I'm a highschool student who obviously cant bring my dog to school. This usually last 6-8 hours (school+after school stuff) and the dog is alone at home. When I do go home I try to spend as much time as I can. I walk my dog for usually two 10-minute session. I cuddle (hehe) with it for ~20 minutes sometimes. The dog is overly excited when I come home. He licks me so much. He doesn't wreck the place so I don't think he has lonely disorder or whatever it is. He lives in his own room as not to go into the main parts of the house. I put the heat and clothing on for him as not to get cold (winter is approaching) at night. I just don't know if I (or my family) give him enough attention. My brother brings him over to his gf house during the weekend so that's constant attention right there. I'm just worried I'm not taking care of it adequately. What's you're opinion? thanks.
2006-10-17 15:49:12 · 25 answers · asked by dattyx26 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Also he "stands" on his hind legs whenever I'm near and latch on.
2006-10-17 15:50:47 · update #1
Obviously you are trying to make the dog happy. Before you go to school, try take him for a 15-20 minute walk and then after school, again for 20-40 minutes to calm him down a little. Or, take him before school for the time I recommended, then again maybe an hour before his 'bed time'. That should calm him down so he can go to sleep easier.
Put all his toys in the room to keep him occupied - that might help.
2006-10-17 21:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you love your dog. The cuddle time is a great time to have with your pets. However.... since the dog is in the house all day, you should really walk him for more than 2 10 min sessions. You should walk him for a min of 45 minutes to 1 hour. That's my opinion. Good Luck and enjoy your cuddle time KG
2006-10-17 22:53:20 · answer #2 · answered by kgreives 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog is 5 now and I've left her alone for up to 10 hours depending on work/school. Her breed is somewhat of an independant breed anyway (Akita) She has never destroyed the house or shown any signs of seperation anxiety so that's usually a good indication of how that animal is dealing with that kind of situation. I think you're ok, sounds to me like your dog gets a heck of a lot more attention that some. =)
2006-10-17 22:58:25 · answer #3 · answered by badmonkey10875 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs can never get enough love and attention. I think you are probably doing fine. If you care enough to post this question you are surely a good dog owner. But if you are still concerned about him being lonely (especially during the day) you may want to get him a friend to play with... that is if you can have two dogs.
the thing where he latches on to you... mine does it too. I just think that he is giving me hugs.
good luck..
and don't forget the more love the better
2006-10-17 23:30:55 · answer #4 · answered by jelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A total of 40 minutes a day with his people!!
NOT ANYWHERE NEAR ENOUGH.
Try doing your studying and computer time and TV time where he can curl up with you.
Take him out to play with you for a good 30-45 minutes.
Dogs are pack animals and need to have a lot more contact with the group than he does.
The fact that he is not wrecking the house does not mean that he is not lonley or stressed - it just means that he doesn't show it that way.
2006-10-18 02:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by ann a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think ur doing a good job just try 2 get the walks in for a few more mins by it lots of bones so its teeth can get sharp,clean,and healthy.try 2 make up a fun game with ur dog 2 wair it out bfor u hav 2 go again that way when its alone it will b happy u gave it that time 2 rest and the energie will not b packed in him.i hope this helps.
2006-10-17 23:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by ray-lyn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Food, water, love, attention, a warm dry place to sleep... yup! I say your doing a good job.. just go watch animal cops once in awile to remind you of how horrible you could be... then you will stop worrying about how bad of an owner you are.
Keep doing what your doing, start teaching your dog obedience things like sit and stay in your free time not to make it "do tricks" but for its own safety. Our miniature sheltie knows sit and stay which saved her life when she was running out towards the street with a car coming. She stopped immediately and sat down, when I yelled Sit ... she missed the car by about three inches! Scared me to death but I m glad I taught her the basic commands.
2006-10-17 22:55:18 · answer #7 · answered by blondeokie73 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your doing great. Like others have said, some poor animals don't get even that.
May sure he has safe toys, his water, food (if you let him self feed) and clean bedding.
My dogs have each other and during the day I leave music on for them.
You sound like you love him a lot. just keep up the cuddleing and including him in your activities when you can after school and on weekends.
Good luck to you!
2006-10-17 23:09:38 · answer #8 · answered by jimspassion 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're doing a great job. The fact that you are concerned shows you are a great owner. Just make sure you have playtime with your pup too, so he stays strong and healthy, as he does spend a great many hours indoors loafing :-)
Frisbee and fetch are great exercises for you and your pal.
He's a lucky dog is my opinion. Are you available to take me for walks, cuddles and frisbee?
2006-10-17 23:06:21 · answer #9 · answered by Cinderella 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not a bad owner because you spend time with your dog after school. A bad owner would be someone who doesnt' spend time with there dog 24/7. You are a very good owner. Don't worry about it. Your dog probably thinks you are the greatest.
2006-10-17 22:53:27 · answer #10 · answered by lynx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