I am going into hospital to have nerve endings in my neck cauterised due to my ongoing spinal injuries (car accident over 4 years ago). I should only be in hospital for the day. Harley (17 weeks) is very much my puppy and responds better to me than hubby and daughter. My daughter is coming home for Xmas the day after my procedure to help out. Harley is really good with me and is a lot calmer and gentler (I think she knows somehow) than she is with hubby, but I'm worried how she will be with me as I will be very sore and unable to do much for about a week . At present Harley snoozes cuddled up to me on the sofa during the day. She can get up on the sofa herself, but I'm worried about her going a bit rough when I come home - I usually only work 5-6 hours during the day with a lunch break at home with her. Any suggestions? Thanks
Re: How will Harley react? Hi Naya, it might be a good idea to clip a house line on to her collar for a few days. Just so that other family members can easily prevent her from jumping on you. You could also babygate the sitting room for a while so that you can just step over it if she gets a bit overexcited.
Re: How will Harley react? Firstly, I'm sorry to hear that your accident is still causing you such significant problems after this time, but really pleased that this procedure should see you more comfortable in the long run. As to Harley, my guess is that she will deploy that sixth sense that dogs have and she will just know. I remember my old spaniel, who was at that time a five month old pup, being incredibly gentle around my father who was seriously ill with very limited mobility, when Ruddles did not do gentle or calm otherwise! I would also suggest using the time until your op to reinforce all the calm behaviours that you need to see from her, and making sure that she is not rewarded at all for any jumping / rough play... which means explaining things very, very carefully to anyone else who'll be at home so you get them all following house rules for a while. If I remember rightly, your daughter already adores Harley, doesn't she? I'm a great fan of not just telling people but writing it down too, and I would look at coming up with a timetable for Harley now that you can pin somewhere prominent and get everyone used to following. Plan in the times that you expect other family members to take her out in the garden for a play / short walk, her meals, grooming - anything that would normally be done by you. She is used to quiet periods whilst you are out at work too, so you can make some of that snuggle time with you - but if others are in the house also plan for some of that to be activity time too. Is your sofa going to be the most comfortable place for you afterwards? If you think you might want to move to a different chair, then you and Harley need to road test it for comfort and fit now! The other thing that might be worth considering is a house line - you may not need it, but knowing that someone can step on the other end easily and stop her if she's getting over excited and hurtling towards you may give you extra peace of mind? Plan and organise it all now - at least I would, with pretty colours on my timetables too for each family member, I am that sad! - and you probably won't need them, but it's all in place just in case. Good luck, really hope everything goes smoothly for you. Clare And Pippa beat me to it whilst I was typing!!
Re: How will Harley react? Good luck, the advice given so far seems really sound. Can only add that when I came home from a hip replacement my young, exuberant dog was so gentle and calm around me - with any luck your pup will also act more gently than normal. They really can tell when we are not well.
Re: How will Harley react? Hi Naya I hope everything goes well with your operation and you have a speedy recovery. I know I've not got any experience or knowledge with dogs but I think that as your Harley is so gentle with you and senses how you are already, she will understand and help you recover just by being with you. Maybe you could keep repeating something to her like "mummy poorly" and touch your neck while she is calm - could that help? Sorry I know it's not much help, hope you are ok
Re: How will Harley react? Hi Naya,sorry I've missed this,when do you go in for your op?hope everything goes well,awful that you still have so much pain 4 years on.... Puppy cuddles are excellent recuperation therapy ;D x
Re: How will Harley react? It is amazing how dogs can sense when we are not right. I'm sure she'll be gentle with you, but it would be good to make sure she's getting all her regular exercise, as much as possible, anyways...
Re: How will Harley react? Thanks everyone for all your kind words and advice. I am going in on 13th December so have lots to organise at home and in work. Harley is so gentle with me already so I hope she will realise when I get home. I am looking forward to lots of cuddles from her when I come out. I have roped my hubby and daughter into taking Harley to her puppy training class as I won't be able to (this should be fun ). I have also written a schedule of Harley's meal times, exercise times and places we go so they know. I am also starting to get them to take her for an occasional walk so she gets used to them instead of me. This has been funny at times as she gets to the door then runs back and stands in front of me as if to say 'come on then'. I will let you all know how I get on Thank you again Ternaya x
