Boarding Labrador Retrievers Articles | Dogs

By: DoggieDetails.com Admin

Boarding Labrador Retrievers or any other kind of dog is usually seen by owners as the final option when all else fails. If you can, you would probably always take your dog with you on vacation or on a long trip. But sometimes it is just not possible. If you are traveling by air, going on a cruise, or visiting someone who is allergic, you may not be able to travel with your pet.

Your first choice in this situation will probably be to leave your dog with a friend, neighbor or family member that he knows and who is happy to take care of him. This can work out very well. Be sure to give your friend all the supplies that the dog may need and leave written instructions. It is pointless to spend an hour explaining all about feeding, medication, walks and all the other things that your friend needs to know. At least half of what you have said will be forgotten within five minutes of you leaving. So write it down and be sure to include details of pet insurance and the phone number for the veterinarian's office.

If you do not know anyone who would look after your dog, you may be able to find "dog fostering" in your local area. This is just like leaving the dog with a friend except that you do not know the person. The safest way to do this is through a recommendation. Always visit the person with your dog several times and watch how they interact.

If you prefer to send your Labrador Retriever to a commercial boarding kennel or have no other option, then your first point of contact will be the breeders who sold you the dog. They may have facilities to take your dog back on familiar territory temporarily. If not, they can probably recommend a good commercial kennel that is suitable for Labrador Retrievers. If you went out of your local area to buy the dog, try asking other dog owners for recommendations. Lab owners will be the best people to ask, or owners of dogs of a similar size and temperament.

Good kennels will be members of the American Boarding Kennel Association or a similar organization if you are not in the USA. You can check the organization's website for affiliated kennels in your area.

Keep in mind that Labrador Retrievers are very people-oriented. Your dog will miss you and the staff probably will not have time to provide the attention that he is used to. He will probably be glad of some familiar possessions including his own toys and maybe some old clothes that carry your scent. Visit the kennel a couple of times to be sure it is clean and safe and seems welcoming. Ask about lighting, ventilation and heating for indoor areas, exercise arrangements and what you will need to bring for your dog.

When you visit, the kennel may not allow you to see the dogs. This is to avoid exciting and upsetting them. You would probably be happier if you could see a collection of well cared for pets but when your own dog is there you probably would not want him constantly disturbed by strangers. Ask to see an empty kennel in that situation, so that you can see that they are secure and have a solid divider to separate the dogs. A wire fence is not enough to stop aggressive animals injuring each other.

Leaving your dog will be difficult for both of you, even if it is just for a few days, but it will be much less stressful for you and your dog if you have taken the time to find the best kennel in your area for boarding Labrador Retrievers.