[jrandall]

I need to decide on a dog sitter from April 26 to May 11. My puppy will be 6.5 months old then. I am trying to determine if it would be better for her to go to a Dog Boarder Kennel where she can socialize with other dogs during the day or to have her stay in a pet sitters home. Your suggestions and or recommendations for kennels or sitters is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[teachnmo]

We have used Preppy Pet Suites in Leesburg (just west of Key Scales Ford) for the past three years. Max LOVES the place or perhaps more importantly the people who work there. Max is a 24 lb. Shih Tzu mixed breed 9 year old dog.

We have him in a larger container because Max figured out how to open the mini-crates and get out. It cost $30 a day with play time. Max doesn't exercise much. He tends to be plopped down in his favorite spot in the exercise area. They have cameras in the exercise areas so that you can watch your dog if you would like.

When we start getting out our suitcases Max gets very anxious. But when we pull up to Preppy Pets he starts lunging towards the door and can't wait to get in. Reminds me of a sled dog! LOL

Call Preppy Pets at 352-702-3505. They also do grooming. I have them give Max a bath before I pick him up on that day so he smells nice and sweet.

I don't work for them or am related to anyone that works there. My dog just loves them!

Connie

[SusanOfWoodbury]

I would highly suggest putting your puppy in a private home where they will get individual attention. I would like to suggest Edie Hoffman, she lives in the villages and has been taking care of dogs and cats. She can be reached at 352-874-6518

[CFrance]

Another place that does the same thing is Pet Lodge and Spa in Leesburg. Some former Preppy Pet employees work there.

One of the things that is different between Preppy Pet and Pet Lodge is that there are solid half walls at Pet Lodge between the animals' indoor play yards. The groups cannot see each other, and consequently they don't get into yelping frenzies and agitate themselves. There is quiet music playing all the time, and I find the atmosphere there very peaceful. Preppy Pet's "rooms" are separated by chain link fences, and the dogs are barking at each other a lot.

I don't know what size your pooch is, but for general information, the area for big dogs at PP is fairly small. The dogs can get in each other's way, and this can lead to problems. We once went in to pick up our golden after daycare and could see through the window that two aggressive labs had him backed into a corner, were barking furiously at him, and none of the staff had noticed.

I'm wondering... if your dog has not been socialized yet, it might not be a good idea to start this process while you're away. Or rather, it might be better for him to stay in someone's home who cares for a few dogs at a time, rather than a large facility with many dogs.

I can give you names of people who sit in their homes, and one of someone who will stay in your home with the pet. Feel free to PM me if you get that far along and need more info.