Kennels For Special Needs and Breeds

Topic: Kennels

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In some circumstances you may have to leave your dog behind when you go out of town on a holiday, business trip or because of some type of unforeseen event. In an ideal situation this can be stressful for you with regards to how to care for your dog even if he or she is perfectly healthy, well socialized and easily adjusts to new people and new places.

If, however, you have a dog that is not well, is recovering from a medical condition or surgery, or is difficult to kennel or board the situation is going to be even more stressful. Often people in these situations try to find friends, family members or even co-workers that can drop by and feed, walk and care for the dogs while the dogs stay right in their own home. This is certainly an option but it does pose its own set of problems and concerns. The biggest concern is finding someone that can commit to the routine as well as ensuring that they are going to be able to follow through and make all scheduled feeding, walking and medication times.

Another common issue is that some dogs become much more protective when the owners aren't home. In other words they may be thrilled to see the friend when the owners are there but then become much more territorial and protective when the owners are away. Often this becomes a major problem as the friend or relative feels uncomfortable or even unsafe when attempting to care for the dog. Once this occurs it is difficult to find someone that can provide this support the next time you have to leave.

Thankfully there are kennels in most areas that will cater to owners and their dogs that have special needs or that are of particular breeds. Many kennels restrict the size or type of dog that they will kennel, especially with some of the breeds that do have a tendency to be aggressive and are a large breed. Kennels typically have very strict policies on kenneling specific breeds, regardless of the temperament of any particular dog may be. If you have the following breeds you may have difficulty in finding a kennel that will take in your pet:

Pit Bull or Pit Bull type or crosses

Doberman Pinscher

Rottweiler

Akita

Chow Chow

German Shepherd Dog

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Giant Schnauzers

In addition there are many of the small and toy breeds that can be aggressive including some of the Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Papillion and Jack Russell Terriers. In reality any dog can potential be aggressive or difficult to work with if they are not properly socialized and fully obedience trained. Giant breeds such as the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Great Pyrenees and the Mastiffs are also difficult to kennel because of their large size, not necessarily because of their temperament.

If you have a dog that is a large breed, is one of the breeds that may be considered an "aggressive breed" or a dog that is difficult or aggressive to work with you will need to find a kennel that will accept your dog. Phone ahead and find a kennel that will work with you that is professionally run, uses positive methods in controlling the dog and understands how to effectively work with your dog. Usually these types of kennels are smaller and only take in a few animals, which provides the staff a good opportunity to supervise the dogs and prevents a lot of the stress associated with huge kennels with lots of dogs and different people.

Talk in advance with the kennel staff and make sure that they understand how your dog responds to general situations. For example if your dog is highly possessive of a particular toy, staff need to know that they should not attempt to take that toy away from the dog. If the dog is likely to snap when being fed, the staff can put the food down when the dog is outside of the kennel to prevent any possible safety risk to the staff.

Dogs that are on medication, pregnant females or mothers with nursing puppies will need special care and attention. Generally most kennels won't take in pregnant or nursing mothers since the liability is simply too great for the kennel. Puppies can be particularly problematic since they are not fully vaccinated and are at the greatest risk when housed with other dogs, even though those dogs are vaccinated. If you are going to have to kennel a pregnant or nursing female a small kennel that has a separate or self-contained system for isolation may be the best option. This is not common in all kennels so you will have to do some research and probably a lot of calling to various kennels. Vets and groomers may be able to provide information on what kennels have these facilities.

Dogs that are on medication should be monitored by staff that knows how to properly administer the drugs as well as what to watch for with regards to complications and side effects. In addition staff should be provided with the number for your vet so that they can contact the prescribing or treating vet if there are any questions or concerns. Many kennels have people trained in animal first aid or a vet technicians or assistants on staff. These individuals often monitor, record and administer any and all required medications to the dogs. Be aware that most kennels will require you to sign a release for them to provide emergency treatment at their discretion if they cannot contact you while the dog is in their care. In addition you may also have to sign a waiver that releases the kennel from any liability while administering medication or caring for a dog that is already ill or in recovery. Some vet clinics offer kenneling through their facilities which can be the best option in these cases. Talk to your vet and get information on what options are available for you and your dog before making the final decision on a kennel. In addition be sure to look for a kennel that offers 24 hour staffing if your dog has any type of special medications or health concerns.

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