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- An article by Gerald Strutinski -
Choosing a kennel for your dog just about as personal as choosing
a daycare or nanny for your child and should be given as much
consideration. Here are some tips on picking a kennel that is
right for your and your dog, making your pet's stay a positive
experience.
Picking the Right Kennel
There are many kennels in the lower mainland and it would be very
time consuming to phone them all. If you are looking for a good
kennel, start by phoning veterinarians and ask them to recommend
one or two. Any kennel should be recommended by at least three
veterinarians in the area before the kennel makes it on your short
list. Another good idea is to ask people at the Dog Parks.
Viewing Kennels on your Short List
The primary concern when choosing a kennel should be the care
your dog is going to receive. Look at the size of the inside/outside
runs and exercise yard(s). How many times a day does your dog
get out? Is it on-leash or off? With or without other dogs? Is
the playtime supervised? When are the first and last walks? Ask
to watch the dogs being exercised. This is advisable if leaving
a dog at a kennel, which claims to exercise dogs, as opinions
on what is deemed to be exercise seems to vary. Can and will they
give medications? Ask their policies on dealing with emergencies,
as well. All areas of the kennel should be clean, bright and well
lit. How is the building heated? If it does not have floor heat
(radiant), does the kennel provide a bed? There should be clean
water in all the runs and exercise yards. Does the kennel have
lots of staff and does the owner work/live there? A knowledgeable
person should be on the property 24 hours a day. You should also
ask about the house food brand and is it comparable with your
own. If the dog is very young or old, or if it has a sensitive
tummy, think about bringing your own food. The exercise yards
should have lots of lights for the last walk at night, and the
fencing should be secure-is it strong and tall enough for the
big guys and tight enough for the little guys?
The Booking
Having chosen the kennel, you should phone to reserve a time slot
for your pet. The kennel staff should go over required shots;
they should ask your dog's name, age, sex, neutered or spayed
(if unspayed when she is due to come into heat), your name, address,
food normally fed, your veterinarian's name and who else besides
you is allowed to pick up the dog. They should ask about medical
emergencies. It is a good idea to call your veterinarian and let
them know "Fido" will be at the kennel for this time period and
what your wishes are if there is an emergency.
What To Take
Be prepared the day you drop your dog off at the kennel. The more
organized you are, the less stressful it will be on your dog.
First and foremost, bring up-to-date shot records. If you are
providing your own food, make sure there is enough for two extra
weeks,just in case you miss the plane or decide to stay longer,
If the dog is on medication, again, provide enough for an extra
two weeks. Will your dog need to be given its flea/heartworm prevention
medication while you are gone? Be sure to write down the date
that it is to be given.
Dropping Off the Dog
The kennel should check your dog's shot records, take your food
and meds and take your dog's bed if provided. Then they will reach
for your leash. Now it is time for you to be strong. You've done
your homework. You've done your checking. This is the right place
or you would not be there. Hand them the leash and say, "Good
boy/girl... have fun", then turn and walk away. Do not make a
fuss. The more emotional you are, the tougher it will be for your
dog. If you get upset, it will upset the dog. Dogs have fun at
a well run kennel. It is like going to doggy camp with lots of
supervised play time, cookies and pats and we all know; dogs love
cookies and pats.
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Gerry and Lisa Strutinski are the owners and operators
of Willchris Kennels and their family has been involved in the boarding and
training of dogs since 1954.
- Reprinted with permission
from Family Dog Magazine -
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