Advice on boarding/pet sitting

I'm going on holiday for two weeks in February that has been planned since March this year. I'm not sure what to do with Max as he is fear aggressive so I don't know where is best for him to stay. I could have had my boyfriend's brother take care of him but because he barks at night at noises and my boyfriends brother's flat is small and in a noisy area it would be non-stop barking and I know that will be a problem. I can't afford someone to stay at my house (at home pet sitting) as it's too expensive so that option is ruled out.

From what I understand, I have two options - kennels or pet sitting. I have no clue which is better because he's only been to the uk about 3 months now and I've never had to put him somewhere before. In Trinidad my mom used both pet sitting and kennels and he was fine there but the people there were ok with a fear aggressive dog and were not afraid of taking him on.

I don't know what to tell people if I needed to call up kennels/pet sitters as I don't want them to think I have a monster dog. He will bite if he is unsure of himself, but if you just ignore him and let him sniff you he will be ok, but if a stranger approaches he will get into an 'attack' mode, barking and snapping.

Any advice on what's the best plan of action? I don't take holidays often but as I said, this was planned and booked since March this year, months before I knew I'd have such a problem

Mysti77 Hi just read about your dog. You do have time to do some work with your dog, its a case of building its confidence up.By gentle exposure to different things on a daily basis, traffic, people,other dogs etc.I have a dog who came to me quite fearful just 3mths ago,and she is now coming along a treat, when you are calm your dog will also be calm,so no matter what happens remain calm, when the dog does not panic reward it,titbits,praise etc, when being silly just carry on ignore the behaviour and treat it as though nothing is out of the ordinary,slowly the dog will begin to regain its confidence,it will be hard work, but well worth it,and you have almost 3mths before you go on holiday,failing this then find a reputable dog training class
and take it there. good luck
Wildfire

thanks for the reply wildfire. I'm already trying to socialize him by taking him out for walks every day and rewarding when he's calm. I've also had two socialization walks arranged with other people and their dogs but I'm finding it so difficult as the process is really slow. What happens if he is still like this when it's time for me to leave? Who can I leave him with because I don't know if anywhere will want to take him on if they think he's a threat (even though he's just little)?

training dogs is like anything else, unfortunatley it won't happen overnight.But you sound as though you are doing the right thing, increase the socialisation more,loads of praise when he is good, I bought my dog a training leash,or leading rein,and what I have found with my girl Mishka is that with the long leash on,she can choose to run up to the other dog, but just before she can make contact I pull her sharply back and tell her the command'leave' she now does not charge up to the other dog and when I say leave she actually stops to see what I want her to do, when she does this I give her loads of praise and titbits,she is coming along very well, but I know it will be a bit longer before she will feel really safe when approaching another dog, so really all I can say is keep it up,it does work,but with your time limit you will perhaps have to put in a lot more effort more frequently. Be firm mean what you say. Good Luck you do still have more than enough time to achieve what you want.

Remember Rome was not built in a Day!

Could your boyfriends brother stay at your place with him?
Be honest with the kennels or pet sitter when you ring - most of them will want to meet your dog first anyway before they decide wether they can offer pet boarding. Im sure you will find someone to help as it sounds like you are doing all the right things to help your dog get over its fear aggression.

I hate to say it but it sounds as though your only option may be a very kind family member of friend take him. If he was all front with his fear aggression (barking, postering, etc.) with little follow through, then you could probably explain this to kennel staff and then kennel him. However, you say he will bite which is a totally different ball game. Kennels are very stressfull for even the most confident of dogs, which I am afraid in your case could all to easily lead to your dog hurting someone.

I think I would work on desensitizing him to noises and then ask your boyfriends brother if he would kindly take him. Either that or save up for the petsitter.

to be honest he is actually very good in kennels. He's stayed in them before and maybe it's because no one he knows is around he behaves himself around who ever is handling him.

My boyfriend's brother can't stay over at ours as it will be too far a commute to work for him.

I have someone else that can take him (friend) but they have kids and I will be too worried to do that.

Hopefully by February he's in a better state. Last night he only barked at 1 person on our training walk!

you should take some time to find a kennel that you feel comfortable with.Boarding should be a positive experience for dogs.A good kennels should offer to carry on with any training and tailor the stay to the dogs needs-extra reassurance- more walks etc.experienced staff or owners may be able to offer extra tips or advice as well

Hi Mysti77 I have a new dog myself who has a social problem like your boy. I have been working with her for the last 4mths,and she is coming along well,only a suggestion
but its a case of getting your boy used to people and different situations, on a daily basis, bribery works well!
short leash, no immediate reaction from yourself, just gentle reassurance,and firmness,when he has calmed an immed reward and praise,the other is dog training classes
aimed to specifically address his problem, find yourself a good trainer a referral from friends who may know someone
there is still time to get this resolved depending of course on how responsive your boy will be, good luck...Wildfire