MunasG
New member
- Joined
- May 13, 2016
- Messages
- 214
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi all,
Iāve recently had to consider options for my Nellie given that there has been a sudden change in the way things have been since we got her. A little over a week ago my BF had to leave the country abruptly due to some immigration issues. We somewhat expected this but were still hopeful that he could stay. But he has had to leave and left a huge hole in both mine and Nellieās life! ļ In any case, he was the main person that she spent the day with when I was at work. Because he is a contractor he was able to come home often and spend time with her during the day. I work far from home and donāt have that luxury. Since his departure, Iāve had to rely on a pet sitter since am away at work for 10 hours of the day (including commuting time). The pet sitter is adorable but itās been a change for me allowing a stranger into my home. Iāve thought it was good for Nellie because she still gets to stay home and be in her normal environment. My BF leaving didnāt seem to affect her too too much other than her being sad and looking everywhere for him the first 2 days after he left. It broke my heart! But she seemed to trudge along. I have noticed however, since last Sunday a bit of change in her (due to some anxiety experiencing her first rain/thunderstorm). She seems a bit more aggressive and almost angry at me when I leave her and when I get home. She seems excited to see me but does not look at me and barks at me. She has been eating up my furniture like crazy but that could be a different issue. My BF got us a webcam before he left so that I can keep an eye on her. Itās been very handy albeit keeping me away from my work. I watched the sitter with her a few times and she is super sweet but maybe just a tad bit odd. She pets her a lot and talks to her and sings to her like an actual baby! It is slightly funny to watch. I am worried that because we both have different ways of interacting with her, she is learning to be unruly instead. I pay her $20 for the day and she comes for two hours. Not that I think the daycare will be as consistent but am hoping they have trained staff that can keep her in line. She is a bit of a diva and itās been partly my fault given the situation but with the lack of consistency Iām afraid thereāll be trouble down the line. I have been debating the following options, and wanted to know if anyone had any advice? I realize some of these options are not sustainable unless I win the lottery. But while sheās still young and getting adjusted to things, I have to come up with a plan. My boyfriendās departure has left me ill prepared and not sure what long term plan to have for her.
1. Put her in doggy daycare full time (5 days) ā this option is very pricy itāll be about $565 a month but unlimited access including weekends too.
2. Put her in day care 2 days a week ($300 every 6 weeks); then have the sitter come two days a week ($150/month); and then work from home one day a week. My issue with this is that it might be too confusing for her as dogs need a routine. Perhaps all this confusion is what is leading to her anxiety and aggressive behaviour?
3. Keep the sitter full time ($400/month). But she cannot do Thursdays and Fridays due to other commitments.
4. Get a dog walker daily $15/hr ā obviously the cheapest option but this will be just 45mins to an hour. And since am gone 10hrs or so, she will be alone most of the time.
She is 15 weeks old right now and is due for her final round of shots next Thursday. She hasnāt had a chance to socialize with any other dogs or puppies so I think the daycare will help that.
Iāve recently had to consider options for my Nellie given that there has been a sudden change in the way things have been since we got her. A little over a week ago my BF had to leave the country abruptly due to some immigration issues. We somewhat expected this but were still hopeful that he could stay. But he has had to leave and left a huge hole in both mine and Nellieās life! ļ In any case, he was the main person that she spent the day with when I was at work. Because he is a contractor he was able to come home often and spend time with her during the day. I work far from home and donāt have that luxury. Since his departure, Iāve had to rely on a pet sitter since am away at work for 10 hours of the day (including commuting time). The pet sitter is adorable but itās been a change for me allowing a stranger into my home. Iāve thought it was good for Nellie because she still gets to stay home and be in her normal environment. My BF leaving didnāt seem to affect her too too much other than her being sad and looking everywhere for him the first 2 days after he left. It broke my heart! But she seemed to trudge along. I have noticed however, since last Sunday a bit of change in her (due to some anxiety experiencing her first rain/thunderstorm). She seems a bit more aggressive and almost angry at me when I leave her and when I get home. She seems excited to see me but does not look at me and barks at me. She has been eating up my furniture like crazy but that could be a different issue. My BF got us a webcam before he left so that I can keep an eye on her. Itās been very handy albeit keeping me away from my work. I watched the sitter with her a few times and she is super sweet but maybe just a tad bit odd. She pets her a lot and talks to her and sings to her like an actual baby! It is slightly funny to watch. I am worried that because we both have different ways of interacting with her, she is learning to be unruly instead. I pay her $20 for the day and she comes for two hours. Not that I think the daycare will be as consistent but am hoping they have trained staff that can keep her in line. She is a bit of a diva and itās been partly my fault given the situation but with the lack of consistency Iām afraid thereāll be trouble down the line. I have been debating the following options, and wanted to know if anyone had any advice? I realize some of these options are not sustainable unless I win the lottery. But while sheās still young and getting adjusted to things, I have to come up with a plan. My boyfriendās departure has left me ill prepared and not sure what long term plan to have for her.
1. Put her in doggy daycare full time (5 days) ā this option is very pricy itāll be about $565 a month but unlimited access including weekends too.
2. Put her in day care 2 days a week ($300 every 6 weeks); then have the sitter come two days a week ($150/month); and then work from home one day a week. My issue with this is that it might be too confusing for her as dogs need a routine. Perhaps all this confusion is what is leading to her anxiety and aggressive behaviour?
3. Keep the sitter full time ($400/month). But she cannot do Thursdays and Fridays due to other commitments.
4. Get a dog walker daily $15/hr ā obviously the cheapest option but this will be just 45mins to an hour. And since am gone 10hrs or so, she will be alone most of the time.
She is 15 weeks old right now and is due for her final round of shots next Thursday. She hasnāt had a chance to socialize with any other dogs or puppies so I think the daycare will help that.
![10329880_10152584073899347_5085521224491971699_o[1].jpg](/data/xfmg/thumbnail/17/17820-8bd75bfe6a8916c7aca7aa47e20c1401.jpg?1734902974)
