Feeling badly

[Jen & Ember]

So after reading someone's post about audio recording their dood, I thought, "Hey! I should webcam her!" I was curious what she did while I was gone and how some of her toys mysteriously ended up on the outside of her expen (she has an open crate attached to her expen).  I set up the webcam on my laptop and proceeded with my day as usual... When I came home at lunch time I reviewed the footage.

For the first 20 mins she was very occupied with a frozen kong and a treat ball, laying in the crate. Then she got out and picked up a toy and started whining, then doing a bark/howl muffled by the toy. Then she started climbing up the expen and looking out, whining/barking (now I know how the toys got out...). When I watched it the first time I thought it went on for about 15-20 mins, but I just watched again and it's actually 3 minutes. But still, I feel awful that she was feeling anxious and barking. After that she went back in the crate, laid down and slept. She moved around to different spots, but stayed calm and slept the rest of the couple hours. 

I guess the first thing is that the ex-pen has to go. I'm certain she will be able to jump out or hurt herself trying at some point, and there really is no reason to have it. I had it because I had gotten a guilt trip from a family member about their view on crating. 

I wish I wouldn't have watched it, I have to say. I feel so badly about her barking/howling... and that she has probably been doing this for a long time. I wonder if there's a way to help her transition from kong to calm/sleep better? I feel like a failure. :( 

Sorry, just needed to vent. Feeling like a bad puppy mom. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jen-I think she did great! I did this with my dogs and Myla whined and cried by the door and layed by the door waiting for it to open. We did this when we did yardwork and she knew we were outside so that's why we thought she did this because she knew we were there. NOT! I did it again when we gone for more than 4 hours and she did it nonstop. Made us feel terrible, but she's always following me around (she's almost 4) now we had to keep doing it for a while and eventually and even now they were let out of the crates full time. Now Chloe sits on the back of the couch in the window as the lookout and Myla snuggles up next to Chloe for comfort. They are bothe either sleeping in the window or watching for us-I swear they never move. Sure, we had a few naught incidents but these happen even when we are home. I think that the crate itself would be fine and we ALWAYS leave the radio on so they don't hear any outside noise. You are doing fine I know it's hard but it's the way to train her. So now don't you think 3 minutes is very good????? Plus you have a great schedule for her where it's hardly a full day!! That's awesome!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

You are a wonderful puppy mom! Ember is doing just fine. I know exactly how you feel though. I went through the same thing with Sophie. When my neighbour told me she could hear her barking and crying I felt so awful and guilty. I figured out from experience that the others are right. Don't make a fuss about coming and going and don't feel guilty. She's got a good mom and good home. No reason to feel bad. She's just getting used to things.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

and oh my how she is growing. What a doll she is!!!

[Jen & Ember]

Thanks guys, for the support. I am feeling much better today. It's a good point that you guys brought up about her being able to calm herself down after getting anxious and able to relax. 

I do make sure that she has had a good walk and played with before I leave. She was tired when I left yesterday. I also leave music on because there are lots of cars coming/going near my house and I try to drown out some of the sound. 

I've moved the crate out into the living room and taken down the expen. We'll see how it goes... 

Thanks again for the support, and my dramatic retelling of her 3 minute barkathon. :)

[Sara & Trix]

Glad you are feeling better, Jen!  I go through this every couple of weeks - especially on mornings when Trix whines a little as we are leaving for work.  She is crated 3 days a week (with a lunch break) and goes to daycare twice a week (much like your little Ember).  When I look at the big picture, our doggies have it pretty good...but in the moment sometimes it's really easy to feel guilty when you rather be home cuddling them than leaving them behind.  Trix is 9 months and has always done really well in her crate - we are also hoping that in about a year, we can start leaving her out when we leave.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Glad to hear this!

[Amy and Lily]

Jen, don't feel bad.  This is how we learn what is best for our doods.  Just by you being interested in what she was doing and wanting to fix it makes you a great mommy!!

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

Actually, I think that if she was able to calm herself in 3 minutes that she is fine. She had a small boohoo moment and calmed down. It would be great if most people handled disappointment as well.