Cageless Boarding

[FuFuBear]

My Fufu Bear is almost 9 weeks old. He gets his 2nd shots today. I really want him to get some socialization so I am thinking of enrolling him at a doggie day care that is only a 2 minute drive from my house. At the end of the month, hubby and I are celebrating our anniversary for an overnight out of town beach trip. We want to board our boxer then, he will be 10 weeks old. Then in July we are going to Mexico for a whole week and are planning on boarding Fufu Bear then as well. My questions are:

1. First time boarding him at 10 weeks old – will he be too young or will it actually be good for him since he constantly bites and chews that maybe he will learn bite inhibition and learn young to play with other dogs?
2. Is it possible that the cageless indoor/ outdoor boarding mess with my crate training?

 

[Cami]

I don't suspect he will have all of his puppy vaccines by 10 weeks of age and *most* facilities require proof of vaccine. I personally would not take the chance of having a pup that young co-mingling with other dogs just yet....unless of course I knew the dogs (health history/behaviors, etc...).
I might imagine a pup so young picking up various "bad" traits while out of your presence and with other dogs but I might also suspect some good things to be picked up as well (bite inhibition would be a biggie). No better teacher for a pup than an older well behaved one!
Socialization is a great thing but IMO, while so young it is best done when supervised by YOU. A day care will have multiple other dogs to watch and they can't see everything that goes on. They are great tools to utilize when a dog is a bit older though.

 

[whiskers]

The facility I bring Juno to does not accept dogs younger than 16 weeks, and I would suspect most facilities would be the same (likely just for vaccination purposes).

I don't like the idea of a puppy that young being in a daycare setting because it can be very overwhelming and traumatizing for them. It can be a wonderful experience, too, but that's the issue - too much of a toss up and one bad experience can leave a very bitter taste in her mouth and leave her with a bad impression of dogs in general. That age is SO crucial, the experiences she has now will have a HUGE impact on her behavior as an adult - and I just wouldn't be comfortable leaving her with a bunch of strange dogs with daycare staff in charge.

I would seek out a more "traditional" boarding facility where it is not just a free for all 24/7 (not that cageless is bad - we use a cageless place too - I just don't like it for pups). You might have difficulties due to her age. Check out vet clinics as well.

 

[FuFuBear]

Thank you for the wonderful insights. I truly appreciate your honest opinions! I am a little worried about his age and being around all those dogs too. I am so clueless that I am so glad that this forum has helped me a lot with my decision making and better my judgment.

Good news, I found this awesome lady in my area that does in-house dog sitting for $12/night. She has 3 dogs herself (2 adults and 1 five month old huskies). I already met with her and visited her home. She has a big fenced yard and she lives close to a vet in case of emergency. She is God sent.