How to LEAVE your dog behind.....

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

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[maciec]

We go to WDW many times a year, but this trip is different.
My "wolf" just died. (3/4ths wolf, 1/4 chow) He was 13 years old, and a GREAT pet. He wasnt a big deal to leave, because he was so independent, and I knew it didnt seem to bother him much.
But we got this new dog. Weve had her for about 6-8 months, and shes SPOILED ROTTEN!!! Now, shes about a year old. Shes a big SOLID WHITE golden retriever, and she has all of us spoiled too. Shes the first "inside" dog weve had, since all our others were outside dogs. Weve been "weaning" her towards the trip by letting her stay outside for days at a time in my wolf's old dog lot. (Its large, shady, and right beside the house.) Thats where she will be while were gone. The neighbor has volunteered (as usual) to come by daily and feed & water her and pet her. My mother has done the same. If shes like my wolf was, she'll take advantage of double feeding (always seems to happen) and gain weight. We check give her fresh water and food twice a day, and pet her a lot. Our original goal was for her to be an inside/outside dog, because shes really a bit too big for indoors. DARN THEY GROW FAST!!!
Any suggestions on how to keep her from getting lonely? Well be gone 8 days. I dont want to come home to a dog who got lonely and isnt eating. I cant take her (wish I could). She absolutely does NOT do trips. She REALLY hates carrides. She covers everyone in drool (or worse). I tried it 3 times. Thats all I could take!
I called the vet, and he didnt volunteer much info, only that she should be just fine, and that since our yard is fenced in, thats the best choice for her. He said it would probably be better than taking her along too.
Any helpful ideas?

Our baby was spoiled rotten too and had never been from us since we had adopted her. We got her at the beginning of August and in December we headed off to Disney. We found a GREAT kennel! They have exercise time with 1 other dog of their same size and age several times a day. The run was indoors and even had a toddler bed for her to sleep on. The owners lived on the property so they were right there if anything happened. Although it is expensive for Peppermint to be there ($19) a day, it is well worth it for our peace of mind. When we pick her up she is very happy to see us, but you can tell that she had an absolute blast all week long.

If it's in the budget and you can find a great kennel you may want to consider it. We were very apprehensive taking her on her first time (DH wouldn't even go, it bothered him so badly to leave her), but when she came back very happy and healthy we were sold. She has been back several times since and we have several trips coming up where she's booked in as well. Oh and now we have a puppy (Pep's 1/2 sister Cookie) that shares the same run with her. The puppy had a blast also.

Good Luck! It's never easy to leave the fur babies behind.

 

[Rhia]

Could you share a pic of your wolf that you lost? I'm so sorry you lost him, I think they become like one of your kids when you have them for so long. I have never seen a part wolf part chow before...

 

[tms295]

I have a doberman... that is my big BABY. I really do not like leaving her home or at a kennel. I miss her! But I refuse to fly her... unless they would let me buy her a seat .

All the information that I have gathered on dog personalities... to help ease my mind on leaving her... is that...

1. They do not perceive time as humans do. 1 day 1 week... its all the same to them

2. Ease your pet into the separation... Don't Stress... they can sense it and become stressed themselves. You can ease your pet by starting weeks...even months ahead... by putting your dog in the outdoor run while you run to the store... work... or while you get some indoor chores done. Gradually increasing the time to an entire day.

3. Keep it familiar! Send out a few of the dog favorite toys to play while you are away. And if there is a nice dry bed/house outside... hope there is... send out an old tee that you wore for a few hours or a small blanket that you snuggled with for a few nights... for the dog to sleep with. Your scent on the Tee Shirt or blanket will be comforting to the dog.

4. Keep items the dog can choak on out of the kennel... latex toys are not safe... and swallowed pieces can block intestines... also raw hide bones are choaking hazards and should only be used while you are around.

5. If you live in a cold climate... make sure you don't leave the dog out without a warm area... possible heated bed... or doggie sweater... indoor dogs do not develope a heavy fur for warmth... and it will not grow in a short period of time.

Enjoy!

 

[!@#$%]

rhia... picture coming your way! check your messages!

1. They do not perceive time as humans do. 1 day 1 week... its all the same to them

2. Ease your pet into the separation... Don't Stress... they can sense it and become stressed themselves. You can ease your pet by starting weeks...even months ahead... by putting your dog in the outdoor run while you run to the store... work... or while you get some indoor chores done. Gradually increasing the time to an entire day.

3. Keep it familiar! Send out a few of the dog favorite toys to play while you are away. And if there is a nice dry bed/house outside... hope there is... send out an old tee that you wore for a few hours or a small blanket that you snuggled with for a few nights... for the dog to sleep with. Your scent on the Tee Shirt or blanket will be comforting to the dog.

