Bathe/Groom at Kennel Question

[shellyk]

We are going to use a "normal" type kennel for a 1-2 day emergency (funeral) trip we have to make. This is not the warm fuzzy in home pet sitter style or the doggie day care that also boards. We rescued a 2nd Newf - McGee who is 22 months old. We have only had him since March and if it wasn't a funeral we wouldn't be leaving him. Saturday McGee grabbed and completely ate a 4 foot leash - handle, metal clasp too. Luckily he vomited it up immediately. We already knew he was a leash chewer and we put the leashes where we thought they were out of his reach. So this guy is getting the standard cement indoor kennel - connected to an outdoor fenced run. I have instructed them no toys, no rugs, no bedding only a water dish. I don't even trust them to put all three of our dogs together in a family kennel because he barks at them to run so he can chase them and incessantly bugs our female Newf. I hope they can at least have adjacent kennels.

Sorry this is so long but my question is they offer grooming - should I have our rescued Newf bathed and or groomed? I am thinking this is more individual human contact that he would get besides just the twice daily leash walks. Or could this possibly stress him more?

 

[wrknnwf]

I think personal play time with another dog and/or people would be more beneficial if you're looking for socialization. Grooming can be stressful for dogs that aren't used to it and you don't know how he will be treated or what kind of a job they will do. Obviously there isn't time to interview the groomer and find out what kind of experience they have with Newfs, so if he was my dog, I would skip that part.

 

[shellyk]

Jane,

Thanks for your input. We'll skip the grooming. When I read your post - I re-read mine and it sounds harsh. McGee is a huge sweetie and I am worried about leaving him. He has spent every night since we got him on the floor right below me on my side of the bed. The chewing/eating, barking and pestering are all stuff we have to continue to work with him during his terrible teens.

 

[Jeannie]

I agree the Jane. My husband and I own a boarding kennel that also offers daycare. I groom. I'm a certified master groomer.

The first time he is away from you he is going to be stressed enough without adding grooming. Jane also made a good point that you don't know the groomer or how she will treat the dogs and if she is familiar with newfs. If you want extra time spent with him can you purchased extra walk times? Is he able to play with other dogs? Is there anything you trust for him to have to ease his stress? A kong?

Is you trip going to be over the holiday? Remember all holidays are very busy times for kennels. You need to stress that he is going to require extra care and offer to pay any additional charges.

You can visit my website at www.poochparlor.com or like pooch parlor on FB and see photos of the dogs running in our 5 acre field and swimming in the heart shaped pond. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pooch-Parlor/127129670666426?ref=bookmarks

 

[shellyk]

We just got an update on the funeral and it's next Wednesday so after the Memorial Day Holiday. I have seen pictures of your place and at times like this I wish we lived in Ohio I have a stump chew for him that I can send that he hasn't been able to make much of a dent in. It's literally a piece of wood marketed for heavy chewers. I will have to have them watch it to make sure he doesn't go crazy with it. I can ask for play time or social time with our other dogs. Or maybe even let them hang out in one kennel if they behave. As long as I pay for three then they can separate them if needed. Is that a reasonable request?

 

[Jeannie]

Yes that is reasonable

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

We just got an update on the funeral and it's next Wednesday so after the Memorial Day Holiday. I have seen pictures of your place and at times like this I wish we lived in Ohio I have a stump chew for him that I can send that he hasn't been able to make much of a dent in. It's literally a piece of wood marketed for heavy chewers. I will have to have them watch it to make sure he doesn't go crazy with it. I can ask for play time or social time with our other dogs. Or maybe even let them hang out in one kennel if they behave. As long as I pay for three then they can separate them if needed. Is that a reasonable request?

All that sounds reasonable to me. I had to do something similar for Maggie once. I was able to pay for extra 1:1 walks/playtime with a human. I chose not to sign her up for the doggie playtime since it was her first time at the kennel. But if you can have your 3 play together, I think that's an awesome solution. And if it's only 1-2 days, hopefully he'll be just fine!