Leaving a dog to go on holidays

capp1010

I decided to foster a dog in October and became a failed fosterer and couldn't give him up. One of the biggest things I considered before adopting him was that I love travelling and I had planned a 6 week trip to south America this summer. I can't imagine leaving him in kennels for that length of time so I've considered just going for three weeks instead but even at that I feel guilty. There are family members that would look after him but I just can't bring myself to really trust anyone that much. He's a rescue chihuahua and it's taken this length of time to get him really settled and secure and I'm worried that if I leave him he'll regress. Any advice? Is it OK to leave him for 3 weeks?

tk123

Why not have a few trial runs with the family members and see how he gets on? And the same with a home boarder if it doesn’t work out with the family members? My two are home boarded and honestly the only thing I worry about is getting Baileys pills all sorted and that I have enough food packed with them because I know they get the best of care! We had a weekend trial run initially and all good. Some boarders do day care too so you could maybe drop him to daycare a few times to get used to the new surroundings and suss out if it’s a good fit for him.

Jood10

Last year we were in the same position with our two rescues. We left them for 10 days. I was really nervous, I didn't want them to think they were being abandoned again.

I was lucky enough to find amazing kennels not far from where we live. She does inhouse boarding also but my two prefer being out with the other dogs. They went out for a weekend visit before we left them for the 10 days. The weekend went well, our girl was a little tentative but in no way nervous, our boy loved it!! When we got back after the 10 days they were mega excited but in no rush to come home, I took that as a good sign. Now they love going out there. I wouldn't trust anyone else with them. If you do decide to board him I agree with tk123 drop him for a quick visit first see how he gets on. Let him (and you) have a good sniff of the place.

I do have family members who would look after them but to be honest I wasn't comfortable with that. I don't think they would do as well at home without us and their regular routine and this way they get to have their holidays too!!

lazeedaisy

We are just back after a month away from our 3.

My mum initially offered to stay here with them. They all know each other well and my in laws live next door and usually call in to visit the dogs during the day anyway.

We were worried at leaving them, but they are all with us quite some time, the court would have been extensive had we give down the bordering route but that said, we haven't left them in over 4 years.

I over filled the freezer with dog food and treats, thank God for the most part all was well and they didn't seem to line for us,

Our last greyhound never ate much when we left her in Kennels before. But we were happy this time. Only got back Saturday, so can't as much as leave them just yet! ;-)

Ashbx

Absolutely! Listen dogs are important and take up a huge part of our lives but you shouldn't miss out on your own life because you think that no-one else can look after your dogs. What training or qualifications did you get before taking on your dog? None, exactly! So have faith in other people. We all know our dogs best and of course we all get nervous leaving them with other people, but that should not be a reason to cut short or stop your holidays altogether.

If you have people willing to take your dogs for 6 weeks, then go for the 6 weeks. Your dog will be fine!!! As much as I hate to say it, the dog will miss you for 5 mins and then get on with things. And in my experience, people who mind my dogs take more care of mine than their own because they are responsible for my dog. So don't worry. Go and have an amazing holiday and trust the people you ask to mind your dog.

Leave the dog with the kennels/in laws for a couple of weekends leading up to your holidays so the dog gets used to the place and the people. But after that, trust me....your dog will be fine!

aonb

SInce you have plenty of time before the holiday, do the work now, and leave your dog with whoever it is who is going to mind him while you are away. An afternoon or a few hours a time initially. Then for a whole day. Then for a weekend. You should bring his toys/bed/bows etc. Make sure to bring his food, so that he doesnt have new food to bother his tummy. Put a piece of clothing that you have worn, into his bed. As long as he trusts the temporary carer, it will all go well hopefully. But do get him used to the temporary home and carer as much as possible in advance

I LOVE failed-fosterers :D:D

jomalone14

I have 3 rescue dogs and only started boarding all 3 at holiday time when the 3rd woof moved in.

Do your research early, with a day visit at first, then a weekend stay.

All I have to do is mention the name of the kennels to my 3 and they get so excited. The minute I park up to let them out, they tear in the gate without giving me a second glance. I have daily Facebook pictures to view of them out on their walks with their kennel mates and I have no doubt that they are happy and settled.

OP, where are you based? Perhaps if you give an area, posters here might give you some good recommendations?

The wonderful kennels my 3 go to have a separate "suite" for the small dogs, with couches, armchairs etc, it's like a home away from home. I'd move in there myself, given half a chance!

CeilingFly

House my dog is an option
Www.housemydog.com

Local people who will mind your dog.

mel.b

Another option is trustedhousesitters.com I have used them probably 8-9 times over the past few years for stays of 2 nights - 3 weeks and it has worked out brilliantly every time. You join the website and then put up a post and people apply to do your house sit and look after your animals. You can chat to the people, ask for references etc before making a decision. It means your animals get to stay in their home, in the environment they are comfortable with. If you're interested, PM me and I can give you a discount code to join with. There are three people in my housing estate in a small village who use it and I also got one of the people at work onto them and they had a great experience with a sitter at Christmas.

RubyK

We were also worried about leaving our 2 dogs when we go on hols. So, we introduced them to doggie day care, having had plenty of recommendations from friends who bring their dogs there too. We started with few 1/2 days, building up to a weekend stay. They love it, and have a great time running around with other dogs, they are well cared for and get brought to the beach/park for walks

quad_red

capp1010 wrote: »

I decided to foster a dog in October and became a failed fosterer and couldn't give him up. One of the biggest things I considered before adopting him was that I love travelling and I had planned a 6 week trip to south America this summer. I can't imagine leaving him in kennels for that length of time so I've considered just going for three weeks instead but even at that I feel guilty. There are family members that would look after him but I just can't bring myself to really trust anyone that much. He's a rescue chihuahua and it's taken this length of time to get him really settled and secure and I'm worried that if I leave him he'll regress. Any advice? Is it OK to leave him for 3 weeks?

You can't bring yourself to trust any of your family to mind your dog even though they've offered to?

tk123

quad_red wrote: »

You can't bring yourself to trust any of your family to mind your dog even though they've offered to?

I wouldn't trust my family to mind my dogs to be fair :pac:

dashoonage

I wouldnt trust my family to mind and empty carboard box.