going on vacation: my dog is superattached. How to make it easier for him.

[susan kaput]

I'm going away for a week. Angus is very attached to me.  My son and daughter-in-law will be staying at my house with their dog (like a big brother to Angus) while I'm gone.  How can I make it less stressful for him?

[LG & Sadie]

I am no pro, but I have a super attached girl- and I find that if I tell her what I am doing, how long I will be away, and explain only death would keep me from coming back to her....yes, very dramatic.... and then leave her an item I slept in the night before I leave.....she snuggles with my sleep shirt and does okay while I am gone. She doesn't thrive, she sulks and is fussy about eating, sometimes she won't take treats etc. But, once I arrive home-she bounces back, forgives me right away then scurries around the house eating all of the treats she refused that my family members left lying around. I think it is great you are leaving him in his own home and having someone stay there~I would have recommended that as well. Angus will probably wait for you-like with an edge of anticipation-but be fine....I was told the concept of time isn't something they grasp so not to feel bad about however long it is....but, I often wonder if that is fact. I swear sometimes when it has been longer than usual Sadie gives me this face like she "thought I was never coming back". All the best~Safe journey!

[susan kaput]

Thanks for your input. I, too, think dogs have a better sense of time than we think they do. Giving him an article of clothing I've worn is a great idea - I'll do that. I really think I'm going to suffer more separation anxiety than he will! In any case, I think it will be good for him in the long run.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

This is just from my experience.. Timbow is very attached to my DH and I too and we went to California for a week last fall. We chose to drive from Atlanta (where we live) to Tampa,FL (where my parents live, they were going with us too) and let some very close friends watch Timbow there while we were gone (they have a middle school age daughter who loves animals, a mini poodle, and a lab). I cried after we dropped him off and Timbow kind of looked confused. The confused look was the extent of his sadness. I worried way more about him and he ended up having a great time. I was the one who was calling every other day and texting on the day I didn't call to find out how he was doing. He ended up having a blast playing in their pasture and greeting their daughter when she came home from school. I think that if our son and daughter in law plan a couple of special activities for Angus and their dog then he will be fine. You on the other hand will probably have separation anxiety like me. :( Where are you going btw?

[susan kaput]

Thanks, Judi. I've boarded Angus at a kennel several times, for one or two days. He was very familiar with the place, having gone many times for daycare (for socialization) and he loved going there, so that was ok, but only for one or two days. I know my son and his wife will take great care of him, but he's just gotten so attached to me (he's almost always with me). My son says he's 'wimpy'. When he takes him walking in the woods Angus is always looking around the next corner to see if I'm coming. I'm probably just feeling unnecessarily guilty - it's like going away and leaving an infant -talk about anthropomorphizing!! I'm going to Sante Fe with my daughter, who lives in DC. Don't get to see her much, or for more than a day or two at a time, so this'll be a great time for "bonding activities" (or not). Renting a 2 bedroom casita so we'll each have our own space. Great art, scenery and food out there; can't wait.

[Sally]

Duncan is superattached to me too. I went away for 6 days and left him with all of his favorite people but no one could replace me. He slept a lot and kept going to the front door looking for me. I came home to a boy with some tummy troubles but that was probably because he was given food that wasn't his norm and lots of table scraps.
Bottom line is that after about a day or 2 everything was fine.

Set your expectations to allow for your pup to not be 100% happy without you but know that they won't care one bit once you are back. They don't hold a grudge:)

Allowing Angus to be at home is probably the best and least stressful situation. Don't gush or make a big deal when you leave. Just go as if you were running an errand. And maybe try and get any luggage out of the house without Angus seeing. No need to get him anxious.

good luck!

[susan kaput]

Thanks, Sally. Good thoughts. I particularly like the suggestion about getting the luggage out of the house without him seeing it (not to mention running around packing it). Your Duncan looks a lot like Angus. He's a mini goldendoodle (going on 3) and weighs about 34 lbs. Great little guy.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Tell him you'll be back and let him sleep with an old t-shirt of yours. Try not to project your anxieties onto him, and enjoy your trip!

[susan kaput]

Thanks Eva. I liked your suggestions. The first one's easy to do, the second one not so easy (which may be why he's anxious in the first place). I'll really work on that one. Going to Santa Fe with my daughter - really looking forward to spending some time with her (she lives in DC).

[Natasha]

Our boarding kennel has a few rules (guidelines, but they call them rules) for dropping off your pet that I think you can apply to your situation:

-Your dog stays in the car until all paperwork is finalized and all food and toys have been given to the staff. Perhaps the point that would translate for you (since your dog will be remaining in your home) is to put your suitcases in the car maybe the night before or earlier in the day so that your dog is not sensing the stress of you scurrying about trying to pack and load your car.

-You walk the dog in, hand the leash to the staff member, and walk out the door. No long goodbyes, no high-pitched "you'll be OK, I'll be back soon." That is only going to make you feel better and your dog will feel your stress and take it with him.

-Mind your own stress.

-Try to keep your normal routine before you bring the dog in. If you walk your dog at 7 AM, then walk your dog at 7 AM, even if that means that you need to be more prepared the night before (meaning, you have to pack the night before). If you have to leave at 6:30 AM, ask your son to make sure your dog is walked at 7.

What a great thing that your dog will get to stay home!

[susan kaput]

Thank you, Natasha. If you've read the other suggestions, someone else suggested putting the luggage in the car beforehand, but I like your suggestion to do it hours ahead of time, so he doesn't associate it with my leaving. I also have to focus on keeping my stress level down prior to departure for the airport! Looking forward to the trip - a vacation in Santa Fe with my daughter (Yay for us). Thanks again.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I have never made a big deal about us leaving so I don't think Peri really cares (even though she is glued to my hip at home LOL). We have gone on 4 different vacations in the past 9 months without Peri - 4-5 days and not a week, but still. She has stayed at her daycare/boarding place, with my sister, and with my parents. She has never had an issue with leaving me - I think a lot of it has to do with you being calm. You know they are so darn smart - Angus is probably already picking up on that stress! Angus will be okay at your place with your son. Don't worry so much and try to have a great time on your vacation!!!!

[susan kaput]

Good thoughts, Allyson. Basically, everyone says that MY stress level is the biggest influence on my dog's stress level, and I agree. Just have to 'go with the flow' and scram! Thanks for your input.