Pros and Cons of Kenneling and Housesitting

KENNEL SPACE:
Often people are surprised on how much it can cost to go on vacation without your furry friend(s). While boarding kennels start by looking cheaper you often have to upgrade for better accommodations and social time. Take an average kennel price of $25+, many times this is a concrete floor with chainlink fencing and may or may not be an indoor/outdoor kennel. If they have to be walked to their potty areas commonly it’s four times a day unless you pay for more let outs, or if they do have access to their potty areas you aren’t guaranteed that your dog will get social time with a human unless you again pay for more time. Now some of the more expensive kennels have much more accommodations that seem more home like, these are often in the $50+ per day and may have pools or spa areas but often these also still cost in addition to the daily fee. Plus if you have more than one dog these costs can almost double!

HOUSESITTING SPACE:
The best part is that they are in the space they know best, their own home. While most dogs are used to you being away from home during work times they live for the evenings when you can be there to let them out and give them one on one (or more) time. With our nightly rate we not only stay with them as you would, but we have let out during the day, most dogs love breaking up the day with play. We also don’t change prices for more than one dog or other pets; we will care for them all as you would if you could be there.

These two 'brothers' loved playing at home with all their own toys.

KENNEL COMFORTS:
Some places will allow you to bring some food from home and maybe some comforts like a blanket or toys, but many places prefer to use their own items to make cleaning and feeding more streamlined. This can put stress on your pet’s digestive system as they switch foods and frequently that leads to more issues when they have to switch back to their regular food back home. Some kennels will allow toys and blankets in their kennel area but if the dog is stressed these can become problems if they chew and swallow pieces or if other dogs get to the items from the sides.

HOUSESITTING COMFORTS: We use the same food, toys, beds and treats that you have picked out for them with care to each pet’s personality and needs. In addition to your pet(s) care we also take care of the house, such as bringing in the mail, watering the plants, putting out birdseed. This not only protects your home from someone thinking it’s easy picking for breaking in but also from natural crisis that could be caught quickly before more harm comes to the home. This saves you the stress of having to find a neighbor or friend to watch over your home while someone else also watches your pet, why not have it all done at the same time.

This pup loved using me as her bed, and I loved her snuggling.

KENNEL STRESSES:
While most kennels keep dogs separate for safety there is often a lot of stress in going to a new place and hearing all the others. Just think how often your dog is away from your home and then take away the security of you as well. If they don't have toys or blankets that smell like you this can also lead to stress of wondering what happened to you. These can lead to minor behavior issues such as barking, chewing, drooling and anorexia is some dogs while the stress is still there.

HOUSESITTING STRESSES:
While we try to make everything as if you were there we are still not you, and that can be somewhat stressful. Luckily with all the fun they will have and all the home comforts the stress is often little and easily forgotten.

This little pup loved to check out the windows to make sure no one was coming before taking a nap.

Winter blues

Remember during the winter your dog still needs some stimulation to keep from getting on your nerves. These should be both exercise and mental actives to do with your dog during the cold season. If you still walk your dog outside, make sure to rinse their feet off when you come home, between the pads can collect ice or chemical salt and the pads can become dry too. If it’s cold for you it might be too cold to them, watch for winter warnings before long periods outside.

Mekos loves to shove his whole head in the snow to sniff.

If you don’t like walking outside and your dog likes fetch try playing up and down stairs in your home, this way the dog has to work harder to get that ball or toy and back to you. My dogs will also do tricks or obedience between each throw, so making your dog do something to get what they want is never a bad idea. Although they might be a little excited at first you can get them to think while they are excited that’s even better.

Play hide and seek with your dog by putting them on a stay and calling them once you’ve hidden in a different room, or if you have many people tell them to ‘find mommy’ or ‘find daddy’ and see if they can make it to the correct people. Remember to play or treat them once they found you so that they will be reinforced for the behavior.

Mekos's first winter, he loved to find anything buried in the snow.

I also like to train a hard trick that can be done inside. This can be something useful as ‘Put away your toys’ or as cute as ‘break dance’. Find a trick online and think of a way to break it down and make many simple steps that you can work on bit by bit before adding them all together. Remember though only try tricks that your dog is capable of doing; you can’t teach a cow to climb a tree nor can you expect your dog to open or pick up something they can’t lift.

Holiday Stress

Holidays are a wonderful time, but can be stressful for animals. Keeping your pet safe and calm will make for a better holiday for all.

·       Secure tree/ornaments; it’s easy for things get knocked down by a tail or a climbing pet. Add a heavy base, secure to the wall, or place a fence around it. All decorations should be pet safe (glass or food is a bad idea) and placed out of reach of pets.

·       It’s exciting when guests arrive, but often dangerous for the guests who might get knocked over or tripped, or the pets escaping. Set up a room just for your pet to keep him safe. Have water, beds and toys inside to make it fun, and they won't miss the party mess. Training your dog to stay in place back from the door is another great option if you only have a few guests.

·       Pets can bite into holiday light cords and often pets are attracted to candles. Burns or fires could result. Always watch a burning candle, use fake candles instead when possible, and place cords in pet safe conduit.

·       Make sure guests know your house rules for feeding your pets, and don’t let pets get into personal items such as medications or clothing.

·       Getting a new pet for the holiday is cute but stressful for pet and owners. Avoid the holiday stress and get an adoption kit for the holiday gift instead (toys, bowls, etc). Bring your new pet home when regular routines resume.