Does he miss his 'daddy?

Question

My husband has been deployed since the beginning of January. He has a wonderful relationship with both of our dogs ( a 1 year old Cairn terrier and an 11month old lab/shepard) We don't have children, so these pups really are our kids, and we treat them as such. As soon as he left (that night) my Cairn, who isthe smaller of two, but the more dominate, got extremely possessive of my husbands pillow. I have managed to break him of that to the point that he'll let me near the pillow, but still not our other dog. I've done experiments, putting a pillow that looks the same in place of the one that Maximus has 'claimed' and even hid his daddy's pillow. he knew as soon as he smelled it, and even went to the closet door (the real pillow was inside) and scratched and whined until i gave it to him. Could he have recognized the fact, even that soon after he left, that 'daddy' wouldnt be back for a while? Is it because the pillow smells like my husband?

Answer 1

It is very possible that he misses your husband. If you and your husband have been around your dogs for most of their time, then of course he misses him! A dog's sense of smell is very keen and it also triggers their memory. I think he realized that something was different especially if your husband had been around a lot previously. Just give him lots of love and care and ake sure he is never alone for long!

Answer 2

He definitely is missing hos daddy and he is attraxted to the pillow because it has daddy's smell. abouy a yr ago, my husband had major stomach surgery and was in the hospital for 10 days and our dogs missed him so much. Every time I came home they would look at the door, looking for daddy. One of out dogs was abused by a man before we got her at a yr old and has trouble showing her love for my husband. She will not go to him and sit in his lap or beside him or anything. That is excepy for the day he came home when she went up to him, climbed in his lap and laid her head on his chest for about 10 min. That was her way to tell daddy she loved him and has missed him.

Answer 3

Yes your dogs are missing your husband, remember dogs have sensitive nose and they could easily recognize certain smell. Since your husband is away and will not be back for sometime, you should adopt the role your husband has vacated. Show your love and affection to your pets. Goodluck.

Answer 4

Yes. Dogs are animals, they are not stupid. My cat does that. As soon as I leave for a few days, and he's seen me packing, he goes and sits on my pillow. He never does it when I am around, even if I am not in the house. He only does it when I am away on a trip, but he knows right away, as soon as I leave with my suitcase.

Answer 5

Yes it is possible that your dog is missing your husband. Yes the dogs does have feeling as well - you are missing your husband so does they. It is normal - I see it with my 2 dogs as well. My one dog was in the hospital for about a week the other one that stayed at home was barking not eating very well. So yes dogs does miss not only dogs but us humans as well.

Answer 6

Yes, poor babies.My dogs get like that when my husband leaves. Our beagle gets very sad and she pout and waits and waits by the door for him, she would even sleep by the door and wait. She doesnt eat for the first few days and she wont stop just being sad.. when i would take her for a walk she would go tohis truck and try to jump. it was funny casue she can't since its lifted but yea.. they also have feelings... sucks!! but really nothing you can do but try and take their mind off it like you would a kid :)
good luck!!! with both your dogs and ur hubby's safe return home!!! god bless.sorry so long lol

Answer 7

not only is it possible, it's very likely. Dogs arent stupid and they do become very dedicated to an owner they love. He's probably pining a little bit. He probably doesnt understand that daddys absence is only temporary but i guess that just means he'll be ecstatic when he comes home.