worried
 

Yoni is 20 weeks old and has been with us since he was 9 weeks. I am his primary caregiver. He has bonded, it seems, with the entire family... but me and him share a special bond. I am the one who feeds him, takes him for walks, makes sure he gets out to pee, trains him, etc. My family does help out sometimes, of course.... but not nearly enough (that is a whole other problem). I don't mind doing all of this stuff for him, though, because I love him! Now here's the problem......

I'm going away on Wednesday for 5 days and leaving Yoni home with my dad and sister. I am worried enough as it is because they don't know how to take care of him (I've been giving them lessons for the past few days, though LOL)..... but I can't stop thinking about how he will react to me leaving. He is so used to seeing me every day, and so used to me being the one to do everything for him! I'm scared that he will be really sad and depressed or be mad at me when I get home! Maybe I'm just a concerned mother (never thought I'd say that about a dog LOL).... but I need some reassurance! Should I call every night and let him hear my voice? Am I being crazy? Let me know if I am. :p

He might miss you and look for you, but he won't be mad. Dogs do not hold grudges, they are forever forgiving and always happy to see you.

:thumbup:

You may want to leave a t-shirt or something you've slept in a couple of days in his sleeping/quiet area. That way he will still have your scent to comfort him. But he will be more than happy to see you when you walk back in.

You're not crazy! You're just a good mommy. Do you work/go to school? Are you home with him literally 24/7?

If you are home with him all the time, I think you need to start leaving him for short periods of time. You want to help him understand that you might leave at times, but you'll always come back to him. I have a problem with separation anxiety in my boy, and it is not fun. He made himself sick with worry, and completely lost his ability to hold his urine and had severe diarrhea. Do you want to know how long I was gone for? Max, 8 hours. He was left in the care of someone I trust him with and I know they gave him the best care. He made himself sick. :(

When we first got him back in June, I had about a week left of school... so I did have to leave him for a lot of the day, but I'm not even sure if he remembers that! Ever since, he comes EVERYWHERE with me. We went away a few times this summer and he always came with us.... but this time we're taking a trip to the U.S. in a crowded car, so it's just not possible. I hope Yoni copes better than your baby, but either way, it's something he has to get used to.

Good idea, I will try that. Thanks!

Mine is 2 and I got him when he was 1. That's why I'm telling you to start teaching him it's ok NOW! I use to get peed on my work clothes once in a while. Little stinker knows how to delay my departure. :rolleyes: He does better now that my little brother works from home and is with him all day. My dad and mom pop in and out and also help keep him company. We're working on the separation anxiety issue, but I think it's better to prevent it than have to work it out.

Ziva is my baby, but I make an effort to leave her to my children's care whenever possible. I am very careful not to make a fuss when I leave because she already lays in front of the door with her nose in the corner for some time after I leave.She is crazy to see me when I get back!