The Dogmother Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 Reading this yesterday, apart from the usual advice about leaving dogs at home alone, what immediately sprang to mind was that they obviously don't have hounds.... Mine are still comatose, in the same position as when I left 3 hours later - they wouldn't even notice if i were there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 The only evidence of activity from Riley is the sofa cushions all over the floor . When we come in he just stands there with an innocent look on his face . Snuggling down on the sofa doesn't sound too stressful to me . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 After watching its me of the dog a few years ago, I think its more down to owners who don't take their dogs out regularly for a walk who end up with the stressed out woofers. Poor doggies have loads of energy and no where to dispel it all It's like keeping kids cooped up all day and then wonder why they cause mayhem etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 George struggles to get up and sleepily walks towards us with a 'Oh dear, i suppose i'd better show some enthusiasm ' expression on his face as he stops halfway to stretch and yawn. Yep, its obviously sooo stressful all this sleeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 5, 2011 Author Share Posted July 5, 2011 I just went home for lunch to find the dogs (as usual) asleep on the kitchen floor, doing their 'scatter dogs' impression, and having pulled all their beds out of the dog bed corner. They didn't even look up when I came in Having said that, it's a different matter when I get home from work in the afternoon - Rosie gets in before me and lets them out of the kitchen, so they are dancing around and jumping all over me wanting snogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 I think it's a case of knowing your dog. To be honest, I don't like the idea of dogs being left for really long stretches without anyone popping in to see them at all, not least because I'd be pretty miffed if I wasn't allowed to go for a wee for 8 hours in the day time! But of course there are times when dogs have to be left, it's unavoidable. I think one of the tricks is not to make a big hoo-hah about either leaving or returning, it can make the dog think there is something it should be worried about. If you don't make a big fuss when you go into another room, or into the garden without the dog, why make a big fuss when you go out of the front door? The other consideration is how much mental exercise your dog needs, as well as physical. Yes, make sure your dog has had a decent walk before it is going to be left, but if your dog is the type that is always 'switched on' then leaving a chew, a kong, or small treats hidden around the house like a hide and seek can keep them busy. Of course some (like Claret's dogs, by the sounds of it) are happy just to snooze the day away, whether you are there or not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 My old dog Sally was never bothered about me when I used to go out. I'd come back in and she'd lift her head from the sofa as if to say 'oh have you been somewhere' and that was it. I don't make a fuss when I leave and Cookie seems ok. She's usually laying down near the door or sitting by it but if its anything like when my hubby comes home then she usually just senses that he's about to come home and she sits and waits in the hallway. She is used to me being home with her all day though so she is quite keen and eager when I come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Every time either I or my hubby move my Collie is at the door saying can we go NOW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 6, 2011 Author Share Posted July 6, 2011 Cyrus is always ready and tap dancing daintily, but Ruby will still be asleep or ignoring me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa C Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Tommy is fine when I leave in the morning - although he does look a bit hurt if a week goes by and he hasn't come into work with me! He always has a 3/4 hour walk in the morning, either my dad or I takes him lunchtime and then he'll have another walk in the evening, with some training thrown in... I am definitely of the 'tired dog is a happy dog' camp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 if youngest or I come home Oz is up and ready, but if oldest or mr beach chick come in he tends to just roll an eye! guess who feeds/walks/plays with him?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
