Vacationing Tips

[Lori Nye]

We are going away to Mexico over Thanksgiving and have to leave our 6 month old Labradoodle at home.  He will staying with a neighbor who has no pets; however LOVES labradoodles.

 

My puppy VERY attached to me, and I'm concerned how he will do.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make his time apart from me not so stressful and somewhat easier on my neighbors?

 

Thanks for suggestions...

[Amy & Bernie]

I would say give your neighbor some fun chews that last awhile, busy puppies don't miss their mommas too much! And as much as they love us, I think most dogs adapt very well to new situations. One thing I've learned is that it's important to not "encourage" nervous or anxious behavior. So ask your neighbor to not baby him too much until he's comfortable. Hugging, cooing, sweetly saying "it's okay", and feeling bad for the dog (they'll pick up on that energy) will add a positive connotation to the nervous/anxious behavior. They're not human babies, despite our treating them that way sometimes! The best bet will be to play, play, play, go for a long walk, tucker him out, and reward his activity with a good chew toy. That way being with the neighbor will seem like a fun vacation for him too!

Good luck, we're leaving our Doodle over the holidays for a bit as well and I KNOW it will be hardest for me!

[Joy Williams]

Be sure that you leave something with your scent on it that he can take to bed with him. An old T shirt that you have worn for several days, or something like that.

[Amy & Bernie]

I agree with that too! What my husband and I did was slip one of his undershirts over a pillow on our bed. It's a great way to get your 'smell' on it without having to actually wear something over and over again, in case that's not convenient.

[Dori & Rua]

I haven't had to face this issue yet with Rua, but years ago I did with my cat (went on a two-week vacation to Scotland and Ireland). Prior to us leaving, we started by having the PuffDog's sitter come for a visit. Then, PuffDog did an overnight there. I totally agree about not making a big deal about it. Expect it to not be a big deal and act that way!

[Melissa]

We took Buddy to stay at my Mom's house while my husband and I took a road trip out to Phoenix and were gone for 9 days. We live in Chicago and they live in St. Louis. Of course he knew them, but had not seen them a lot. I would call to check in probably daily and she would tell me he was having a great time. She would also have me on speakerphone a couple of times but then she said he would look out the window for us. :) If your puppy is familiar with your neighbor I am sure things will be fine.

[BG and Gavin]

I would see if they will take him for an overnight trial, just to ease you mind that he really will be okay when you go. I agree that they are adaptable, so try not to worry. I also agree that a busy, tired dog does the best.

[Leigh & Allie]

Allie is attached to me 24/7. The first time I left her she went to a boarding hotel and she stayed in a big room with her sister. They also went to day care every day so I knew she would be so busy and having fun that I did not worry that much. I did call every day though. This year my son and I went to Atlantis and left Allie with my husband. He said for the first day or so she stared at the garage door waiting for me to come home. By the second night she was snuggling with him on the sofa. I was so worried she had become HIS dog, but as soon as I got home she was MY dog yet again. I was definitely more worried about everything then she was!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

You might leave an article of clothing that has your scent on it for you Doodle to sleep with. We did that with our Lab years ago. He was totally bonded to my husband so we would leave his sleep tee shirt in his basket. When I leave to visit our kids and my DH stays home, I leave my nightgown on top of my side of the bed. Gracie sleeps on our bed almost all the time and always on my side. When leave, turn and walk out and don't look back or keep calling to him. Make the departure as low keyed and simple as possible and have your neighbor ready to distract your Doodle just as you turn to leave. Good Luck and he will be just fine. Sometimes they pout for a day or so and won't eat but when they get hungry enough they will. My vet says he has never lost a dog yet to being left with someone else for a few days.

[Natasha]

Depending upon the time your flight leaves, a great way to make a smooth transition is to hand your puppy to your neighbor for a nice long walk just before you leave.

Best for you (you'll be a bit distracted getting your things together) and best for your dog (your stress over leaving him will greatly influence him when he otherwise wouldn't be stressed). The walk will help him bond with your neighbor.

This is a great strategy because your dog gets to have his brain reset by a really great activity and, having your neighbor at the helm of his leash, it sets in his brain that this is someone he needs to follow (not try to lead) so he'll be more respectful of your neighbor and your neighbor's house while you are gone.

JUST DON'T BABY HIM. Resist the temptation. What you think is a sign of affection (weepy goodbyes are a very human experience) he sees as a sign of personal insecurity and a potential risk to his safety. No need for that - he's in great hands!

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Diverse experiences make for an adaptable dog so your going away when he's a young pup can be a great foundational opportunity for him. You know he'll be in capable, loving hands and you'll be able to enjoy yourself with peace of mind by following some of the helpful suggestions you've already been given.

Prior to getting our LD, we dog sat for our neighbor's Golden for a week. To help Murphy acclimate to our home, I had him come over at different times of the day for a couple of weeks ahead of time. That way he got familiar with the rooms and our routine. I even gave him a meal once here, also, and let him find a place in the backyard to mark. From the time Bosco was old enough to visit Murphy we've had him do so to help prepare him for a stay there, as well - which he'll also be doing over T'giving when we're flying back east.

Two months ago, when Bosco was a little over 5 months old, we went to Italy for a week so this will be the second time we'll be apart. Back in September, I made use of my trainer's dog sitting service and it was wonderful - Bosco knew, trusted and respected/obeyed (of course!) JD so he was happy to go off with him. During the week he learned how to adapt to not only a different environment but one that he shared with a couple of other dogs, also, which was a good socialization lesson for him as well.

This past weekend Bosco accompanied us on an overnight stay in Los Angeles - big hotel, huge elevators, lots of people and even some other dogs. Bosco handled it like a pro -- and I honestly do believe his flexibility of being with different people in different environments added to his adaptability.

Separation isn't easy but it can be enjoyable for all...so relax, have fun and enjoy your trip!