I'm a little confused - what do I do about this?

[C.Ann]

Right now I'm up to the lake, as the hospital that my DD is in is closer to the lake than it is to my home.. Through a series of circumstances regarding visitation by her DH and my granddaughter, they had to leave my DD's dog here with me overnight..

Well - this dog is just about one year old and LOVES my DD to pieces.. He's been moping around for the past 11 days but tonight it's extra hard on him because he's here with me and the rest of his "family" isn't..

He's pacing around, very restless and I just don't know what to do to get him to settle down for the night.. He keeps coming over and laying his head on my lap - I talk to him, love him, pet him - but then he starts "pacing" again..

What do you do with a dog that misses his "mommy"? Quite frankly, I've never been in a situation like this before!

 

[Serena]

The only thing I can think of is to make him tired. Take him for a walk, play with him, anything like that. It won't help him not miss her, but it may be enough to make him sleep.
I can't think of anything other than what you are doing.

 

[miste76]

If you can... get a piece of clothing with your DD's scent on it... This helps dogs feel more secure when away from someone that they are very attached to... If you don't have any clothing... a pillowcase or blanket will work also.
The best thing that you can do for him right now... is continue to do what you're doing... Love him, Pet him and reassure him that he's a good boy!!!!
(sometimes treats work too!!!)

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Serena
The only thing I can think of is to make him tired. Take him for a walk, play with him, anything like that. It won't help him not miss her, but it may be enough to make him sleep.
I can't think of anything other than what you are doing.

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We're having a nasty, nasty thunderstorm right now (not to mention it's PITCH black outside - LOL) so the "walk" is out of the question..

I gave him his "baby" - a small sutffed animal - but that doesn't seem to be helping much.. I'll have to look around and see if there's an item of clothing here that belongs to my DD or maybe I can find a blanket she used recently when she was here..

I feel so bad for him - he's SUCH a good dog.. I may even have to break my cardinal rule and let him sleep in my bedroom on the floor next to my bed.. He's used to sleeping in his crate at home in my DD and her DH's bedroom (even though it's wide open and he can walk out of it whenever he wants) so I don't really want to force him to sleep in the kitchen/living room area all alone..

 

[Serena]

That sounds like the only thing left to do, poor thing.

 

[miste76]

The crate would be another good idea... I know many people think of it as punishment... or being locked in jail... but it really is a dog's safe haven... It's the equivalent of a den in the wild and they generally feel safe in there.

Edited to say: If you do have the crate, I would still suggest putting it where the dog can see/smell you throughout the night. That will help to calm his anxieties if he was to wake up in the middle of the night. Or you could just let him sleep with you (hehe)

 

[Serena]

LOL, misty you added what I was thinking. C. Ann, having his crate might help a lot.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I'd try to find something with DD's scent on it, place it in his crate with a nice blanket to curl up on and his toy, and move the crate into your room beside your bed. Hearing you breath and knowing you're near him will help him tons... I think the crate will be comforting to him right now, since its his "den"

Poor thing =(

Does the hospital allow visitors of the animal type? Like walks outside? I know animals can truly bring a healing touch to people, and it calms both parties. Win win situation.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Aimeedyan
I'd try to find something with DD's scent on it, place it in his crate with a nice blanket to curl up on and his toy, and move the crate into your room beside your bed. Hearing you breath and knowing you're near him will help him tons... I think the crate will be comforting to him right now, since its his "den"

Poor thing =(

Does the hospital allow visitors of the animal type? Like walks outside? I know animals can truly bring a healing touch to people, and it calms both parties. Win win situation.

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Unfortunatley, I don't have his crate here.. He seems to have settled down for the moment though.. (Possibly the storm - which has passed - was making him even more anxious?) I think I'll just take a blanket and put it on the floor next to my bed and let him sleep there.. I can swing my arm right over the edge of the bed and let my hand rest on his head or side and maybe that will make him feel a bit more secure..

We were hoping that the hospital might allow him on the grounds (it's a beautiful country setting) but as with most places they responded with the old "well due to insurance issues" speech..

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I hope you guest had a good night's sleep. Our Max always was anxious when DH worked late and we went to bed without him.

I'm sure the thunderstorm only aggravated his nervousness. Poor little guy. He misses his family.

 

[Serena]

C.Ann, did you two ever get to sleep last night?

 

[hercamore]

Most dogs are very anxious about tstorms and need to pace and find a "safe spot".

How's he (and you) doing today?



herc.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Serena
C.Ann, did you two ever get to sleep last night?

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After a fashion, yes... LOL

All night long he kept standing up and plunking his head on the side of the bed and letting out this looooooong sigh.. Then I would have to put my hand over there, he would snuggle his head inside of my hand (well - the best he could anyhow - he's got a BIG head - LOL) - then he would take his one paw and stick it in the palm of my hand like he was trying to hold hands with me.. I was exhausted, but I couldn't help laughing every time he did it - it was really comical..

Right now he's sitting out on the porch - staring down at DD's travel trailer, not moving a muscle.. I have to take him down home in awhile but I'm going to stay at DD's house to do some chores for my son-in-law and I'm hoping that being back in more familiar surroundings will make him feel better..

He's SUCH a good dog.. They really got a gem in that one!