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Review content:
We took our large-breed dog to Preston for the New Years holiday despite some concerns that arose when we dropped him off. When we arrived, the kennel seemed to be in chaos, perhaps because of the holiday. There were many young people (late teens, early twenties) shuttling the dogs about, weighing them. The young man who took our dog didn't seem to have a clue about how to handle a large-breed and was trying to force our dog onto the scale to weigh him -- there were no introductions, no sniffing of the hand, no treats, no time for our dog to get to know this large man who was suddenly handling him. Our dog, a young unneutered male, did not take kindly to this rough handling and snarled -- did not bite. I had to come into the room to help calm our dog down and get him on the scale. Having done so, he was led off into the kennel. When I returned to pick the dog up a couple days later, I was told in a kindly, helpful and non-confrontational, non-blaming manner that our dog had snapped at one of the staff when he tried to put a lead around his neck. I spoke with the gentleman involved and it sounded like he had stepped into the kennel and suddenly reached out to put a lead around the dog's neck, again without any introductions, sniffing, treats, etc. Our dog then put his mouth around the man's wrist, held for a second, then let go. Basically, trying to say, "Hey, back off and treat me with a little respect before you start shoving me around." Further, having boarded this same dog at two other kennels, we have never had similar problems. I think the staff here love animals but they don't respect them or know enough about their psychology, particularly large-breed guard dogs. If you have a dog who loves everyone (a Labrador or Golden), Preston is probably fine. If you have a strong-willed dog, think about a different kennel. I think they all love the dogs, but there is a difference between loving dogs and respecting them.
Pros: Kind, convenient
Cons: inexperienced, chaotic
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