Boarding a 6-12 month old puppy

As nervous fairly-new parents, we are concerned where to board a 6-12 month old puppy during holidays (typically for one week). Any personal recommendations of places you have used (either here or PM).


And how did people reconcile the issue whether to use:

1. Home stay environment: issues include puppy being bullied and/or injured, the number of dogs at any one time (pics show 10+ dogs at the one time)

2. Kennel: puppy bored for the week but hopefully with some outside play – how much is usual?

3. House sitting: finding someone trustworthy/reliable seems the main problem

4. SPCA: puppy really bored and in “jail” for a week but is safe and vets in the building


Not sure what my dog thinks though, wish I could ask, so need your experience to help guide us.


He is pretty friendly, but maybe too much and could be annoying for older dogs.


We are based in mid-levels.


I think lots would find this update helpful, so detailed comments would be ideal


Thanks

It depends on how socialised your pup is. You say he's friendly so putting him in a home stay situation should be fine. I understand people who run home stays for dogs don't allow dogs which are not socialised and show aggression or if the dog is very timid. We send our dog to Ferndale where they are in separate kennels but have freedom to run outside and also have the opportunity to play with other dogs. Because of our dog's timidity,(nervous of large dogs he doesn't know) we haven't considered a home stay for him. So really it's up to you. I'd probably use a home stay for your dog since he's a friendly fellow and also in that environment it allows him to constantly socialise with other dogs.

Hi, what is your email address? I can recommend a fabulous place called 'Pet World' My dog LOVES it there, they pick him up and he goes wild to get into the van!! They email me photos every day while we are away aswell which is nice when you are a bit worried, he is always playing and comes back the same dog he went If you know what I mean! Polly who runs the place is easy to talk to and very honest about his behaviour, he started going there when he was eight months old and when I call her she always remembers him and is clearly crazy about dogs...

Catherine

Hi, having just read your link again I do feel for you... worrying when they are little.... when is your holiday? What kind (size) dog is he... I am on Robinson Rd (moving Clear Water Bay though at end April) I have two bulldogs, one is two the other is a pup still (from spca but guess about 7 months) both extremely friendly and playful, have a back yard (not massive but a play area for them at least)... I am home every morning until 2 or 3pm then back at 6pm, I ask and tell you all this because If you are really stuck I'll look after him If just for a week, can't imagine would be any extra work for me as looking after my boys anyway....

Let me know, I remember how stressed I was to leave Maximus when he was little...

Catherine cathtromans@hotmail.com

Thank you for all the responses (sorry just catching up on the messages).


It looks like a friend can house sit for us (and take him to work for part of the week as well) - yeah!!!


Catherine - that is an extraordinarily kind offer - thank you very much for your generosity, but we should be fine. I will definitely take a look at Pet World, as he turns 1 year I think we will be less bothered about him getting out a bit more and playing with others (should be able to take care of himself as well). I hope the move goes well. Clear Water Bay should be a great environment, lucky you.