[nagdu] what do you do with your dog when you go away?

[Julie J]

Gary,

More thoughts...*smile*When I leave my dogs at home with family or for that 
matter when I leave them with Boarding Lady, they are only expected to 
conduct themselves in accordance with normal house rules.  They relieve in a 
yard, not on leash.  They don't get walked, just exercised in the 
house/yard.  No one practices obedience with them, unless it is necessary 
for routine management like sitting before receiving their food.

When I'm gone for a day and the dogs stay at home with other family members, 
I notice that they are pretty energetic when I get home.  Probably this is 
due to less exercise and mental workouts.  When they stay with Boarding Lady 
they tend to be much calmer on their return, well except for the first hour 
or so. *smile*
I started working Monty full time in October of 2009.  That Christmas he 
stayed with Boarding Lady for a week while I visited my parents.  When I 
returned to work with him, he did require a bit of refresher training on 
laying quietly under my desk.  He wanted to get up everytime someone came 
into my office.   Since then when I've gone on other trips I've noticed no 
difference in his behavior when I return, except that perhaps he is calmer 
and more settled, especially around other dogs.  It's almost like he got to 
play with other dogs which helped him not be so interested in playing when 
he's supposed to be working.  Or maybe he just grew up and matured?  dunno.

Belle has been retired for something like 3? years now, but she still 
remembers how to guide.  My son often walks her on leash.  He finds it 
humorous that she still stops at curbs and will walk around obstacles with 
plenty of room for the both of them. I don't know how long it actually takes 
for a dog to forget how to guide, but I can't see it happening in one week.

Best of luck!
Julie