usmclove

I've had sacha for about 3-4 weeks now, and of course the christmas holidays hit and my MIL wants us to fly out of state for the week. Our tickets are already bought (I got volun-told when it would be) We are flying southwest and they told us they do not do cargo holding for pets and Sacha is too big for the carry on carriers.. and not old enough to board at the place I wanted to board her.

I'm leaving her in a friend's care, and I'm kinda worried about her being confused about being with me (loving me like mommy) then going to my friends house for a week and then coming back here, or possibly becoming stand offish and breaking that bond with me and the family.

Am I just being too protective or will she be okay and just excited to see me again? Or is it a real true concern? Its such a short time to have had her and then have to go away and she is REALLY attached to me; but my husband says it's only for a week she'll be fine.

I really don't know what to do. Any advice is appreciated.

Rouleaux

I don't blame you. However, what are the requirements needed to board her at the facility you brought up first?

I'm sure things will be fine, just set the rules : house and yard only and watch 24/7 or crate. no table food, etc.

I can't blame you... I'd be a wreck!

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PortersMama

We've had Grizzly for about 2 weeks now and are going away for a week after Christmas. Grizzly has a nanny (that sounds crazy, but I'm serious), and his behaviorist actually said that staying here with the nanny would be the best option for him, given the familiarity and the ease of routine here. Maybe your friend could watch Sacha at your home?

Also, I remember back 10 years ago when we boarded Porter for the first time. It wasn't too long after we got him. He didn't forget us and he loved us just the same. 10 years later, it was a distant memory. Don't worry.

mmctaq

This is an excellent opportunity! There was a thread a long time ago about how beneficial it is to find places to leave a pup for a few days... board a night, a couple of days with this friend and then that, stay the day at the vet's office. It is a wonderful way to avoid having a pup grow into a dog with dependancy issues and separation issues. As long as your friend is good with pups and has half of a brain, go have a great week and assume your pup is doing the same!

mmctaq

You have a little puppy with a nanny and a behaviorist? I have so many questions, but I am afraid to ask...

PatchworkRobot

When Dreizehn was young he went into boarding for a week, he was fine.

I did, for a few weeks beforehand, sleep in some old t-shirts and left them with the pup so he would have a familiar smell in his room at the facility.

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PortersMama

Oh Lord, please...I want to tell you to ask away, but I'm also aware of how crazy I might sound... Pay no attention to the crazy Dobe owner behind the curtain!

mmctaq

I'm gonna pretend you DID tell me to ask away LOL! Why in the world does a puppy barely old enough for puppy class have need of a behaviorist?

usmclove

They need rabies and the minimum age for them... she is not old enough yet (min. 4 mos old) and shes barely 3 at this point... I have set forth how I want her handled, and the friend assured me that they would continue with it but i hate to sound so mushy... but shes my baby Its hard for me to trust any one with her alone much less for a week.

usmclove

I wish that was the case and he could... but he works, and has pups of his own and what not... she cries A LOT when there is NO ONE home, people wise, and I'm afraid of my nosy annoying biased (they saw sacha and like scurried their kids and dogs... *a 50 lbs lab * in the house like sacha was poisonous) neighbors would call animal control because of the whining and my friend wouldn't be there to tell them we are not home.

usmclove

my friend has many pups and an extensive knowledge of many breeds.... He is actually educated me a bit on her breed when I first got her before I got onto this forum (about some things to expect etc) and I trust him, but I am sooooo nervous about a lack of connection or confusion and what have you... I think I'm over protective lol

usmclove

all the other "in home" friends I could ask, are leaving for the holidays.... its a tough situation... :-/

usmclove

by many pups meaning he has a few of his own and has had in the past many different breeds in his years... he is much older than I... lol I hope that comes out correctly?

PortersMama

LOL She's like a lawyer...she's on retainer! Seriously though, it's not as crazy as it sounds. We found her when we were looking for a trainer, she just happens to be both. So right now she'll help us with the training, and then if he gets older and has any problem behaviors - which I don't necessarily expect, but you never do know, I suppose - she'll at least be familiar with him. It's awfully convenient, so we'll take it.

MeadowCat

Like Martha said, it's good for dogs to spend time away from their owners. We're actually taking a vacation in about a month. Richter will be boarded with one of the vet techs that works at our vet's office, and Shanoa will stay home with an in-home sitter.

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usmclove

I decided to research and meet with quite a few in home providers today, (thank you portersmama) and we found one that fit! So she didnt seemed too worried when we dropped her off... I think I'm more worried about her than she is about herself! >.< lol thanks for all the help guys.

KissNme

You might send an old shirt or nightgown that has your scent on it. I do that when I board my dog at doggie day care. She's familiar with all of them, but still it's a change for her. I agree about the rules with the friend. And yes, I'm pretty nuts about Kiss, too, so even though I don't spend every minute I'm away from her driving myself nuts, I do think of her often. I also call and check on her, which doggie day care always assures me she is fine. Try not to spoil your time away with family worrying. That won't do anyone any good. Have a great, safe time! Welcome to DT from Kansas.