4. Keep items the dog can choak on out of the kennel... latex toys are not safe... and swallowed pieces can block intestines... also raw hide bones are choaking hazards and should only be used while you are around.

5. If you live in a cold climate... make sure you don't leave the dog out without a warm area... possible heated bed... or doggie sweater... indoor dogs do not develope a heavy fur for warmth... and it will not grow in a short period of time.

Very good tips. I had heard about the part of leaving something with your scent on it for them to be comforted by.

 

[kribit]

Is she going to be left outside the whole time? Can you let her stay inside and let your neighbor let her out for walks, bathroom breaks, etc...?

I would be really concerned leaving her outside for that amount of time. What if she got loose, or there was a hurricaine..? etc...

 

[raspberrysharpei]

I have tried several different kennels & ended up being satisfied boarding our sharpei (no kidding, right?) at his vets. I even considered Doggie "Bow Wow Camp". His vet has indoor/outdoor kennels that he can come & go as he pleases. I bring his food, treats & personal toys.

It gives me a sense of security knowing that he's getting the care he needs and if (god forbid) something really bad should happen, his vet is on site to care for him.

Nobody will love & treat your pet the same way you do.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I would be really concerned leaving her outside for that amount of time. What if she got loose, or there was a hurricaine..? etc..

Dogs are supposed to be outside. Thats how God made them. Only in the past 50-100 years have dogs became inside pets, and most of that within the past 30 years. They were outside animals for thousands of years before that. Shes a big dog; Shes a retriever. Retrievers are hunting dogs. She will be fine, I dont worry about that. My wolf stayed outside his entire life, as did my German Sherperd, and every other dog Ive owned. They were all as healthy as could be. If theres a hurricane we'll be coming home. I'm more interested in her getting depressed and not eating.
As for her getting loose, its a 6' fence, buried a foot down. She cant get out. She escapes the fenced in back yard, but she cant escape the wolf's lot. I built it to keep him in, and he was vicious. (but he never offered to as much as growl at us, unless you messed with his food, and even poodles and wiener dogs do that). So its pretty tight as far as escape is concerned.

She will probably be fine. I'm probably worrying for nothing.

 

[Tess'smom]

Whenever we go on vacation we have someone come into the house to take care of our pets. This reduces the stress on our animals and on us. I would be concerned about leaving any domesticated animal outside if it is used to be indoors. Our vet had recommendations on pet sitter services that were reliable in the area. My dog does not do well in kennels so we leave our pets in the house and have someone come 2- 3 times a day. The pet service also waters the plants, turn the lights on and off and bring in the mail. It works for us.

 

[Tinker53]

I have a 3 year old German Shephard, she is my baby! my only girl I have all boys. I have never left Princess for more then a few hours at a time. She is a inside dog. But I am very lucky My Father is very close to her. He comes to my home almost every day. all we have to do is say pop-pop is here and she goes nuts to get out and see him. He gives her treats. She is going to stay with him for the 8 days we are gone. I do feel like I am leaving on of my kids behind but I know its not possible for us to take her either. I know she will be happy with my Dad. I like the idea of leaving something with my scent on it and I would have never thought of that so now I will be putting something in here kennel.

thanks tms295 for the helpful tips

 

[natenapril]

I have a golden retriever and I would never leave him outside for that long. Goldens tend to need and crave human attention. Having the neighbor over to feed and water him will not be enough. ALso, what about exercise? If your dog is locked in the cage all day how will he be able to excersise?
I also have a Chesapeake Bay Retreiver and would never leave him like that either.

I have owned my golden since he was 6 weeks old and he is now 9 years old.And I have had my Chessie since he was 9 weeks old and he is only 4 months old. I have never left them alone for long periods of time. THey would be too lonely.

JMO.

 

[!@#$%]

I have a golden retriever and I would never leave him outside for that long. Goldens tend to need and crave human attention. Having the neighbor over to feed and water him will not be enough. ALso, what about exercise? If your dog is locked in the cage all day how will he be able to excersise?
I also have a Chesapeake Bay Retreiver and would never leave him like that either.

I have owned my golden since he was 6 weeks old and he is now 9 years old.And I have had my Chessie since he was 9 weeks old and he is only 4 months old. I have never left them alone for long periods of time. THey would be too lonely.

