Re: Change in a Dog's Lifr

In Reply to: Change in a Dog's Lifr
Posted by:  edward
Posted on:  September 27, 2001 at 15:02:42

: Hello, and thanks for making this forum available.

: I have an odd situation. I have one of history's cutest, and most well-behaved Jack Russells. I have had him since he was eight weeks old, (he's nearly seven now), and all of this time I was an "at-home" parent. A change in my work situation may be coming soon, and I might have to work full time, during the day.

: What is the best way to deal with this situation?

: The very best way.

: My heart is breaking over here.

: Ed

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Hi Ed,

As luck would have it I too have some of the cutest and well-behaved jacks and I too am an "at-home" parent! :-)

I don't envy your position and I guess what I would do in this case is try to ease your little guy into this new situation. Start leaving your home for at a couple of hours and try to gradually increase the time and see what happens.

If you can, maybe you can block off an area he can stay in instead of having to be crated all day long. Get some stuffed Kongs for him so he can spend time working on getting all the goodies out (but remember to cut back on his regular meals if you do this), or a Buster cube.

You probably also will want to look into having someone come in and let him out to relieve himself at least once during the day. I am sure your guy is used to getting out more often, I know just during the day I go out with mine 2-3 times, not counting the evening.

If you can afford it and there is one in the area, you might want to look into doggy daycare. I personally know of someone that does this with their terrier and have had really good luck taking this route.

When working with your guy in getting him used to you being gone, make sure you don't do "the long good-bye" as much as you may want to, all it will really do is cause anxiety in your dog. Pretty much set him up where you want him, give him his toys/treats and quietly leave. If you want to you can leave your television or a radio on. Talk radio is good because there is a lot of ...well talking going on! I don't know if listening to it will change his politics, but many dogs find just hearing a human voice soothing.

Remember, start to gradually get him used to you being gone, increasing the time you are out. Don't make a big deal of your leaving. You can also check into the other alternative, that being doggy daycare.

I totally understand where you are coming from because if I had to leave my guys all day I would be heartbroken too, they are my best buds.

Regards,
Marie