Portia
Well-known member
We brought Bailey home a week ago Saturday and he is just the best little guy you could ask for. Potty training is well on track, he has been sleeping through the night, and we discovered he loves to play hide-and-seek in the yard. Both my husband and I work, but I go home every day during lunch to feed him and play for a bit. He gets about 2 hours with us first thing in the morning, then he's home alone for 3-4 hours. Then I'm home for 45 minutes to an hour, and he's left again for another 3-4 hours. Once I'm home from work, he's with us for 3-4 hours, depending on when he falls asleep (usually on my lap).
When he's home by himself, I followed what I read in Ian Dunbar's book -- Bailey is in a pen in the kitchen with his crate, water, toys and a wee wee pad (which he's been very good at using). So, practically speaking, I know he's in a safe area with everything he needs. We also use the pen at times when we are home -- when cooking dinner, weekends, etc. -- so he doesn't exclusively associate it with being left alone.
But I am feeling very guilty when I have to leave him every morning and then again in the afternoon. I always toss a treat in his crate before I leave, but he does cry a bit as he watches me walk towards the door. I've stood outside the door for a few minutes to listen, and he does stop crying as soon as he can't see me anymore. It just breaks my heart every time I have to leave him and I'm hoping this is a lot harder on me than it is on him. :cry*ing:
When he's home by himself, I followed what I read in Ian Dunbar's book -- Bailey is in a pen in the kitchen with his crate, water, toys and a wee wee pad (which he's been very good at using). So, practically speaking, I know he's in a safe area with everything he needs. We also use the pen at times when we are home -- when cooking dinner, weekends, etc. -- so he doesn't exclusively associate it with being left alone.
But I am feeling very guilty when I have to leave him every morning and then again in the afternoon. I always toss a treat in his crate before I leave, but he does cry a bit as he watches me walk towards the door. I've stood outside the door for a few minutes to listen, and he does stop crying as soon as he can't see me anymore. It just breaks my heart every time I have to leave him and I'm hoping this is a lot harder on me than it is on him. :cry*ing: