Aah @Leanne82 . When Red was about 13 weeks, we had a night out. I really thought I shouldn’t go but knew I needed to put others before her. I asked a neighbour who is used to dogs but didn’t know Red, if she would come in, let Red outside and then pop her back in her crate. She then sent me a text to say all was well. Yes I was totally exhausted but it did me good to go out into the world for an evening. Maslow may well surprise you - crate him, even if he sleeps in his crate - he may still sleep all night. I understand how you probably feel you are being pulled in lots of directions but don’t disappoint your daughter.
Ah, ok. I was going to offer a puppy sitting service then but you're a bit far unfortunately. (Though you don't know me from Adam so you might find that a bit weird ).
Thank you so much! I do have people that he could go to, but they don’t know him and they aren’t dog experienced. I don’t think they would cope with the bitey demon he becomes just before he crashes for the night. My current plan is he usually crashes for the night about 8.30 whereby he literally doesn’t move till 11 when I take him out for the last wee. So if I could stick him in his crate with a kong about 7, it MIGHT tide him over till he falls asleep. Or he might howl for 2 hours. The reservations are for 7.30. I’m really worried about wrecking the good work we have done with crate training, he’s awesome overnight and for naps but he won’t ‘settle’ in it just yet unless he has something to do.. so a decent stuffed kong might last him 40 minutes. I reckon if we skip starters we would be gone for 2 hours max. I even debated setting up a webcam but then I would spend the whole night staring at it and if he was crying I couldn’t just leave him.
@Leeane82, I learned with Harley that dogs are WAY more flexible than we think. And just turn all the clocks back so he thinks it is earlier than it is Maybe have the potential puppy watchers just come and listen at the door awhile after you leave. If he is howling or distressed they can step in. And they will potentially never own a dog of their own, or need therapy or both With regards to the webcam, we did that and I was obsessed with my phone. Rather don't watch and be 100% present with the people you also love.
I just thought! Tomorrow is one week since he’s had his jabs! That means I could also take him for a short walk over the woods by my house.. that will hopefully tire him out as well, all those new smells etc! I’ve spoken to my friend who is coming over at 7.30 once he is in his crate - she’s not going to get him out unless he’s distressed and then she’s just going to let him out for a wee and put him back in (so he doesn’t run with the whole ‘ooh I bark and get to come out!’
We had our night out and it was lovely! Munchkin stayed with my friend and despite making her 10yo cry (he humped him ) by time I got home, all was good and he was sound asleep! AND he woke at 5 but it was a whimper not a bark which I ignored and he went back to sleep!!! I am overjoyed with relief that I’ve had 7 hours of sleep.
Hey that's fab! And just think - the next time this opportunity arises you won't have to worry at all. With any luck he'll be nice and chill in the evening within a couple of months.
