The Holidays / what to do with Fido? - Page 2

I've done pretty much everything - boarding, pet sitting, just not going away. I have one place that I use to board the gang. I know both the mother and daughter who built the place - let's put it this way, when I was traveling ALOT on business, the dogs could have done the travel and I would have stayed there. They even have a pool with a waterfall for swimming. The mutts get perfect care, so I don't worry about them there (they're also old hands at that, so they get excited when they're going to "camp"). I've had my sister pet sit - never again. Dogs and cats did great, house was a shambles when I got home...Overall, staying home and having everyone over works much better. Now that the family is all down here, things should be perfect! I've also pet sat(?) for my friends - the only comment I've gotten is that their dogs &/or cats now love me more than them...

Hodie, do you use bleach to disinfect your kennels? or do you use something else? Am curious about that as I normally use bleach, but would definitely be open to trying something new if there IS something better out there. thanks! Peggy PS: I have cared for many of the dogs that I have sold to customers, but not a lot at one time, because I keep the dogs in the house with me, crated, where they are safe and feel at home. Peggy Knightenhaus

With 5 horses, 5 kitties, 8 goldfish,and 5 GSD's, and being 80 miles from town, it's real hard to get away. Fortunately,I have wonderful neighbors on the closest ranch(6 miles down the road) who are trustworthy and affordable to come up twice a day to care for the critters. The older dog, a 10 year old male, usually travels with me. The only problem with that is "his" cat misses him terribly and really raises a ruckus when we get home!!!!!!!!!!

4Pack, 2 TVs 36in, Crabs and Spaghetti along with Prime Rib, NY Strips, and Lob Tails in Frig. Bar has all the goodies Jack Danieles, Capt. Morgan, Vodka with all the juices, usually case of Miller and Bud light on hand. Outdoor kennels for dogs. Two vehicles to drive one van and 1 SUV Explorer. Just need a dog sitter!!!

we.travel.with.the.dogs.takes.a.bit.more.arrangments...but.worth.it...... please.bare.with.me.spacebar.not.working.dang.replacment.was.not.working.either...still.waiting.for.another

Ranchinlady, 80 miles from town tell me where you R I would like to move there.

LOL me too!

I believe some commercial boarding places use a product called KennelSol - supposedly non toxic, has a nice smell, and still kills everything it's supposed to kill (ie. it disinfects well). Never used it myself, just know some people who have worked at places that use it.

I would second everything Hodie said plus add one more. It really helps if your bording kennel knows (and loves) GSDs. I have found a terrific lady that when my pup visits she comes back better behaved than when she left.

Knightenhaus, I do NOT use bleach routinely to disinfect. It is corrosive on the pressure washer set up which is a state of the art system costing $4000. I am also on 40 acres and have a state of the art septic system so I have to be careful about what I put in it. I use a different commercial grade disinfectant that is parvocidal and is EPA approved. Bleach can be effective if corrosion is not an issue and if one uses the correct dilution and contact time. My kennel building is easily washed completely and I have very rigorous health requirements dogs must meet to even be on my property. As for ProudShepherdPoppa, he is correct in that it really does make a difference if one can find someone who is really good with dogs, especially large dogs. Unfortunately, many boarding kennels are run by people who hire low wage people without much background or knowledge. And those who have little experience with dogs with drive will have a tough time with them. Finally, finding a kennel where the dog can go outside is something I highly recommend. I almost never have dogs peeing or pooping inside, they go home calm and happy and have had both physical and mental stimulation. Furthermore, they are safe and being looked after by someone who knows dogs and is much more likely to spot a medical problem should it arise. But, that being said, good kennels are difficult to find.