The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [73]
It will take some time for Rusty to realize that your boyfriend deserves his respect, so celebrate each small victory. By the time you are ready to exchange “I dos,” Rusty may happily serve as ring bearer at your ceremony.
Dial “D” for Doggy Day Care
Q Lately, I’ve found myself spending more and more time at my job. I used to leave home at 7 A.M. and return at 5 P.M., but recently I haven’t been coming home until around 7 P.M. I share my home with my wonderful dog, Murphy. He is four years old and well behaved. He likes other dogs and loves helping me entertain when we have company. He has access to a dog door leading to an enclosed area in my side yard to use as a bathroom area, and I leave him with toys and snacks and water. When I walk in the door, Murphy is ready to play, but I am exhausted. I feel guilty that I can’t give him the attention and exercise he deserves. He is beginning to chew my belongings and beg for constant attention at night. What can I do?
A Guilt is a human emotion, not a canine one. I came up with the acronym “Great, Useful, Intelligent, Loving Tactics” for working out solutions to problems like juggling a demanding job and a young, playful dog. You already recognize that you’re exhausted and your dog is frustrated. Murphy sounds like a sweet dog who enjoys your company, but you are right to be worried that he needs more attention. You’ve done a good job in providing him with the basic amenities, but the 12-hour days are cutting into quality time for you and Murphy and reducing his opportunities to exercise.
One suggestion is that you treat Murphy to doggy day care a couple of days a week. Many places offer quality care with hours that match your schedule. Don’t let the price dissuade you. A young, energetic dog left home alone all day can start to display signs of loneliness and boredom, including destructive chewing, nonstop barking, and inappropriate urination. Correcting these bad behaviors and repairing the damage done by the dog can cost you more time and money (and much more frustration) than you will pay for day care. Murphy will enjoy unleashing his pent-up energy and hanging out with canine pals. At the end of the workday, you will pick up a tired, happy dog, not one who’s been eagerly awaiting your return all day and is dying to play. You can come home and relax with your dog before heading for bed. You both win.
Another option is to hire a trusty teen or retiree in your neighborhood to come in the afternoons and give Murphy a good long walk and some attention. Or perhaps a nearby friend with a dog would bring Murphy along for a walk while you’re at work if you offer to take the two dogs on longer treks on the weekends. Once Murphy is getting more exercise, he should start feeling less anxious and restless.
CHOOSING A GOOD DAY CARE
In deciding which doggy day care is best for your dog, ask your canine-owning friends to tell you what they like and don’t like about area facilities. If there are several choices, narrow down your list to the most appealing ones and call to schedule a visit — alone. Taking your dog on your initial visit will only distract you and keep you from conducting an objective visit.
At each doggy day care, follow this checklist.
TAKE A COMPLETE TOUR OF THE CENTER. Staff members at quality centers are happy to show prospective clients where dogs play, lounge, and rest. Scratch off centers where staff members refuse to show the entire place.
SIZE UP THE FACILITY. Look at the number and size of dogs and determine if the space allocated is adequate or too small. Make sure the center offers a safe, enclosed outdoor area.
ASK ABOUT THE RATIO OF STAFF TO DOGS. Well-run establishments should have one employee for every four to six dogs. Dogs should never be left unsupervised.
CHECK FOR CLEANLINESS. Accidents happen, but good centers quickly clean up messes. Use your ears and nose, too. You shouldn’t be deafened by the sound of noisy barking, and the place should smell