Balance is key. I think it's good to take Bobby to Petco so he learns to deal with other people/dogs/sounds and situations and so he doesn't think that every ride in the car ends up at the vet! I take him for rides to places where I don't have to get out of the car, like the motor bank or drive thru dry cleaner.
I do NOT think it's healthy for him to think that every time I go out, he will, too. Dogs need to have coping skills for the times when they will be alone and, yes, I do believe that "alone time" is as good for dogs as it is for people. I don't want my dog to turn neurotic if he isn't constantly played with, acknowledged and cosseted. I want to raise an emotionally healthy dog who is self-assured.
There will be times, invariably, that they will be separated from us for an extended time and as good pet parents it's our responsibility to make sure they handle those times well. Bobby will be spending the night at the vet's office when he's neutered and I need to prepare him for that. He will also go to the kennel when I move my son into his college dorm at the end of the summer and I want to leave him there with confidence that he will have fun and do well. My other dogs love the place and have a great time!
Julie |