Best boarding options for Frodo?

Option #2 if you have to, or even #3 a professional kennel. Vet’s are okay, but they seemed to ignore my dogs, even when I paid extra on the DL for more TLC.

Is there a reputable kennel close by? If so, I would try that first.

I’m inclined to say that boarding him is possibly the best option. Partly because you’ve had him for a relatively short time, and can’t be certain how he will react to your friends coming in while you aren’t there.

But I agree with @Mama_Cakes that a kennel with a good reputation would likely be better than your vet with the pay-to-play option (it sounds absurd to me that they would charge extra for this).

When I had my last dog boarding at the vet’s they were great with him but I don’t know now that they’ve expanded.

There are kennels at a distance but I don’t know of any by reputation.

Another option would be call a training facility and see if they have room to board your dog.

The reason why I’m not keen on the second option is, we when I was a kid, we left our Golden at home when we went camping. We had the neighbours feed him, let him out and walk him, but they didn’t stay at our place, of course. When we arrived home, we got a full report. Seems as though there was a mournful howl coming from our home one night. He was calling for his pack.

Can the neighbors take your dog to their house, like in a crate or in a dog pen?

Don’t over think it. Keep it simple. Option 2 seems like the more commonsensical thing to do.

@KNOWITALL No – they have a cat.

I’ve had the same question in my mind about my dog. Here are things I mulled over:
I’ve taken Jessie to the kennel for a few days stay where there are several other dogs. When Jessie came back home, she was hoarse from barking. I can only surmise the other dogs were barking also, or she was just nervous. She, too, is a rescue.

I have also had a friend come in my home to feed her, play with her and let her out 3 or 4 times a day for a few days. The person couldn’t spend the night with her though.
I feel that she was probably lonely at night (maybe not), but that she was better off being home than being at the kennel barking so much she became hoarse.

This is just what I have discovered for Jessie. My other dog Molly loved going to the kennel and visiting all the other dogs. She was very social. I would take her and she wouldn’t even look back at me because she was so excited to be there.
I think it depends on what you have discovered about Frodo’s personality as to what would be best for him.

@chyna Still discovering and there are many contradictory aspects to it but your advice is very good.

Do you have a co-worker or someone in your life that can come stay for a week? I was always the housesitter in my teens and early 20’s, and I LOVED it.

If you do go with option 2, make sure they leave the TV and a radio on in the house when they leave at night. This may prevent the dog barking or howling all night because it is lonely.

@KNOWITALL No one I can think of right now. I thought this neighbor’s daughter would but she doesn’t want to stay over.

Frodo does stay in the kitchen all night on his own as it is so that won’t be too different and my guy friend is working here most of the day.

Every pet site I look at says pets are happier when left home. I am not sure about this, because I have had dogs in the past that howled whenever we left them.

I think a kennel would probably be a good idea.

I’m going to have Frodo do a day of doggie day care at the vet’s on Friday and also have the neighbors in to meet him before making my final decision.

Have you asked your local friends – such as those who walked with you the other day – if they have kennel recommendations?

Well, the vet’s is pretty much a kennel at this point and I trust them.

The dog walk meet-up people were not that chatty and I didn’t think to ask anyone.

My BIL that was had offered to take him but we have had a bit of a falling out.

When my best buddy travels (which he does often) has a woman come three times a day to walk, feed, water and romp with the dogs, but there are three of them (all with the same mother) so they amuse each other at night. It’s expensive.

When my sis had her three dogs, she did the same thing; had someone come in for all the necesaries and leave them to their own devices at night.

My neighbor with only one dog, a big scardy-cat, sends him to my sister’s for overnights or long weekends. But he won’t go outdoors unless my sis or bro-in-law accompagnies him, which they do (with gritted teeth now because it is really cold after dark) because they love the dog.

My sis has also occasionally had the poodle siblings come and stay for several days. They are easier.

Before your next trip, you have to try to connect with the doggy gang and see whether there is any reciprocity in this arena. Or are there any pet-related meetup groups in your neck of the woods?

Our community is so small, it is all done by word-of-mouth.

@gailcalled I’m not sure I could handle Frodo and another dog but good advice otherwise.

There is that. My sister did not take in canine guests while her three were alive.

We always have a house sitter come in three times a day, her daughter loves playing with our two German Shepard and Black Labrador Retriever crosses. They pick up the mail and newspapers. This costs less than the Vet’s and the dogs love having someone to play with them in backyard.

Yes, house/pet sitter. It is always best if your pets can remain in their familiar environments. Introduce the sitter a few days early and get them used to the visitor. Have them provide treats and get to know your pet a little.
Neighbors are always great and if they refuse pay gift them with a nice dinner out or something to show your appreciation.
For 6 days, 2–3 visits a day expect to pay a professional about $40 a day or neighbors at least $100.
Be generous, it’s your little darlings and you want the best for them.

You might consider paying the vet for basic care and boarding, and then find someone else – a kid who wants a few bucks, perhaps – to visit daily and give him the extra TLC and walks then. That way you have reliable, professional basic care at the lowest cost, and you don’t have to worry about the walker’s dependability.

I guess I like the idea of Frodo being at home but I am worried about him biting one of them.

@CWOTUS good idea but I’m sure the vet doesn’t permit that.

@janbb You may want to try out this in the future.

^^ The link requires a log in

Basically, one of the things that they offer is local pet sitters.

Link

@janbb Let us know what you decide.

Will do. Am taking him for doggie day care at the vet’s tomorrow to see how he does there. Because of the biting issues, I don’t really think I can have drop-in sitters at this point plus I don’t like the idea of him being alone in the house all night. I spoke to the vet today and they will keep an eye on him. I will also tour their facility tomorrow.