Getting a Pup-Maybe

[rocco376]

So, 6 months after the loss of our GSP, after saying we would never get another dog because the loss is so painful, we think we want a puppy. We are on the list of a well respected GSP breeder, but are having second thoughts. We loved our other GSP for over 15 years, and never went on a vacation in that time. We were so overprotective that we never wanted to leave her with anyone. What do you folks do if you want to get away?

[JASmith]

Our dogs are always well behaved so they are always welcome at my parents, siblings, or in-laws.

[Beech]

No vacation for wife and I since 1999 so we bought a cabin (second home) in prime grouse country. The other option is to take separate vacations, we do that too. Not for the dog but because we are adamant in protecting our immuno-suppressed daughter. Last time we trusted someone (trained and qualified) to take care of her she almost died and spent months in recovery.

Most kennels will do a good and conscientious job of keeping your dog safe. The dogs sure get happy when you come to pick them up.

[Misskiwi67]

I have a veterinary technician live at my house while I am on vacation. You typically need to pay a bit more and schedule far in advance, but they do a good job. I've used two different individuals over the years. My current pet sitter even learned to use the Alpha and takes my dogs for a run in the timber every evening just like when we are home.

[mtlhdr]

I got to know a trainer who also runs a boarding facility (many of them do). Rates are very reasonable and I usually go with the board and train option, which gets my dog more attention, opportunity to run, and a few birds shot for him over the course of his stay. In fact, I just picked my dog up Monday after an 8-night stay while our family was in Hawaii. You'll find many board/train facilities are pretty austere, but safe (which is the most important part) and perfectly adequate for a week or two. I've found that the price of the facility goes up pretty fast as you add "comforts."

[rocco376]

Boy, I'm so glad I found this site/forum. I have made two posts, and have gotten really great responses. Thank you all so much for being so kind and helpful.

[birddogger2]

I got to know a trainer who also runs a boarding facility (many of them do). Rates are very reasonable and I usually go with the board and train option, which gets my dog more attention, opportunity to run, and a few birds shot for him over the course of his stay. In fact, I just picked my dog up Monday after an 8-night stay while our family was in Hawaii. You'll find many board/train facilities are pretty austere, but safe (which is the most important part) and perfectly adequate for a week or two. I've found that the price of the facility goes up pretty fast as you add "comforts."

THIS.

If your dog can't be put in a quality boarding kennel for a week or two, there is something wrong.

RayG

[birddogger2]

I got to know a trainer who also runs a boarding facility (many of them do). Rates are very reasonable and I usually go with the board and train option, which gets my dog more attention, opportunity to run, and a few birds shot for him over the course of his stay. In fact, I just picked my dog up Monday after an 8-night stay while our family was in Hawaii. You'll find many board/train facilities are pretty austere, but safe (which is the most important part) and perfectly adequate for a week or two. I've found that the price of the facility goes up pretty fast as you add "comforts."

THIS.

If your dog can't be put in a quality boarding kennel for a week or two, there is something wrong.

RayG

Field trial dogs typically live in an intermediate vari-kennel for 18-20 hours a day, for days on end when the pro is on the road. It is not ideal, but the dogs do just fine. They get acclimated and they adjust. You gotta remember they are dogs. They don't NEED a lot. A warm safe place to sleep, food, water, a kind word and kind hand occasionally and birds to hunt and point, and that is pretty much enough.

A the risk of being non- PC, I will repeat an old question for the purpose of illustration:

If you lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car for an hour...

guess which one will be glad to see you when you open the trunk??

RayG