Some questions and answers, which may be
of interest to you……

This little chap thought he belonged to this
litter of puppies!
Are you like ordinary kennels, or a
home sitting service?
‘Home from Home Hound Hotel’ is not like boarding kennels. It offers
superior accommodation located within the house, enabling your dog to enjoy a
home-based family environment. We offer an alternative to placing your pet in
kennels – he/she will not be locked away for hours at a time and will be
given lots of love and individual attention throughout the day and evening. Unlike
home sitting services, your dog will live with us, so when you go away, you can
lock up your house with peace of mind, knowing there will not be a stranger in
your home.

'This is the life!' A boarding dog keeps warm
on a cold winters night.
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Do you have much experience with dogs?
Yes, I am a qualified pet dog trainer. I am a Member of the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers and also a Member of the Institute of Animal Care Education
in both training and canine behaviour. I am Kennel Club Listed for training
the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme awards and have status at all levels,
namely, Puppy, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
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Do you have a licence, and what if
my dog is ill whilst he is with you?
We are fully licenced by the Local Authority, and have 24-hour Veterinary cover.
All dogs are covered for
third party insurance.
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What type of property do you live in?
The Hound Hotel is a beautifully converted Chapel, dating back to 1841. After
use as a Chapel, it was later used as a school where local children spent
many happy hours. The building was converted into a private dwelling approximately
12 years ago but still maintains the gothic windows and many other original
features to this day. It has also been sympathetically extended by the addition
of a small conservatory. A log fire completes the ambiance in winter evenings.
Your dog will have all the home comforts he is used to – central heating
24 hours a day during the winter season, comfy chair and even a television.
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My dog is very special
to us. He has fresh chicken for his tea, and likes a biscuit
before going to bed. How would you know his likes and dislikes?
Before accepting your pet, we will need to know all about him. You will be
asked lots of questions, ranging from his usual feeding patterns, to everything
about his normal daily routine. This may seem a little ‘out of the ordinary’ but
our aim is to provide him with the minimum of discomfort whilst being away
from his ‘master’. We believe that if his regular daily routine
is followed as much as possible, with regular human contact, he will settle
far more easily. We are more than happy to prepare any diet your dog is used
to.
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What about exercise?

Two of the boarding dogs just returning from
a walk with our Golden Retrievers
No two dogs are the same. One dog may be used to two small walks a day, whereas
another may be used to one longer walk. We play with each dog individually,
both inside the house and out. We also have a designated area for outdoor
play with lovely rural views towards North Wales
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Will my dog be able
to play with your dogs?
Some dogs are not be used to other dogs around them and may be nervous. On
the other hand, your dog may love the company of other dogs, and would enjoy
a play in the garden with our own retrievers. Our dogs have extremely gentle
natures and love to play with all their new friends. Within minutes of owners
leaving, the socialisation with our own dogs begins, which we are convinced
helps our visitors to settle so easily. Your dog may well love playing with
a certain toy, or simply enjoy our company in the garden whilst we are gardening,
or whilst we are doing ‘everyday things’ like hanging out the washing!
Whatever his personality, we will respond to it, within an acceptably disciplined
environment, putting his safety and comfort first.

'Playtime!'
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My dog is due for
his vaccination. Should we consider Kennel Cough immunisation?
Please ensure that your dog holds a current immunisation certificate (including
Kennel Cough), and that he has been wormed. [Whilst we appreciate that some
establishments do not request Kennel Cough protection, we feel, and at the
recommendation of our veterinary surgeon, that all measures must be taken to
safeguard against this, thereby protecting each pet in our care].
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My dog has his own
bed and a favourite toy. Can he bring them with him?
For during his stay, it may be useful to bring his normal bedding, or even
an old jumper or blanket. This item will carry familiar smells to comfort him
whilst he is with us. It may also be beneficial to bring his own eating/drinking
vessels, as some dogs will only eat/drink from their own utensils. We do have
toys here, but you are welcome to bring some with you, although a word of warning
- the dogs tend to share their beds and toys, so if you are worried about anything
getting damaged, leave it at home!
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The following is a
tick-list of items you may wish to bring with you when you
come.
Bed/Bedding/old jumper (optional)
Food (Biscuits if required)
Food/drinking vessels (optional)
Grooming brush
Collar (with name disc) / Lead
Vaccination certificate
Date of last worming / Flea prevention
Favourite (but not expensive!) toys
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When we arrive at
Hound Hotel, what is the procedure?
Upon arrival at ‘Home from Home Hound Hotel’, we ask that you leave
your dog in the car initially, whilst the paperwork is completed. If it is
a hot day, please ensure that the windows are not closed totally, allowing
adequate air supply into the car, but ensuring that your dog cannot jump out.
Please also ensure that your car is not parked in direct sunlight.
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Is it possible to have a look around the
Hound Hotel before booking?
Absolutely. If you would like to visit the accommodation prior to bringing
your dog, we will be more than happy to make an appointment and show you around.
We want you to feel assured that your dog will receive our best attention,
and if you wish to ring us at any time during his stay, please feel free to
do so, during the hours 09:00-20:00. In the meantime, if you have any questions
whatsoever, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
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