Going on vacation for 2 wks...what should I do with Pudges

[Zephyrpower]

Hello everyone,

In less than a week, I'm going on vacation to Texas (from Ohio) for about 2 wks. My whole family is going (all 9 of us) in 2 vehicles. Originally, I figured I would leave him at the family house with Zephyr, since I assumed they had already planned for someone to come over and feed him, but now I found out they're taking Zephyr with them. I would like to take Pudges too, but my brother thinks there won't be enough room and he tends to not sit still sometimes when driving--especially long periods of time. So about the only thing could think would be to try and hold him or get him to sleep for the 24 hours car ride.

I would prefer not to leave him at a pound, mostly just because he probably be locked in a small cage the whole time and I would have to pay a fortune for it.
So it seems like my only other option, that won't cost me a fortune, is to buy a tie-out stake and chain and try to find a friend to take care of him.
Right now, I don't know of anyone who can with the exception of one friend who has 2 mean, irritable chow-chows that would probably attack him if they had the chance. Fortunately, they live in a fenced in area of the backyard or they usually stay in the house, so it might be safe to tie him up somewhere else in my friend's large backyard.

I guess my other option would be to still leave him at my parent's house and see if I can get our next-door neighbor to feed him several times a day for 2 weeks.

 

[taratippy]

Sorry but I dont think any of those options are good at all! How would you know he was being properly cared for, what about walks, what about his safety? I cannot believe someone would even think about tieing up a dog for 2 weeks outside.

You could always try crating him for the trip if not maybe stay at home with him, or get into a good kennelling facility where they will care for him properly.

 

[bubbatd]

^^^^^ agree ! Bite the bullet and pay for good kenneling .

 

[Dreeza]

Agreed. Depending on what you guys are doing, i'd take Pudges with me if i were you, and tell my brother to suck it up, lol

If not...you NEED to pay for good kenneling

 

[Bobsk8]

I can't imagine someone wanting to tie a dog outside for two weeks. If I had a neighbor that did that, I would call the humane society and report it.

 

[ToscasMom]

Your plans don't sound like a very happy time for your dog. I think if you don't think this out better, you might find a very unhappy pup when you get home. I would really consider the kennel idea or a professional dog sitter in your case. I also think it's patently unfair that your brother thinks he can take his dog along but you can't. If there's enough room for his dog there ought to be enough room for yours.

 

[Whisper]

Agreed. I think it's pretty unfair to stick a dog out on a chain for 2 weeks. It may cost more, but a proper kennel will be much better, more secure, and enjoyable for your dog.

 

[Zephyrpower]

Your plans don't sound like a very happy time for your dog. I think if you don't think this out better, you might find a very unhappy pup when you get home. I would really consider the kennel idea or a professional dog sitter in your case. I also think it's patently unfair that your brother thinks he can take his dog along but you can't. If there's enough room for his dog there ought to be enough room for yours.

Actually, it's not my brother's dog...it's more the "family" dog but technically he belongs to my sister and the vehicle he's going in is hers as well. Also, he tends to be able to sit and behave a lot more...while my puppy gets antsy and starts whining or crawling all over people. Still, I would prefer to bring him---BUT if I do he'll be tied up outside regardless----Just like everyone else!

I'm also kinda curious....how do professional kennels work? I thought they were either kept outside in a fenced in area or kept in a small crate the whole time...do they actually have a large indoor area and all that? Do kennels walk your dogs and let them get exercise?

All that being said, I just talked to a girl at work today and she said she could probably take care of him. She has a young pit-bull puppy and if him and my puppy get along, I think that might be the best option for him (plus I think it's indoors most of the time too). So I'll probably take my crate and all his toys/food over to her house.

 

[misticaleclipse]

Actually, it's not my brother's dog...it's more the "family" dog but technically he belongs to my sister and the vehicle he's going in is hers as well. Also, he tends to be able to sit and behave a lot more...while my puppy gets antsy and starts whining or crawling all over people. Still, I would prefer to bring him---BUT if I do he'll be tied up outside regardless----Just like everyone else!

I'm also kinda curious....how do professional kennels work? I thought they were either kept outside in a fenced in area or kept in a small crate the whole time...do they actually have a large indoor area and all that? Do kennels walk your dogs and let them get exercise?

All that being said, I just talked to a girl at work today and she said she could probably take care of him. She has a young pit-bull puppy and if him and my puppy get along, I think that might be the best option for him (plus I think it's indoors most of the time too). So I'll probably take my crate and all his toys/food over to her house.

How big is your dog? If he is crate trained why not find room for his crate.

There are good boarding kennels you can pay for which will not only keep yoru dog inside but will provide interaction exercise, let them have there own chews and treats, blankets etc.

If it was me I would tell them to move over my dog was comming with us. I would have tried to accustom my dog to the car the months before hand to try and get him to be trained to be more calm in a vehicle.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Is it not kind of late to be trying to make arrangements now? When I plan a trip one of my first considerations is my dog..
Since it's going on Xmas in your time period, many kennels may not be able to take your dog for the entire time, many started taking Xmas reservations 2-3 months ago. I hope you can find someone who can take proper care of your dog for the full 2 weeks.

 

[Dreeza]

i think leaving them him with your friend is a good idea, especially since she seems like she knows how to take care of him, since she has a dog. As long as your dog and her dog get along, i think that is a good idea (as long as she agrees!)!

 

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

I agree with Dreeza. Sounds like the best option, and he'll be happier. Our vet has a boarding facility, and they're awesome. They're kept in large indoor kennel runs, and are let outisde frequently in a large play area, and the more well behaved ones are allowed to be in the lobby area with the employees (it's gated off from the rest of the facility). When we used to take Crash, out German Shepherd, there he'd always hang out with the other dogs behind the desk.

 

[krisykris]

Please please please do not leave your dog tied out for two weeks. Anything could happen to him... wild animals, being stolen, getting hurt, ect ect ect. The possibilities of bad things are endless.

 

[Zephyrpower]

i think leaving them him with your friend is a good idea, especially since she seems like she knows how to take care of him, since she has a dog. As long as your dog and her dog get along, i think that is a good idea (as long as she agrees!)!

Yeah, she definetely is. She's a very kind and sweet person who loves her pit bull puppy and she would actually get along quite well with the other pit bull/dog lovers here. She was telling me awhile back about how she hates the bad rep that pitbulls get because of irresponsible/mean owners and they are really very nice if properly raised and cared for.

Of all the people I know, I think she's probably the person I can REALLY trust my puppy to be safe and well-cared for with. She also has a fenced-in backyard so they can play outside, and of course I'm bringing my crate.

The only disadvantage is she does seem to work a lot, but on the plus side she has a boyfriend (who I'm pretty sure is good w/ dogs). The only other thing I'm a bit worried about is if Pudges is going to be potty-trained in a new environment and/or if he'll mess anything up that they value. Either way, I plan on paying her for her time to take care of him.

Oh, and one last question, how much do Kennels typically cost when you board you're dog there for 2 wks?

 

[Dizzy]

Afraid if I couldn't find somewhere for Bodhi to go - I wouldn't be going away.