This "cage" is 30 feet by 60 feet. I dont consider that a "cage" I consider that a YARD.
Personally, I'd never leave her INSIDE that long. Dogs are supposed to be outside where they can get fresh air. People should more too. I never heard of anyone getting cancer or mold poisoning outside. Theres thousands of "problems" found every day with both old and new construction materials that cause "this allergy", and "that breathing problem". I hope this wont turn into another of those threads about inside dogs vs outside dogs. If you gave them the choice instead of making it for them they might surprise you. Its their instinct to be outside.
The vet said it would be fine. I'll take HIS word on that part.

 

[DisneyAmber]

I am a little perplexed about your defensive reply to "natenapril".

I do believe that there are plenty of happy healthy outdoor dogs in this world that are cared for and loved by their families. I am sure that your pet may be one of those. With that said, I feel compelled to question the logic of your response.

You stated that there are many toxic mold problems and cancer causing agents in new and old construction materials. I would suggest to you, that you may want to move your family out to the spacious pen you insist that your previously inside dog will now live out the rest of his days in to avoid the potentially life threatening toxins in your home.

There are plenty of Vets who would NOT recommend leaving a pet outdoors for a number of days, mine included.

I do not think it is inherently wrong to have an outdoor pet. However, I am offended when people justify there decisions by stating that God is making you do this because he brought them into the world that way. God brought you into the world buck naked and I am confident that you do not go to Church or to the store in your birthday suit.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I am getting defensive because I once got flamed excessively because I MENTIONED here that my dog was an outside dog. I live out in the country. Where I live at least 75% of the dogs are outside pets. My career keeps me going from one persons home to the next. I go to on average about 5 houses a day. 75% of my customer's dogs' are outside dogs. (and some of them ARE Golden retrievers!!! And they are PERFECTLY healthy from what i see.) This thread is NOT about whether shes an outside dog. Its about her being lonely and how I can help her. I already stated I CAN NOT take her. I stated she will be OUTSIDE. I cant change that either. And I wont take her to a kennel either. My mother in law AND my grandmother BOTH had dogs that came away from the local kennels with a fear of men that wasnt there when they went in. One of them is still alive and the dog still is scared of men. Both also flinched for weeks when you would move near them.

I'm trying to keep this on topic, and OUTSIDE vs INSIDE is NOT the topic. I'm just trying to KEEP it ON topic.

The topic is HOW to help her during the vacation, as I'm sure other's who read this are concerned about their dogs too. The outside issue is OUT OF PLACE.

I wont let this thread go as far as the other one did. if it does I'll have the moderator shut it down.

 

[writersblock42]

When we went on vacation, I leave my dog at my parents house. I think the dog should be okay as long as it is not really hot weather or really cold weather. Dogs actually survive better in cooler climates than hot.
I don't think you should take your dog on a long trip with you, but for short trips, our vet gave my old family dog some pills that relaxed her. You could ask about those.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I'll add too, that noone here has made the statement "Id NEVER leave my dog INSIDE". Whos to say its better for them to be inside? They are DOGS and dogs are DIFFERENT THAN HUMANS. Is YOUR body covered with fur? Do you drink from a dirty mud puddle when theres a clean bowl of water 5 feet away? Does YOUR food come from a bag that says HUMAN FOOD?? Have you ever seen packs of wild humans who run in packs who have no homes? Humans HAVE to have shelter. Dogs only do in extreme situations. They are different.

NOW, I'm getting defensive. I wasnt before.

Lets PLEASE get BACK to the original topic here. How do you keep them happy while your gone? What do you do about them not eating?

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

When we went on vacation, I leave my dog at my parents house. I think the dog should be okay as long as it is not really hot weather or really cold weather. Dogs actually survive better in cooler climates than hot.
I don't think you should take your dog on a long trip with you, but for short trips, our vet gave my old family dog some pills that relaxed her. You could ask about those.

Thanks! Thats the kind of stuff I wanted to see. IDEAS THAT MIGHT HELP

 

[natenapril]

I'll add too, that noone here has made the statement "Id NEVER leave my dog INSIDE". Whos to say its better for them to be inside? They are DOGS and dogs are DIFFERENT THAN HUMANS. Is YOUR body covered with fur? Do you drink from a dirty mud puddle when theres a clean bowl of water 5 feet away? Does YOUR food come from a bag that says HUMAN FOOD?? Have you ever seen packs of wild humans who run in packs who have no homes? Humans HAVE to have shelter. Dogs only do in extreme situations. They are different.

NOW, I'm getting defensive. I wasnt before.

Lets PLEASE get BACK to the original topic here. How do you keep them happy while your gone? What do you do about them not eating?

I will leave this one alone. You want to dish it out........
I wasn't flaming you. Merely stating that Goldens crave human contact, Seems you are a little sensitive.