by JerinWI

Created on: August 18, 2009

One thing that needs to be sorted, in this topic heading, is pretty clear to me. Whether it is clear to you, or not is completely up to you, and your understanding of the care for your animal.

Are we really going to talk about dropping our dog(s) off at a kennel that we are not comfortable with? There is certainly a big danger in dropping your dog off at a kennel that first and foremost, does not ask you for vet records. Between that, and if your dog can get its own kennel block, really are the only major factors in dropping your dog off at a kennel. "Check references"!

For the record, I'm saying, "It's all about the physical health of your animal".

I have seen a few things happen at different kennels. Along with the few major issues that I witnessed at my father's when I was very young.

I'm going to step away from the idea of boarding your dog being the big danger of the dog kennel.

Let's talk about a different, and very real danger in kenneling your dog. Some people put their dogs in crates, or "wire crates". These crates and small versions of kennels are very dangerous if taken for granted. I know it is a great way to confine your pup/dog while you are away at work, or can't be home for whatever reason.

Every time you put that dog in that crate, you must be very sure that the locks, whether "hook & eye type" or "turn and lock" are totally locked. Not locked on top, only to forget the bottom "on the run out the door", or vi ca versa. Next, be sure that your dog does NOT wear a collar in that crate while unattended.

I only need to give one example for you to understand this "rule of thumb".

Picture your family going out to dinner one night, and you leave your German Short-haired Pointer companion home in the wire kennel. You are only going to be gone for a few hours, so it's not a huge deal. The dog has stayed in that kennel for 8 hrs a night for the last year. You tell your son/daughter to put "Penny" in her crate, and meet you in the car. Your son/daughter is excited to go out to eat with the family, and only gets the door of the kennel partially locked. The bottom was locked tight, but the top only had a partial in the "eye" part of the lock. No big deal to "the kiddo", the dog will be fine.

Your family goes out and has a great time, "where ever you decide to go". However, while you are away a neighbor rings the door bell, to stop for a friendly hello. He/she stops over all the time to chat. Oh well, they must have "just missed you tonight".

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