We thought about it. We became our dog. You're in a NEW environment, you need to know what's going on around you and who's the "BOSS". Pets need to know if they or someone else is going to be "Alpha.".
Cage boarding gives your loved one a "private" room for his/her food, toys, blankie etc while being able to SEE (not only hear) what is going on around them. Is the barker next door a big dog or a dangerous dog? Being in a "crate " protects them first and foremost. After they realize that we are "Alpha", they relax. When another dog barks or carries on in the room , they know we will take care of it, and they relax and enjoy.
At first they are scared, they are in a new environment. This is not their normal surroundings. After a day or two they love their private environment. We have studied what would be the best for our pets when we need a break or go on vacation. A gated (cage) was the BEST. hears why
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Our opinion.
"Open room" boarding allows many other animals to interact with your pet far more time than any person or persons can handle. Sex, rough play, exposure to all kinds of problems exist when too much time is allowed to be together. We had reports from vets of incoming pets who were at dog parks and their pet was assaulted because of the need to be "Alpha" We do not like "open room" boarding.
. We monitor the behavior of all pets before we allow any interaction between them.
"Shielded rooms" are the rooms you see at most public kennels. A wall of concrete or ? They cannot see what is on the other side. Even a small dog barking can make your big dog nervous and unable to relax if they cannot SEE them. We do not allow "barking". All Guests KNOW we are ALPHA and they listen to our commands.
We do not like "shielded room" boarding.
When you take your pet to "obedience" school". They teach you to "crate" train them. So why is crating sooo bad now? Well the truth is, it cost more to obtain cages and still have space for play. We have the space. Being in the same location for over 23 years off the beaten path with a lot of land helps.
All guests get one on one attention and have interaction with other guests for a limited time and always monitored. We have portable play pens for shy, pregnant or recovering from surgery guests. They are protected from the herd but still feel part of it.
Most kennels we went to we heard a lot of barking. We noticed that a large dog barked just as much as the small ones when they did not see who was next door to them or what was going on in the room. It is their way of protecting themselves. With "crates" they are able to see everything around them and feel the safety of no one being able to touch them or their stuff.
We like "cage" or "crate" boarding.
Just our opinion.
