Comments on: Does my dog miss me? http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/ a dog blog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:56:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Lindsay Stordahl http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23720 Lindsay Stordahl Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:02:02 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23720 Thanks. Not sure if anyone has told me that or not. I think your idea of gradually leaving your dog with your grandma for short periods at first and then longer and longer is a great idea. It will help your dog feel more comfortable at her house. It will also help your grandma feel more comfortable with him. And you will feel better about leaving him. Thanks. Not sure if anyone has told me that or not.

I think your idea of gradually leaving your dog with your grandma for short periods at first and then longer and longer is a great idea. It will help your dog feel more comfortable at her house. It will also help your grandma feel more comfortable with him. And you will feel better about leaving him.

]]> By: Coralian http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23656 Coralian Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:50:40 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23656 Thanks you so much. Has anyone ever told you that you are a really good person? Now I am about to ask for another piece of advice...sorry for all the trouble...I will be leaving my dog at granma's place since my parents are going with me and the only person who will be at my house is my brother who is not the most responsable person in the world...also my grandma is a freaquand visitor at my own house so my dog already know who she is and aknoleges her as a part of her family. Do you consider it be nice if I take my dog to grandma's a couple of times before I go on my trip?....I was thinking of going with him and staying with my dog and grandma for a few hours...then we both go back home together and a few day after that go to grandma's again but let him stay the night then come back, then another time 2 nights in a row and so on until he gets use to spending time in grandma's. Do you think this might be nice for him? Thanks for the time to answer... Thanks you so much. Has anyone ever told you that you are a really good person? Now I am about to ask for another piece of advice…sorry for all the trouble…I will be leaving my dog at granma’s place since my parents are going with me and the only person who will be at my house is my brother who is not the most responsable person in the world…also my grandma is a freaquand visitor at my own house so my dog already know who she is and aknoleges her as a part of her family. Do you consider it be nice if I take my dog to grandma’s a couple of times before I go on my trip?….I was thinking of going with him and staying with my dog and grandma for a few hours…then we both go back home together and a few day after that go to grandma’s again but let him stay the night then come back, then another time 2 nights in a row and so on until he gets use to spending time in grandma’s. Do you think this might be nice for him? Thanks for the time to answer…

]]> By: Lindsay Stordahl http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23613 Lindsay Stordahl Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:06:18 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23613 Enjoy your trip and try not to worry about your dog. He'll be just fine, I promise :) I do pet sitting as my full-time job, and trust me every single dog is just fine without his or her owner. Many dogs do feel anxious at first though. Some dogs cry or pace or want to look for their owners at the door for a few minutes and some for the first couple hours. After that first day, the dogs are always fine because they begin to adjust to my routine. This isn't because the dogs don't love their owners, it's because dogs live in the moment. They are happy to be with me and my dog and then they are very happy to see their owners again when they come back. Anxiousness is a state of mind that many dogs are in when they are dropped off at a new place. It doesn't help that their owners are usually excited and end up getting their dogs even more anxious and excited.The person taking care of the dog usually responds to the excitement with more excitement, making things even worse. This is probably what your friends and family members do with your dog. They probably say things like "Where's Caralian? Huh? Huh?" and talk in excited voices. As hard as it is, the best thing a pet owner or anyone taking care of the dog can do is be calm, reward calm behavior and take the dog out on a structured walk. This helps the dog get used to his new surroundings. After that, it's best to reward the dog when he's calm and lying still rather than to get him all riled up again by talking or playing exciting games. Save those fun things for when the dog is a bit more relaxed. Good luck, and your English is great! Enjoy your trip and try not to worry about your dog. He’ll be just fine, I promise :)

I do pet sitting as my full-time job, and trust me every single dog is just fine without his or her owner. Many dogs do feel anxious at first though. Some dogs cry or pace or want to look for their owners at the door for a few minutes and some for the first couple hours. After that first day, the dogs are always fine because they begin to adjust to my routine. This isn’t because the dogs don’t love their owners, it’s because dogs live in the moment. They are happy to be with me and my dog and then they are very happy to see their owners again when they come back.

Anxiousness is a state of mind that many dogs are in when they are dropped off at a new place. It doesn’t help that their owners are usually excited and end up getting their dogs even more anxious and excited.The person taking care of the dog usually responds to the excitement with more excitement, making things even worse. This is probably what your friends and family members do with your dog. They probably say things like “Where’s Caralian? Huh? Huh?” and talk in excited voices.

As hard as it is, the best thing a pet owner or anyone taking care of the dog can do is be calm, reward calm behavior and take the dog out on a structured walk. This helps the dog get used to his new surroundings. After that, it’s best to reward the dog when he’s calm and lying still rather than to get him all riled up again by talking or playing exciting games. Save those fun things for when the dog is a bit more relaxed.

Good luck, and your English is great!

