Maximum time to leave a dog in boarding kennels?

S
Sebastos Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

In your opinion, what is the maximum amount of time you can leave your dog with other people or in boarding kennels?

My job means I have to go away for 6 months and it isn't possible for me to take him along. Last time I went away for 6 months he came with me, but this time it's just not doable.

Is having him looked after for several months even thinkable? Will he get depressed, stop recognising me, get ill or something else?

I’ve read that long-term boarding has a negative psychological impact on dogs.

Thanks for your help

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi Sebastos

    There’s another option worth considering instead of boarding so that he can stay at home: having someone come and look after him.

    There’s a site called www.nomador.com that connects house-sitters with people looking for someone to mind their dogs, cats and so on.

    I posted an advert last year to find a good sitter for mine. I had loads of replies, which meant I could pick the right person. Mind you, with COVID she wasn't able to come in the end.

    We’ve stayed in touch ever since! It could be well worth having a look. There are reviews for the pet sitters, identities are verified, and you have the chance to meet people, at least virtually to start with.

    I’m not sure whereabouts you live, but it’s true that it’s easier to find someone if you live somewhere nice.

    I left mine for 4 months this summer—did they get depressed? Probably... though I was sent regular videos of them playing and running about. Did they recognise me? Yes, they jumped all over me. Any lasting effects? I don't think so, they’re doing great now.

    If you find the right person, it might be a solution that lets him stay in his own home.

    Best of luck

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    Emla
    Emla Icon representing the flag French
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    For such a long period, you really should opt for home boarding...

    Whether you know the person or not, make sure you get all the paperwork sorted; a clear contract will help you avoid any hassle. Spending six months in a kennel always takes a real toll on a dog.

    Translated from French
    Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French
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    A cousin of mine left his dog with friends for two years while the family were away in Cambodia. They picked him back up when they returned and there weren't any issues at all.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    On the other hand, six months of boarding seems unthinkable... 😲
    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    If you’re leaving him with someone he knows well, where he has his little routines and they take good care of him, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t go well :) Or is the person looking after your dog coming to your place to house-sit? He’ll be a bit out of sorts with the change, and do expect him to give you the "cold shoulder" when you get back. There will be a bit of a settling-in period, but it’s nothing major – just until your usual routine gets back to normal.
    Translated from French

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