Off on Holiday soon...

gsdlover4ever · #1 16-01-12, 05:23 PM

Well I will be going to Australia for a month in the next few weeks.

I have found a good kennel for Zara and they let the dogs out x5 a day in several compounds.

We have already went for a visit, Zara was put into one of the compounds to get use to it whilst we got shown around te kennels... It was only for about 15 minutes and she wasn't that bothered.

Then she was booked in for a trial in the kennels for a few hours free of charge. Again to get use to it and to try and reduce the chance of her getting SA and to show her that we will come back for her.

I am also planning on booking a dog walker to take her out for an hours walk each time away from the kennels.

What kind of questions should I be asking?
I have never had a dog walker or actually trusted anybody to take mt dog a walk. It has always been me and my OH.
I have already asked about insurance, although I h aven't seen any documents.

I think I will be the one with SA, never mind Zara... lol She has never been away from me as long before...

sami · #2 16-01-12, 06:00 PM

Cant help on the dog walker front but Zara will be fine in kennels, mine have been in lots of times and its only the initial drop off thats the problem, I have mine picked up for that reason.

Mine have been in for 6 weeks in a stretch and even Max who could get separation anxiety in the next room from me was fine.

LindaM · #3 16-01-12, 06:08 PM

Lukey has a dog walker a couple of times a week for the moment. She is very professional - it is her full time job, she is very dog orientated (her family bred dogs) although not owned a shepherd. She walks only him and not several dogs (she only every walks one dog at a time). She can read dog body language, Lukey likes her, she is confident and yet kind with him, gives him affection but not food (which I quite like about her). If he was going to be iffy with another male dog (usually a Ridgeback) she would pick it up.

She has been CRB checked and has references and has common sense. I sort of interviewed her when she met Lukey and I just thought 'yes, this person is capable of looking after my dog'.

Hope this helps.

Linda

nisbreagha · #4 16-01-12, 10:02 PM

Working in Lanarkshires countryside I see the good and the bad dog walkers. So far the best one Ive come across is John Logan who own Puperions dog walking
puperinosDogWalking
John is very good with the dogs, he and his wife own 2 beautiful black labs they spend a lot of time training and exercising their dogs and are very understanding of people's individual needs.

Good luck with your search.

LOVEGSD · #5 17-01-12, 11:10 AM

I can't recommend anyone, just wanted to wish you well with your trip...xx

lauraburns · #6 17-01-12, 11:57 AM

Hope you have a fantastic trip Robyn! I know it will be difficult, but try not to worry about Zara too much!

gsdlover4ever · #7 18-01-12, 02:32 PM

Thanks all and yes I know I shouldn't worry, I fell a bit guilty leaving her in kennels for so long.

Can any of you give me some important questions I should ask the potential dog walker, before deciding which one to go for?

ArchandEbs · #8 20-01-12, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsdlover4ever

Well I will be going to Australia for a month in the next few weeks.

I have found a good kennel for Zara and they let the dogs out x5 a day in several compounds.

We have already went for a visit, Zara was put into one of the compounds to get use to it whilst we got shown around te kennels... It was only for about 15 minutes and she wasn't that bothered.

Then she was booked in for a trial in the kennels for a few hours free of charge. Again to get use to it and to try and reduce the chance of her getting SA and to show her that we will come back for her.

I am also planning on booking a dog walker to take her out for an hours walk each time away from the kennels.

What kind of questions should I be asking?
I have never had a dog walker or actually trusted anybody to take mt dog a walk. It has always been me and my OH.
I have already asked about insurance, although I h aven't seen any documents.

I think I will be the one with SA, never mind Zara... lol She has never been away from me as long before...

Are you coming to Brisbane? I live by Manly the Lonely Planet put it as one of the "must see" places in Brisvegas and did you read my post about sunscreen etc? If you are in Brissy send me a PM because you can't come here without visiting the premier location in Brisbane ie the Doggy Cafe lol.

Ps if it's below 25c I will be in a jumper and jeans!!

gsdlover4ever · #9 20-01-12, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchandEbs

Are you coming to Brisbane? I live by Manly the Lonely Planet put it as one of the "must see" places in Brisvegas and did you read my post about sunscreen etc? If you are in Brissy send me a PM because you can't come here without visiting the premier location in Brisbane ie the Doggy Cafe lol.

Ps if it's below 25c I will be in a jumper and jeans!!

Yes I am going to Brisbane (North Gate, North of city), Sydney, Adelade and Canberra

ianock · #10 21-01-12, 11:18 PM

whats Zara like with other sheps & kids?