Testimonials
Different dogs have different requirements. Some of these needs may not be suited to a kennel or a pet sitter. So how do you know what’s best for your pup when you’re on vacation?
Activity Level
Your dog may have the activity level that never quits or the desire to nap whenever he has the chance. A dog that wants to play play play may not do well being left alone for more than a few hours. This dog may do better at a kennel where he has the chance to make friends, both human and canine, and run and play until his little heart is content.
Your sleeping dog would probably much rather prefer to stay with his own couch, his own home and his own smells, sounds and familiar surroundings. The stress of being in a new environment with strange people, dogs and different sounds may stress out your dog and make him physically ill. A pet sitter coming to your home for TLC, playtime and plenty of care could be the perfect vacation for this pup!
Age
You may think that your 10 year old dog is well enough adjusted to be able to be alone. Or that your 8 month old puppy will do just fine in a kennel or at home – he won’t care either way. Those both could be very wrong.
Even the oldest dog can have separation anxiety and not do well by himself so a pet sitter stopping in may not work for him. A kennel where he has someone around all the time may be the best option.
And your puppy who doesn’t care either way? He may not be well enough adjusted to your home to be trusted by himself for hours on end. He may need a bit more supervision such as at a kennel so that he can socialize and meet new people and dogs. On the other hand, your older dog may be too adjusted to your home to want to leave it and would do very well with a pet sitter.
Trust Your Gut…And Your Pet
Remember, you know your dog better than anyone else does. You know his likes and dislikes, his quirks and weird little behaviors and what scares him or makes him uncomfortable. When trying to decide what’s best for your pup on your next trip, be sure that whatever you choose will give him the vacation he wants!
Tags: dog boarding, dog kenneling, pet sitter, pet sitting
