Where do I board a protection trained GSD (German Shepherd Dog)?
The Situation:
My dog is a 3 year old male GSD that’s protection trained, I will be going for two weeks. Where do I board him? What are the things I should know? He is also poisoned proof dog.
The Solution:
The best place would be with the dog’s breeder, or the kennel you bought him from. The next best alternative would be with a protection trainer. Someone who is comfortable with being around protection dogs, knows their training, and knows what precautions to take is your best bet.
If that is not possible, call around to boarding kennels and find one with indoor/outdoor runs separated by a sliding door which can be raised and lowered from the outside. This allows the dog to be shut in one side of the kennel while someone enters safely to clean the kennel and put down food for your dog. That way, nobody has to handle your dog and risk a bite.
Some of this may be overkill if your dog is very friendly, and you can discuss this with the kennel staff. Consider having them sign a statement acknowledging the fact that you have informed them that the dog is protection trained and if they enter the kennel, they do so at their own risk.
As far as the poison-proofing, supply them with your dog’s normal food and water bowls and an ample supply of his regular food, and run your hands through the food to give it your scent. Give the kennel a supply of latex surgical gloves, and ask that they handle the food and bowls with the gloves to avoid putting a concentration of unfamiliar scent on the food. Finally, have them slip the bowl in as inconspicously as possible. Then hope for the best!
