Preparing a pet for overnight stays

Rescueme

Hi

I have to head away with work at the end of this month for a week ( 5 days). My usual dog sitter is unable to help me out this time, so my parents will be looking after my pet.

Shes a quiet dog, sleeps alot (lurcher), and would be well used to my parents and their home. When I was away over Christmas, she was with me, but was very unsettled at night roaming / crying quite a bit in a house she would be familiar with.

My parents are elderly, and love the dog - wont be in a position to walk her, but they have a big garden where she can stretch the legs and run around. She will be well minded!

My only 'concern' is that she starts to roam and cry again, especially when I am not there - and she disturbs their sleep etc.

Any tips on how to ensure she is as settled as she can be before I have to go? As mentioned - she is very familiar with the house and my parents - but just want to try and ensure she sleeps the night!

Thanks

RM

daheff

is there any chance you can stay overnight with her there beforehand so she can get used to the place?

Also is she crate trained? If so, bringing her crate would help settle her and keep her contained at night.

If already familiar it should be okay, but you could also wear an old coat/jacket for a couple days and throw it into her bedding afterwards. Familiar smell will help some dogs settle if nervous.

Rubberchikken

I know vets have the calming thing to use for cats but not sure if one exists for dogs.

TThe Coat with your scent on it is a good idea.

Hopefully all will be well and pup and pup sitters will have a lovely visit.

Oscar_Madison

All above advice good re: familiar smells- first time our dog went to an actual home (not dog kennel) he was crying at the bottom of the stairs - minders brought him up to their bedroom.

I know that might be a bridge too far for your parents but getting his bed as close to where they sleep I think will help - in the absence of you, having them very close by - especially if in same room - could very much ease her anxiety - dogs are “in the present” animals so a familiar human presence very close by will be reassuring - talk to your folks about what they’ll tolerate - it would certainly be better than crying all night - maybe a trial run in advance would also help?

Just re-reading your post now - you say she stayed in that house with you there, over Christmas, and was upset?

Again I’d ask the question where did she sleep? There could be something reassuring at home that isn’t there at your parents house- again though, sleeping very close by to you or your parents should help - if that was the case in the past then I wonder is she crying for her own home, and not necessarily for her familiar owner etc ?

anewme

My dog is minded by my Mum when I'm in work but not usually overnight. During the summer i booked a week away and she was a bit worried about taking him. I left my housecoat (the Mammy coat). My mum put him on the end of her bed with the "smelly" coat and there was not a peep out of him all night once the coat was with him.

TamiaLane

I get how stressful it can be to prepare your pet for an overnight stay! One thing I’d recommend is getting them comfortable with the idea beforehand.

TamiaLane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123111105#Comment_123111105

ITry leaving them alone for a few hours at a time so they get used to being apart from you. You can also make the experience smoother by bringing along their favorite blanket or toy—it’ll help them feel more secure. If you're looking for a reliable service, check out PostPods—they offer some great tips and services for pet stays.

You can visit their site here: postpods.co.uk.