Why Home-Based Dog Sitters Are Better Than Kennels — Especially for Oodles and Small Dogs
If you’re an oodle or small dog parent, you know how important it is to find the right care for your pup when you can’t be there. While traditional kennels were once the go-to option, many dog owners are now turning to home-based dog sitters — and for good reason.
In this blog, we’ll unpack why home-based care is often a safer, less stressful, and more tailored option for your furry friend, especially for breeds like Cavoodles, Labradoodles, and other small or toy breeds.
Why Oodles and Small Dogs Need Special Care
Oodles (poodle-mix breeds) like Cavoodles, Spoodles, and Groodles, alongside small dogs such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, tend to be:
- Highly social and attached to their humans
- Sensitive to changes in environment and routine
- Prone to anxiety and stress when separated or in noisy, unfamiliar settings
- Often unaccustomed to pack-style boarding environments
According to a 2021 study published in Animals (an international peer-reviewed open access journal), dogs exhibited higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone) when staying in kennels compared to being cared for in a home-based environment.
Kennel vs. Home-Based Dog Sitting: What the Research Says
- A 2015 study by Beerda et al. found that unfamiliar, confined environments like kennels can trigger stress behaviours in dogs including excessive barking, pacing, reduced appetite, and increased cortisol levels.
- In contrast, home-based pet care environments reduced these symptoms, especially for dogs accustomed to household settings.
- Pet industry research suggests 63% of pet owners believe their pets are less stressed and happier in home-based dog sitting environments than in traditional kennels (Pet Industry Association of Australia, 2022).
Top Benefits of Home-Based Dog Sitting for Oodles and Small Dogs
- Personalised, One-on-One Attention
Your dog isn’t one of a pack — they’re treated like family. Home-based sitters usually care for a small number of dogs (or just yours), ensuring personalised playtime, cuddles, and supervision tailored to your dog’s quirks, habits, and health needs.
- Familiar, Home-Like Environment
Most oodles and small dogs are used to couches, soft beds, and a cozy backyard — not cold concrete floors or loud kennel runs. (which is why our guests love it with us because they get all the comforts of home) Home-based care mimics your dog’s usual environment, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
- Consistent Routine
Home sitters can stick to your pup’s feeding, walk, medication, and bedtime schedule, which is especially beneficial for routine-dependent breeds like Cavoodles and mood-sensitive dogs.
- Reduced Risk of Illness
Kennels, with multiple dogs in confined areas, can be a breeding ground for contagious illnesses like canine cough (kennel cough) and gastrointestinal bugs. Home-based care limits your dog’s exposure to unfamiliar animals, reducing the risk of infection.
- Lower Noise & Stress Levels
Kennels are noisy, chaotic places. Small and oodle breeds, known for their sensitive temperaments, can become overwhelmed. A quiet home-based setting offers peace, calm, and a stress-free environment.
- Better for Separation Anxiety
Oodles, in particular, are known for strong human attachment and can experience significant separation anxiety. Having a home sitter provides constant human interaction, making them feel safe and secure while you’re away.
- Tailored Socialisation
If your dog enjoys playing with other pups, a home-based sitter can arrange controlled playdates with carefully matched dogs. Unlike kennels, where dogs are often mixed together, sitters can choose calm, compatible companions.
- Photo and Video Updates
Many home-based sitters happily send daily updates, photos, or videos of your pooch enjoying their holiday — something kennels rarely offer.
A recent survey found that:
- 72% of pet owners felt their dog was happier in a home-based care setting
- 65% reported their pet returned home calmer and more settled compared to kennel stays
In Summary: Home-Based Sitting Is a Better Fit for Oodles and Small Dogs
When you consider their sensitive natures, need for human connection, and intolerance to noisy, stressful environments — home-based dog sitting is simply the kinder, safer, and more emotionally healthy option for oodles and small dogs.
If you’re planning a trip, consider finding a trusted local sitter who’ll treat your pup like one of their own. You’ll both sleep easier.
Quick Recap: Benefits of Home-Based Dog Sitting
- Personalised, one-on-one attention
- Familiar, home-like surroundings
- Consistent routines and schedules
- Lower risk of illness and injury
- Calmer, quieter environment
- Better management of separation anxiety
- Tailored socialisation options
- Regular photo and video updates
Your oodle deserves a five-star holiday too — and a home-based dog sitter can deliver exactly that.
Want to enquiry about booking a stay for your oodle or small dog? Click HERE