]]> By: Coralian http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23609 Coralian Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:50:25 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23609 I read ur article and I really want to believe that this is true but its hard. I tried the expirement that u mention in this article...I left him with my parent...(i still live with them since I am 17) and whent for a 5 minute walk-came home and acted like I hadn't seen him in years....he was so happy. My parent told me that they had tried to play with him and that during the first minute or so he played with them fine but then he jumped of the sofa and looked all over the house (apperently for me) then he came to stand in front of the door until I came back. He didnt pay attention to my parents until I came back no matter how much they try to play with him....the next day I did the same experiment only that I ignore him and he went balistic...he started to bark and whine and to walk right in front of me to get attention...once again my parents stated that they had tried to play with him only to be ignore by the dog who stood in front of the door the whole time...My dad even try to called his attention with a piece of apple (we often use them as treats) but the dog just left them apple in the floor. What can I do...Everybody (my parents-brothers-and neighbore) tell me that he acts this way when I am not around and I am scared since I am going on vacation for seven days in the summer (high school graduation gift from my parents) but I couldn't possible spent 7 days in a cruise without sleeping worring about my dog standing by the door or acting depress. Please give me some advice. I need anything u got please... also excuse me if something seems odd in my writing...English is not my first language and I am still getting the hang of all the grammar rule... I read ur article and I really want to believe that this is true but its hard. I tried the expirement that u mention in this article…I left him with my parent…(i still live with them since I am 17) and whent for a 5 minute walk-came home and acted like I hadn’t seen him in years….he was so happy. My parent told me that they had tried to play with him and that during the first minute or so he played with them fine but then he jumped of the sofa and looked all over the house (apperently for me) then he came to stand in front of the door until I came back. He didnt pay attention to my parents until I came back no matter how much they try to play with him….the next day I did the same experiment only that I ignore him and he went balistic…he started to bark and whine and to walk right in front of me to get attention…once again my parents stated that they had tried to play with him only to be ignore by the dog who stood in front of the door the whole time…My dad even try to called his attention with a piece of apple (we often use them as treats) but the dog just left them apple in the floor. What can I do…Everybody (my parents-brothers-and neighbore) tell me that he acts this way when I am not around and I am scared since I am going on vacation for seven days in the summer (high school graduation gift from my parents) but I couldn’t possible spent 7 days in a cruise without sleeping worring about my dog standing by the door or acting depress. Please give me some advice. I need anything u got please… also excuse me if something seems odd in my writing…English is not my first language and I am still getting the hang of all the grammar rule…

]]> By: Lindsay Stordahl http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23504 Lindsay Stordahl Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:21:56 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23504 Glad I could help. I can guarantee your dog is having a great time at the pet retreat. Glad I could help. I can guarantee your dog is having a great time at the pet retreat.

]]> By: Tina http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-23486 Tina Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:20:36 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-23486 I am so glad I read your article. I have been on vacation and boarding my dog "Bella" for 12 days. I have been so full of guilt thinking that she must feel so abandoned. Especially since it is the first time I have left her. I have just been wanting to go home so I can see her and make sure she is alright. Now--after reading your article, I can just relax and enjoy the last 3 days of my vacation. She has been at a pet retreat and I am sure she has been having the time of her life playing and socializing the entire time. Thank you I am so glad I read your article. I have been on vacation and boarding my dog “Bella” for 12 days. I have been so full of guilt thinking that she must feel so abandoned. Especially since it is the first time I have left her. I have just been wanting to go home so I can see her and make sure she is alright. Now–after reading your article, I can just relax and enjoy the last 3 days of my vacation. She has been at a pet retreat and I am sure she has been having the time of her life playing and socializing the entire time.

Thank you

]]> By: Lindsay Stordahl http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-22507 Lindsay Stordahl Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:38:23 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-22507 I think you are doing the right thing, even though it's hard! And it sounds like you are going about it the right way. Good luck! I think you are doing the right thing, even though it’s hard! And it sounds like you are going about it the right way. Good luck!

]]> By: Andrea http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-22506 Andrea Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:28:43 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-22506 Thank you! We are actually sticking around for the weekend since it's such a long haul to their place - we're going to get there as early as possible Saturday and spend the day playing in her new yard and walking around her new neighborhood with the new owners. We'll stay at a hotel overnight and let Gracie spend the night with the new owners, then come back in the morning and hang out for a while before we say goodbye! The new owners have already said that we can come visit sometime down the road so I'm looking forward to a friendship with them! I'm taking her familiar blankets, Kongs and other toys and hope that the presence of those things will help ease any anxiety she feels. I'll do my best to be cheerful when we leave, and save the tears for the ride home! I love her so very much, I just want her to be happy and I want to do right by my other dogs, too. Thank you! We are actually sticking around for the weekend since it’s such a long haul to their place – we’re going to get there as early as possible Saturday and spend the day playing in her new yard and walking around her new neighborhood with the new owners. We’ll stay at a hotel overnight and let Gracie spend the night with the new owners, then come back in the morning and hang out for a while before we say goodbye! The new owners have already said that we can come visit sometime down the road so I’m looking forward to a friendship with them! I’m taking her familiar blankets, Kongs and other toys and hope that the presence of those things will help ease any anxiety she feels. I’ll do my best to be cheerful when we leave, and save the tears for the ride home! I love her so very much, I just want her to be happy and I want to do right by my other dogs, too.

