Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
HELP! Tips for travel & home renovations with a timid doodle?
My doodle is seven months old and a bit timid. We have worked hard on broadening his world of comfortable stuff and he loves people, other dogs, the outdoors and water of any sort--even the kind that comes with thunder. He barely copes with loud trucks, riding in my car, dark rooms he isn't familiar with, and mirrors. He has no issues with his crate and thankfully shows no signs of separation anxiety (knocking on wood).
So, what I need tips on is how to get him through the next six weeks.
First, we will be driving five hours to my dad and his wife's house this weekend. We will bring his crate, exercise him well before and after the drive, and I will stay home with him during the fireworks (not to comfort him, but to act normal). We'll bring some toys, including the Kong that gets cream cheese and kibble in it when he is crated.
Second, we will be at the beach for three weeks in mid-July with Porter of course. While we are gone, about 70% of the interior of our home will be repainted. That shouldn't freak Porter out, right? Lol...he doesn't care if I choose chili pepper red for the office. Even after a couple weeks though, it will stink.
Third, while we are gone, the backyard...read Porter's playground...is going to be re-leveled, fenced in, a couple trees planted, and sodded. This is going to be pretty weird for him but at least the connected yard of my neighbor will not have any changes.... Oh, that reminds me, while we are gone his best buddy, a mini-goldendoodle who also belongs to Doodlekisses, will be neutered.
Do you think that these are too many changes for my doggie to handle in a six week time frame?
Any ideas on how to help him? Am I overthinking this? Should I be more concerned about my 3, 6 & 7 year-olds? Is there something wrong with me for being more worried about Porter?
So, what I need tips on is how to get him through the next six weeks.
First, we will be driving five hours to my dad and his wife's house this weekend. We will bring his crate, exercise him well before and after the drive, and I will stay home with him during the fireworks (not to comfort him, but to act normal). We'll bring some toys, including the Kong that gets cream cheese and kibble in it when he is crated.
Second, we will be at the beach for three weeks in mid-July with Porter of course. While we are gone, about 70% of the interior of our home will be repainted. That shouldn't freak Porter out, right? Lol...he doesn't care if I choose chili pepper red for the office. Even after a couple weeks though, it will stink.
Third, while we are gone, the backyard...read Porter's playground...is going to be re-leveled, fenced in, a couple trees planted, and sodded. This is going to be pretty weird for him but at least the connected yard of my neighbor will not have any changes.... Oh, that reminds me, while we are gone his best buddy, a mini-goldendoodle who also belongs to Doodlekisses, will be neutered.
Do you think that these are too many changes for my doggie to handle in a six week time frame?
Any ideas on how to help him? Am I overthinking this? Should I be more concerned about my 3, 6 & 7 year-olds? Is there something wrong with me for being more worried about Porter?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Debbie and Thomas on
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Sound to me like Porter is going to have a great time. Just don't paint your house with any dark colours with mirrors on all the walls and the ceiling!!!!! Just kidding-but seriously-at least you will hopefully have all of this commotion overwith when you get home. Hope his best friend has an easy time with his neutering. And yes-isn't it funny how we all worry about the dogs. I think it is because they are quite helpless with these human things and we love them and don't wnat them upset. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Melissa & Porter on
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Mirrors on all the walls--so you saw our house when bought it? LOL. That and the metallic wallpaper went out with the first paint job in 2001.
Yeah, helpless animal is much harder than helpless kid :-)
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Permalink Reply by HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08 on
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Maybe to help him with the long drive you can ask your Vet if there is something like Benadryl he could have to relax him in the car a little more, since it sounds like a longer drive than he is use to. Hope you have fun on vacation and a safe trip....
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I might try that, thank you.
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Permalink Reply by LuvMyAbby&Kaela on
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LOL! I think Porter sounds like a happy, well-rounded, socialized little dood. I bet he goes with the flow. Relax - all will be just fine. Keep the kidlets away from the paint thats all!
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Thanks. This second fear stage of his is a bit freaky, but he'll get past it soon.
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Great minds...
We are using Aura paint by Benjamin Moore. I don't think it is the lowest VOC possible, but it is low and very durable too.
Thanks!
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