Whenever you have to leave town, deciding what to do with your dog while you’re gone can be a stressful and challenging decision. There are many variables that will affect how your pet is cared for whether the reason is something fun like a vacation or if you have other circumstances that force you to be away from your pet for a long time.
This is something that needs to be carefully planned and should not be taken lightly, especially if you have a dog with behavioral issues or severe separation anxiety. Fortunately, there are many options available today that can be customized to meet both your unique needs and those of your dog.
If you have to leave your dog behind while traveling or away from home, here are some things to think about and options to take into account. (Also take a look at our article on how to take care of your dog while working busy.)
There are many factors to consider before making your decision, including your dog’s temperament, his potential health situation, and your budget, to name a few. Now that the initial feelings around how you and your dog may both feel before your separation have been addressed, it’s time to discuss your options — and luckily there are plenty. So let’s examine what might or might not be effective for you when you depart.
As soon as your luggage is taken out of the closet, your dog senses trouble. Dogs can identify objects based on their appearance and scent, such as their favorite squeaky toy or your favorite sneakers. Your dog has a bond with your suitcase similar to how he has one with his favorite ball. But in this instance, the association is not a positive one, and seeing that luggage will cause certain undesirable behavior patterns to emerge.
When your dog exhibits all the signs that you’re leaving for a trip without him, you can make him feel more at ease by employing some training methods. Show him your luggage and let him smell it. Use some techniques for positive reinforcement after that to make the connection he makes happier. Give him some treats and shower him with love. If you have a regular dog sitter, make sure she pays special attention to your best friend. Even though it won’t compare to having you there, your dog can look forward to it being fun.
One way that dogs learn is by association – connecting sights, sounds, and odors to specific outcomes. Your dog’s anxiety when he knows you are going somewhere without him is the result of associated learning. That being said, if you always go on vacation with your dog, seeing a backpack and watching you stuff clothes into it will be a source of great excitement for your good trail companion.
So, your dog knows you’re going away, and he’s most likely not going along. He will start acting out and pull out his big guns—the pleading puppy dog eyes and the whining—hoping that his sorrowful look and sounds will convince you not to go. If you really can’t bear to leave your dog behind, with some careful planning and depending on the type of trip, you can take your dog with you. However, rest assured even if your dog misses you intensely while you’re away, be confident that the moment he hears the sound of your car in the driveway, his tail will be wagging like crazy, and you’ll be greeted by a loving friend. It will be just like you never left.
Please make sure you have the contact information for an emergency veterinary clinic in the region(s) you will be traveling through if you decide to bring your dog on vacation. CVETS should be on your list of the best emergency care facilities in the nation if your travels take you to or close to Columbia, South Carolina. Get the details here.
Pet Sitting While on Vacation
You still have the choice to hire someone to watch over your dog while you’re away from home if you don’t have a family member nearby or who is willing to travel to help.
There are plenty of companies, like Release the Hounds, that not only offer dog sitting while you’re gone, but also are willing to provide household services like getting your mail, watering your plants, and more. It will give you complete peace of mind knowing that there are experienced professionals not only caring for your dog but also for your home during the time that you’re gone.
Make sure to acquaint your dog with the person prior to having them stay there and also leave detailed instructions — even if you think you’re going information overload it will help the sitter and also make you feel more comfortable knowing that they’re prepared with a document to reference in case any questions should come up and you’re unreachable. This can include food and potty routines, any medicine administration, favorite toys, sleeping habits, and especially a veterinarian contact. The more information the better.
Ensure you have a trustworthy method of communication with the pet sitter as well. You’ll frequently want to receive daily updates and photos to see how much fun your dog is having!
What do dogs think when you leave them?
We know that dogs see the world very differently. While we experience life as a running narrative, our dogs live in the constant “now.” That said, research into the minds of our canine friends is still in its infancy.
We fail to recognize that they are still dogs and not just furry four-legged human companions because they are such an integral part of our lives.
As an animal, your dog reacts in the following ways:
Instinctively
Reactionary to reinforcement, whether it is positive or negative
To episodes and events
Through stimuli
Or through conditioning by training
This indicates that they do not reflect on their thoughts or recall events in the same manner as we do. Instead, they are acutely conscious of the present situation and how it affects them.
Keep in mind that it’s an important survival skill. Animals have to focus on surviving the perils of nature.
FAQ
Do dogs miss their owners when they go on vacation?
Although studies have shown that dogs miss their owners while in kennels, you shouldn’t let this deter you. While you are away from your dog, they will undoubtedly miss you, but this does not mean that they are unhappy. Your dog will be entertained all day if you choose the right kennels.
Do dogs know how long you are gone on vacation?
Dogs can tell when we’ve been gone for a while, according to the Rhen/Keeling Study, which found significant behavioral differences between the dogs. e. When an owner had been gone for two hours as opposed to just 30 minutes, there was more tail wagging and face licking.
Are dogs sad when you leave them for vacation?
Separation anxiety Yes, dogs can experience depression, and yes, it can be severely debilitating for them. Depending on how long you are gone, your dog will typically go through a grieving period that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.