]]> By: Lindsay Stordahl http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-22500 Lindsay Stordahl Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:04:55 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-22500 She'll be fine. The best thing you can do for her is not make a big deal out of dropping her off. Crying, getting emotional will make her worried. Perhaps you could go for a nice long walk with her before you drop her off as a way of saying goodbye (for your sake) and to help her feel more relaxed in her new home where she is likely to feel anxious at least that first night. Don't worry that you won't be able to visit her. The transition will be easier for the dog if she doesn't see you for awhile. If you and the new owners agree to have you come visit once Gracie is settled, that should be just fine. But remember, it is up to the new owners to decide this because Gracie will be their dog. You are making a wonderful choice. Too many people hold onto dogs when it's not ideal because society looks down on people who "give up" dogs. It's not always a bad thing to re-home an animal. You obviously love all your dogs. She’ll be fine. The best thing you can do for her is not make a big deal out of dropping her off. Crying, getting emotional will make her worried. Perhaps you could go for a nice long walk with her before you drop her off as a way of saying goodbye (for your sake) and to help her feel more relaxed in her new home where she is likely to feel anxious at least that first night. Don’t worry that you won’t be able to visit her. The transition will be easier for the dog if she doesn’t see you for awhile. If you and the new owners agree to have you come visit once Gracie is settled, that should be just fine. But remember, it is up to the new owners to decide this because Gracie will be their dog.

You are making a wonderful choice. Too many people hold onto dogs when it’s not ideal because society looks down on people who “give up” dogs. It’s not always a bad thing to re-home an animal. You obviously love all your dogs.

]]> By: Andrea http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/07/31/does-my-dog-miss-me/#comment-22495 Andrea Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:12:10 +0000 http://www.thatmutt.com/?p=4142#comment-22495 Hi Lindsay! I found this page after googling "will my dog be happy in her new home?" I am very guilty of projecting my all-too-human emotions onto my dog, Gracie. This coming weekend we are driving her to a new home near Boston (we live in upstate NY). I've known the owners-to-be for 4 years although I have not met them in person. I think they are great people, they are home more than we are and more active than we are and Gracie will be getting a lot more exercise than she currently gets. I think it will be a great home for her, once she gets settled, but I'm worried about the beginning of the transition. We live too far apart for me to be able to drop by sometimes and check on her, and I imagine my poor sweet girl moping and pining for me. She was supposed to be a foster dog for us, but she's been with us for 5 years. She and my first dog Archie do not get along and have had some terrible fights. She gets along with some dogs but not Archie! We are trying for a baby and have come to the realization that 3 dogs, 2 of which don't get along, is too much to manage with a baby in the house. We are also having to rent out part of our house so the "crate and rotate" routine is not going to be possible any longer. So this loving family is eager to adopt our Gracie and I'm glad for that... but I'm hoping I'm more attached to her than she is to me. She's such a lovely dog, so smart and athletic and sweet. I hate to give her up and never thought in a million years I would rehome any of my dogs. Tell me she'll bounce right back and be perfectly happy with her new family... tell me she won't miss me! Hi Lindsay! I found this page after googling “will my dog be happy in her new home?” I am very guilty of projecting my all-too-human emotions onto my dog, Gracie. This coming weekend we are driving her to a new home near Boston (we live in upstate NY). I’ve known the owners-to-be for 4 years although I have not met them in person. I think they are great people, they are home more than we are and more active than we are and Gracie will be getting a lot more exercise than she currently gets. I think it will be a great home for her, once she gets settled, but I’m worried about the beginning of the transition. We live too far apart for me to be able to drop by sometimes and check on her, and I imagine my poor sweet girl moping and pining for me. She was supposed to be a foster dog for us, but she’s been with us for 5 years. She and my first dog Archie do not get along and have had some terrible fights. She gets along with some dogs but not Archie! We are trying for a baby and have come to the realization that 3 dogs, 2 of which don’t get along, is too much to manage with a baby in the house. We are also having to rent out part of our house so the “crate and rotate” routine is not going to be possible any longer. So this loving family is eager to adopt our Gracie and I’m glad for that… but I’m hoping I’m more attached to her than she is to me. She’s such a lovely dog, so smart and athletic and sweet. I hate to give her up and never thought in a million years I would rehome any of my dogs. Tell me she’ll bounce right back and be perfectly happy with her new family… tell me she won’t miss me!

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