We came back last week from our first vacation since we have our Vizsla. We live on an island where you can't really travel ( although we live on a place where other come for holiday ;D ) . Strictly import-export regulations for pets. So no chance to take the dog to the near-by countries.
We don't have family here and I don't let her with or at someone who is not used to a Vizsla.
Most Vizsla owners here are having big family and therefor quite busy. They have maids who take their dogs out and mostly take care of them. I don't want to let my dog there.
I have a friend who owns a Vizsla and I would leave my pup with her but her dog has a cracked bone and we can't let the dogs together.
So we found a nice boarding place. The guy who runs the daycare is a dog trainer. He came to our place and met our pup first to have a first impression. He is a really nice and friendly guy. He has a calm nature which I really like.
So we sent our pup for 3 evaluation days ( once a week ) and of course - she is non aggressive, well socialized and can play with other dogs. ;D
So we started then to send her ( approx 2 months before our holiday ) once a week to the daycare. The first two times she was a little bit tense but after that she felt comfortable there. When he comes with his Van to pick her up she is very excited and happy to see him and his wife. That's a good sign for me.
He takes the dogs to different places , they are outside every day and they get good exercise. Then he takes them home for a rest-time.
Sometimes he opens the van and I can see some dogs from the neighbourhood and so our dog always has a friend 'from da hood'
He has a facebook side where he uploads tons of pics with the dogs so you can see where he's going and what he's doing. He keeps us updated with pics and videos on our iphones.
He mostly has 5-9 dogs. He makes evaluation with every dog he takes care of and he is aware that they all come along together.
So we did a test night before we went to holiday and she did so well. She didn't whine or bark. He owns two dogs and she played with them and wasn't alone at night.
She loves his old Golden Retriever
So we went away for 6 nights and I was too worried. He said, that I trained her well and that she is easy to take care of.... ( the only thing is that she pulls on the lead
)
Over Christmas we'll fly for two weeks to Europe and she will stay with him and his family. I think my dog is in good hands. He is a not only a dog lover , he is also a trainer who can act and correct dogs when they behave inappropriate.
My aim was to have one place ( including staying with friends from time to time ) where she is familiar with and goes there from time to time. At the moment I can't send her because of her injury but in two weeks she'll go there once a week until holiday and after that maybe twice a months to keep her familiar.
I think she misses us but she knows every time she gets picked up that she'll come home again.
So I wouldn't say that all Vizslas are not suitable for a boarding place. It depends on the personality of you dog and about the quality of the boarding place.
Sure, best place is still home or family but it's not possible for everyone.