Hi everyone, As I mentioned in another post I am getting married in just under 2 weeks now, and we decided that Murphy would stay with a friend the day before and day of the wedding. At first we wanted Murphy to be at the wedding but then we decided that to save me the stress of worrying with what he's doing, and also him the stress of all the people and us dressed funny etc (coupled with him now having kennel cough and still a bit of a funny tummy) he would stay with a friend who isn't coming to the wedding. Anyway I am worried about leaving him as he has never stayed over somewhere else without me or my oh and so I don't know whether there is anything I can do to make it easier for him when it happens. He will be left with her from Friday lunchtime till Sunday afternoon which to me seems like ages! I am taking him on wed to her house where he hasn't been before and I thought about taking a load of chicken which he loves so that he associates her house with chicken and yummy stuff lol, is this a good idea? When he stays there obviously he will have his crate and blankets and toys from home but I am just worried he might get upset? I hope all this makes sense and any advice regarding this would be great fully received! Thanks everyone x
Re: Leaving him with someone else :/ Wow only 2 weeks to go how exciting When you take Murphy to your friends it's a good idea to favourite toys etc. and build up the visits and maybe you could leave him for a few hours to get used to being there without you. Would be possible to do a trial over night stay if you are worried?. I used to look after my friends dog from a 4 month old puppy and we didn't make a fuss just brought his bed, toys and he settled no problem and will stay with anyone that feeds and walks him - no loyalty ;D Does your friend have a dog of her own? Helen x
Re: Leaving him with someone else :/ We did just what Helen suggested - build up the length of visits, take lots of her own things. Just like kids, they miss you for a little while then settle down with whoever has the foods and fun We also made sure we visited afterwards too - so she didn't always thing going to see that person meant a holiday stayover. Its not long at all before your big day - it makes sense to reduce the number of things to worry about! x
Re: Leaving him with someone else :/ She used to but now has cats- she said they just disappear if there are dogs about. She often looks after her daughters terrier who she says is quite excitable but obviously won't be as strong as Murphy! I am a little worried about him being a handful for her to look after even though he actually is pretty good 90% of the time. But I am mainly worried about him getting upset being left because even when I went on my hen do and left him with my oh he wasn't very settled and whined a lot. I will definitely take him over there a few times and leave him for a bit to get him used to it. Doesn't help that I am a worrier but il try hard not to be in front of him so he doesn't sense it! Thanks for your advice X
Re: Leaving him with someone else :/ Congrats on the wedding! I took my dog to stay with my niece for ten days when she was about four months old. I didn't do any prep visits (didn't occur to me!) although she does know my niece. She was absolutely fine. Didn't whine or anything. In fact I think she had a great time as they have four dogs to play with. I think, like kids, they're more resilient than we think! She's stayed since for a couple nights and again was no bother. Hope she's ok but hope more that you are!! Enjoy your special day
Re: Leaving him with someone else :/ P.s meant to say - I took her cage/bedding/toys with her. Sure you've already planned that xx
