Is he going to think I have abandoned him???

[Rocky's_mom]

Ok, I got my rottie at the Kansas Humane society. He had been there too long and know one wanted him. My huspand and I went to go down and take a look at him. his ears had fly bites on them he had a type of worm which was gone by next week-with meds I had him on. But my question is.....

My huspand and I are leaving this weekend to go to lawerence. Is he going to feel I have abandoned him b/c I leave him at the clinic where they will keep him until I return. I can't take him with me....already asked. :(

Then, what can I do to assure him we are coming to get him and will only be gone for a few short days? Then, all the work I have put in with him...is that going to go out the window????

Any advice would be good-and thanks!

[RottiMomCT]

Don't make a fuss when you leave him at the boarding facility. Don't make a fuss beforehand. Pack up his stuff (a blanket, toys, his food, etc...) and when you drop him off, just tell him to be safe and you'll be right back in a few days. No big show of emotion from you and he should be fine. Also, when you pick him up, same thing...tell him he was a good boy, and when you get home from the boarding facility, unpack your stuff, check mail, etc, THEN say 'Hello' to the dog. The less emotion you attach to leaving and returning, the better. I know it's tough...

Now, that being said, when hubby and I go anywhere for an over night or longer...Ben will sit at the top of the stairs and look out the door, waiting for us...almost moping. When we get home, he's all happy and wiggly, but none the worse for wear.

In regards to the 'work' you've put into him - in terms of obedience training, or is it other work you're talking of??

[TrinityRun]

Keli,

The best thing you can do is stop thinking of him as a human. He's a dog. Stop fretting over whether he's going to sit their miserable wondering why you've "abandoned" him. Dogs aren't capable of that kind of thinking, nor are they capable of understanding how long you will be gone.

As long as he is in a responsible care givers home while you are away, you have nothing to worry about.

[mmgy]

Keep in mind that there will be lots of new and exciting things going on where he is staying, so he will have lots of mental and visual stimulation. And when you do get home with him, you will be delighted by how much he missed you!

[Rocky's_mom]

Originally posted by RottiMomCT
In regards to the 'work' you've put into him - in terms of obedience training, or is it other work you're talking of??

The work - obedience training - is what I was talking about. When we got him, he had no manners!!!! Now, even though we have gone through some rough spots, he pretty much mines his manners. I just don't want this weekend to ruin him. They interact with the dogs...

[Rocky's_mom]

Originally posted by TrinityRun
Keli,

The best thing you can do is stop thinking of him as a human. He's a dog.

As long as he is in a responsible care givers home while you are away, you have nothing to worry about.

Yea, I know he isn't human, but I do know dogs remember things. And the run that he is going to be in is like his run at the humane society. If I had him from a baby I wouldn't worry so much about this but...someone didn't want him. That is why they took him there. I just was worried about this b/c he might think we are doing the same thing.

[TrinityRun]

They won't ruin your dog in a weekend and you really shouldn't want them to do more with him than his care needs. Feeding, watering, and exercise. You shouldn't want them doing obedience with him anyways.

[Rocky's_mom]

Originally posted by TrinityRun
They won't ruin your dog in a weekend and you really shouldn't want them to do more with him than his care needs. Feeding, watering, and exercise. You shouldn't want them doing obedience with him anyways.

Your right, I didn't mean that I wanted them to do obedience with him. What I should have said was that I didn't want him having 2 days with no one telling him what to do that he is going to think that when he gets home-He doesnt' have to do what I tell him anymore. Rocky is very expressive. he isn't at all laid back. The only time he is, is when he is asleep!

[TrinityRun]

Originally posted by Rocky's_mom
Yea, I know he isn't human.......I just was worried about this b/c he might think we are doing the same thing.

Obviously you know he isn't human by looking at him. I'm not talking about that.

Abandonment. Wondering why you left him. How can you "assure him" (as in communicate to him that you are not leaving him, you'll be back in a couple of days) ... all human thought patterns - something he's not capable of.

[Rocky's_mom]

ok....Thanks...this has put my mind at ease...


Thanks everyone!

RottieMom Ct- I will do what you say. Thanks for the advice!

[flyballmom]

As well as "his stuff" (the blanket and food, etc.) leave for him one of your stinkiest pieces of dirty laundry. That way he has your scent with him.

[Trinitii]

This might be a stupid idea but how about taking him there and leaving him for an hour or so then coming back to get him a couple of times.

Trinitii

[Rocky's_mom]

Originally posted by flyballmom
As well as "his stuff" (the blanket and food, etc.) leave for him one of your stinkiest pieces of dirty laundry. That way he has your scent with him.

What other stuff do I need to take? Ok, I have gotton: Food, Blanket, his chew toy, one stinky piece of dirty laundry-mine or my huspands? What else?

Trinitii- I might do that!

Oh, and one more question...can I put him in the run or would that be a bad idea?

This is my first time in doing this...so please BEAR with me!

[spidey]

can I put him in the run or would that be a bad idea?

I think that would be less than ideal. I'd walk in, do whatever paperwork needs doing, hand him off to the tech (or whoever), and leave. No big goodbyes, no fuss - the more of a "deal" you make about it, the more he's going to think he should be upset. You don't need to put him in the run, that'll drag things out even more, and there's no good reason to do so.

[lblax]

Originally posted by TrinityRun
Obviously you know he isn't human by looking at him. I'm not talking about that.

Abandonment. Wondering why you left him. How can you "assure him" (as in communicate to him that you are not leaving him, you'll be back in a couple of days) ... all human thought patterns - something he's not capable of.

ditto and also dogs really dont have a concept of time so whether your gone a few hours or a few days its all about the same to them