How can I make this easier for my dog?

Question

My mom and I are going out of the country. Usually when we go on trips we take the dog with us (to not burden anybody else), but since we're going out of the country we can't do that. I hate to say it, but I've spoiled her majorly. We've had her since she was a pup (and she is 3 years old now) and she is very attached to me. For example, when I leave she usually sits by the door until I get home.

A year or so ago we tried to leave her with my uncle (he also has dogs, and I figured they could play while we were away). It didn't work out. Apparently she pouted the entire time, and would search the house looking for us. She would scratch or howl at doors that were closed and wouldn't stop until somebody opened them and then she would proceed to look around the room searching. I had done everything I could to make her feel more comfortable...brought her bowls, bed and toys from home. Gave her lots of bones (she loves to chew on them) and brought her regular food and snacks from home. None of it seemed to work. Any more ideas? I'm thinking that this time we can make a few trips before hand to my uncles house and leave her there for a few hours and then come back to get her...maybe that will let her know that I'll always come back for her? I'm lost as to what else to do...

lol, this question sounds sort of pathetic. But, I got my dog after my dad died and she helped me through it...giving all my attention to her helped me not to dwell so much on what had happened. So, thanks for the help :-) I appreciate it. Oh, and if it helps to know her breed she is a beagle/basset hound. Thanks again.

Answer 1

I think your concern for your dog is so sweet! You're a good doggy mommy.

I learned that dogs don't like change too much. Especially if they don't have another dog as a companion and if they're moved to a different place when they are so used to being in their own home. They seem to get depressed and nervous too. There are new sounds and smells they are not used to and I think they can really miss their owner. Trust me, she won't starve. She might not eat for the first few days you are gone but she won't starve herself and get sick.

If you have an old sweatshirt or article of clothing that you don't care about (in case it got chewed up or ruined) wear it for a while so your scent gets into it. Then leave this article of clothing at your uncle's house so she will have a reminder of you. Your idea of taking her to your uncle's house before you leave is a good idea. If you stay there with her on these visits, instead of leaving her there alone, it might be better. She'll get to see that it's okay to stay there because you stay there too. You can show her around, take her into each room she will be allowed to go in and she might be more comfortable.

Answer 2

It is a good idea to let your uncle babysit her frequently just to get her used to him (I suggest leaving her a little longer each time...possibly overnight), but I think you need to take it further. A lot of dogs experience seperation anxiety and the best thing I've found is crate training the dog. Some people think of it as mean, but doing so puts them in their own personal space, where they know they can be safe. By getting her used to being in a crate when you're not home, she'll be more content with her surroundings when you're not around and a lot safer (can't get into anything harmful or destroy your stuff). My dogs love their crates so much that they'll actually go nap in there, or take a toy they don't want the other to have in to chew on. And they know it's only for them, like a den.
Once she is trained, the crate can go with her to your uncle's house and that will help her anxiety in this strange location. I'm not guaranteeing that it will be a cure-all, but it should at least help a bit.

Answer 3

Like you, I had a bad experience with a particular dog at a young age and I am PETRIFIED of going near that breed. I realize that it was that one dog, and not the whole breed, but whenever I see that breed of dog, I get very nervous. Luckily for me, my fear is placed on that breed, not all big dogs, as I actually LOVE LOVE LOVE most big dogs and that is probably because a cousin had an ENORMOUS 120-pound but friendly & lovable dog at the same time this particular traumatizing incident happened to me (the 120 lb dog would sleep with me when we watched him while my cousin was on vacation -- and I was between the ages of 4 - 10 when we would watch this huge dog). I think you should get a small dog if that is what you like, but YOU will have to realize your fears and do your best to not feed that to your new dog. Dogs can pickup on your nervousness and you don't want your dog to pick up on that. This might mean that you need some assistance ensuring your dog is well socialized with other dogs -- large and small -- so your dog doesn't pickup on your fears. Where I live, the dog park is segregated by size, under 30 pounds and over 30 pounds so if you were near me you could ensure your dog only interacted with other smaller dogs. Best of luck!

Answer 4

I have basset hound and they get attached really easy. My brother found him, he was underfeed and dirty so he really attached himself to him. They just need a lot of love and attention. One thing that I found worked when my brother wouldn't come home for days at a time he would be very whinny because he missed him but all I did was let him sleep with me and that helped. But when neither of us were here he drove my parents nuts so, I know this is going to sound odd, I took some of my brother's pillow and put it on his dog bed and it worked for him. He's better now because my father will lay with him every so often so taking you're dog over to your uncle's would be a good idea. Especially if you are going for a while. That and he shoud leave his bedroom door open, it's help your dog get adjusted to him.

Answer 5

that sounds good leave her there for a while then come back but do this a few times also take some of your old clothes there and have your uncle give some threw out her stay there these things have your scent on them(better if you don't wash them)that way shell have the sense that (ya moms still here)i know what you mean about the father dieing thing good luck let me know if it works also if you go back to get from your uncles on the trial run and she don't act out give her treats and praise for being a good girl and have your uncle keep these treats for her while your gone

Answer 6

You're doing the best you can. I love the idea about the short visits to your uncle's. Leave your blanket with her when you go so your dog can snuggle up in it. Your question was thoughtful, not pathetic. Your dog is lucky to have an owner that loves it so much.

Answer 7

If you have time, spending more time at your uncle's would be a great thing. Maybe even spend the night there a few times to help the dog adjust to the environment.

Maybe bring your uncle's dogs to your place and let your dog meet and play with those dogs at your place.

Answer 8

I don't know how much time you have but if possible let her stay at teh uncles at least 4 hours don't feed her in teh morning let your uncle feed her when you leave.
the next time do it for 6 hours then 8 hours tehn over night and then 2-3 days and so on.

Answer 9

What your doing is a good idea, eventually get her use to sleep overs at ur uncles so when its time to go away, she will hopefully be ok

Answer 10

I think leaving her for short periods is a good idea.
Also, each time you leave her, put an old t-shirt that you have worn and not washed in her bed. Your smell should comfort her.