they learn its okay there. But what do you think? i'm worried about it. I mean he should be potty trained by then but isn't that teaching them something bad? Thanks!

 Quote: lovella lagdaan

i will be going on vacation and my dog will be 7 months by then. I plan to board as I do not have anyone who can watch him for 7 days that is knowledgeable with pets too. Anyways since boarded dogs have to poop in their kennels will that set back training? The facilty of course says not because its a whole different environment and they learn its okay there. But what do you think? i'm worried about it. I mean he should be potty trained by then but isn't that teaching them something bad? Thanks!

Maybe I don't know a lot about boarding kennels, but something sounds wrong here.....

Here's my own experience:

My granddogs stay at a boarding kennel when my daughter travels, and poop in the kennel would definitely not be something the dogs would "have to" do on a regular basis.

They each have access to an outside area, and they are also walked several times a day.

That's a spendy place, comparatively, but my vet also has boarding kennels (which, slightly off topic, I wouldn't use because of the proximity of well dogs to sick dogs), which is not pricey, and those dogs too have several walks a day.

So am I misunderstanding? Are they saying that it's possible to have accidents in the kennel, or that the dogs have no other option?

 Quote: Lovella Lagdaan

...my dog will be 7 months by then. ...he should be potty trained by then but isn't that teaching them something bad? Thanks!

I remember from previous posts that you were having trouble housebreaking your puppy. Is this still the case?

I really don't know of any boarding kennel that does not have separate 'potty' runs. As a matter of fact, many township zoning ordinances specifically provide for x amount of 'covered outside space' for each animal.

If this is what you are hearing, I would definitely find another kennel. And I might even put a bug in someone's ear about the poor conditions of the kennel you are looking at now.

I am sorry for such little info.

Thank you for remembering me. I was having issues with my dog pooping in his kennel while we were gone for any amount of time and he has finally stopped. He has a relapse every so often but not many so it definately is a HUGE Relief.

Because my dog is only 3.5lbs he would be in their "indoor small dog section" which looking around is common. His kennel would not have an 'outdoor' portion. So here is what their website says:

For tiny dogs or very young puppies we have an indoor only area. The dogs in this area are taken out twice a day ,and cleaned up after at least twice a day. These kennels are about 5 feet wide by 10 feet long.
Upstairs - Indoor only. Includes exercise twice daily.
We supply food, blankets, and bowls. You may feel free to bring food. You may also bring toys, as long as they are not smaller than two and a half inches. Please do not bring tennis balls.

We feed twice a day- in the morning and in the evening. Let us know about any special requirements for food. We do have a refrigerator on site for special items. Cost is the same if we supply the food or if you do.

So I guess because of the room of their kennels they have a space to go potty. They are taken out twice a day but most dogs probably have to go more than that is what I think so there will be times when he will need to go for sure.

I am going to take a look but if this is the case is that okay? They did say if he has a litter box I could bring it. Right now I have a spot in the back of the house with rocks where he goes. Maybe I should buy a little box put his rocks in there and have him get used to it and then bring it to the kennel place?

Okay, that information helped a lot. I don’t know where you are located, but it would definitely make sense to keep the small dogs and puppies enclosed if for nothing else but to protect them from the elements. At least you know he is being taken out to potty twice a day.

I really don’t think you will have a problem. Even if he has an “accident”, it won’t undermine all of your training. And don’t be surprised if they tell you he did have some accidents. A new environment with different noises and smells, etc., will necessitate a period of adjustment, and if he is feeling at all anxious, well…. you know what happens!

I think your getting nervous will make him extra nervous, so it isn’t good for either of you! Relax and enjoy your vacation. Your hard work will still be evident when you get home, and I don’t think you will need the box of rocks at the kennel either to reinforce it.