With all of the blog-reading dog owners out there, I thought some of you may have some insight into an issue that I'm having.
If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know that I'm head over heels for my sweet Doodle, Paisley. She is my world. Well a little over a month ago, when I moved to Boone for my new job, Paisley stayed at home to live with my parents. I was living with a sweet family for that first month, and bringing Paisley into the situation wasn't an option.
I have since moved into an apartment on my own. I got Paisley approved, and as of yesterday around lunch she lives with me. Paisley was crate-trained from puppy hood, and stays in there during the day while no one's at my parent's house for a couple hours at a time, no problem.
This was what I planned to do in my apartment as well, but this morning it didn't go as I had expected. Paisley slept all night last night, and did fine this morning. I gave her a new rawhide bone to chew on, and put her in her crate just like usual, but when I put her in the crate to leave, she started freaking out. Like biting the sides of the crate and barking really loudly.
I'm used to her barking a little bit when we first put her in the crate at home, but nothing like this. I could hear her out into the hall of the apartment. I have neighbors, none of which I know at this point, and I had no idea what to do. I went back into the apartment and let her out of the crate. This was before 8 in the morning, so I was scared to death other residents were going to be woken up and start complaining.
Instead, I tried my best to Paisley-proof the apartment by closing all the doors and picking up anything that may look appetizing to her sharp teeth. I made sure she had a bone, food, water, her bed, crate, and anything else that she could possibly need. Even though it broke my heart to leave her like that, I shut the door behind me and locked it. I could hear her barking, but I had to go to work.
Around 11am, I went home for lunch, and checked on Paisley. She was fine, and everything was in order, it just makes me so nervous 1. to leave her alone and out of her crate for so long and 2. if she continued barking really loud into the morning, people could complain, etc.
I've just been sick with worry all day long. I couldn't even eat my lunch when I went home, I just sat with Paisley.
Has anyone else ever been through anything like this? Or do you have any suggestions/words of wisdom for me? I'd greatly appreciate it!
As always, Have a Sweet Day!
We used to crate our dog, but tried leaving him out for short periods of time and we now have finally gotten rid of the crate completely. When we first started, we would leave him in our spare room, where he couldn't get in to too much trouble when we left him! It's so hard to leave them when they're "crying" though. :( Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOur dog was the same when we first moved to a new place. I think it's just the new surroundings and being unsure. We put him in a small room in the house with a bed, food, water, bone and a toy. After a few days he settled down and into his normal routine.
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I'm so sorry to hear your having "Mommy" anxiety :(( In time, it will get better, but for now, I understand your feelings. We (my husband and I) only feed our dogs once a day, so that is the only time they get food. Otherwise, they get treats if they behave themselves. Leaving water out is a good idea, and a raw hide too. We crate ours during the day while we are at work b/c otherwise they would get into everything. It's a tough call b/c you have to do what you feel is best for you and Paisley. What works for one pet, might not work for another? Good luck to you :))
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