[NAGDU] {Spam?} Re: Alone At Home

[Cindy Ray]

I didn't say so, but I suspect that the guilt we feel leaving the dog is way
more intense than the dog's feelings about it one way or the other. I
remember when I left my dog for a while I was worried about him, and it
wasn't unlike leaving your baby for the first time or two. You keep
wondering how she is doing, if she is OK, and on and on.
Cindy Lou Ray


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tami Jarvis via
NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2016 10:32 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tami Jarvis <tami at poodlemutt.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] {Spam?} Re: Alone At Home

Elise,

Dogs are good at laying on the guilt if you go off and leave them behind,
especially if they're used to going everywhere with you. Have you left Becky
behind for shorter periods before? If so, how did she do? 
If you haven't, you might want to try a short trial run or two to find out
if she has separation anxiety and acts out or howls the whole time or
anything like that, especially if you live in an apartment.

In general, a dog should do fine for 5 hours and will probably just snooze
until you get back. If you don't know if she can handle herself with the run
of the house for that long, you might want to leave her in a single room or
even a crate. Just be sure to relieve her beforehand and all that.

Really, it's about knowing your dog and your own preferences. What I found
out when I left Mitzi home now and then was that I mourned the separation,
while she seemed to be fine. She would definitely trip the guilt fantastic
at leaving time, though. Oh, the pathos! I would fall for it, too, every
time. Loki's more likely to just shrug and go to bed for a nap once it's
clear we're not taking him, though he does indulge in a bit of a guilt trip
and convinces me I am horrible.

Tami

On 08/20/2016 05:51 AM, EliseBerkley via NAGDU wrote:
> Hello, everyone.
> Becky and I are still doing good.  Our bond is stronger than ever, and we
are preparing to start school soon.  My question is:  My husband and I are
going to a wedding.  We will be gone for about 5 hours.  I am undecided as
to whether to take Becky or not.  It is definitely no problem to take her.
And, if I leave her at home, I feel so guilty.  She gets sad, follows me
everywhere while she taps me with her nose, and sits and watches us as we
close the door.  Breaks my heart.  How long do you leave your guides at home
alone?  Does anyone else have this guilty party?  I really need help.  Thank
you.
> Elise and Becky
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