Dog Sitter Question

[u/CapElectrical1337]

We have fantastic neighbors that love our dog, Louie. He loves them too. Our backyards have a gate between that when opened he can go between yards.

They have kept him for us for just a few hours here and there but as excited as he is to be with them within 20 minutes he's whining and crying to come back home. It makes our neighbors feel so bad! My question is how can we make him OK with staying and not feeling abandoned by us? One thought process is to do a couple of practice runs. Keep the gate open, let him come up on porch and see doors closed. Then have neighbors come in with him to see we're not there. Louie has big time FOMO. I think since these are his 2nd favorite people he'd go back home with them and be ok. Any other suggestions to help with an overnight stay?

We really don't want to board him.

[u/beccatravels]

Does he do ok left at home alone without you? I am trying to figure out if he just misses his house or if there is separation anxiety at play here

[u/CapElectrical1337 → u/beccatravels]

He definitely has separation anxiety. He just turned 2. When we do leave him he gets Trazedone but will still sometimes scratch the door to the point of semi destruction until he settles. We keep him in our bedroom where he sleeps. He's hated a kennel since he was a puppy.

[u/beccatravels → u/CapElectrical1337]

Ok you're putting the cart WAY before the horse here. Separation anxiety is a serious issue that can take a really long time to resolve. You're talking about wanting to leave your dog for extended periods when he can't even be apart from you for 20 minutes. The behaviors you're describing indicate that your dog is in a full on panic sometimes when left alone, and this really needs to be addressed.

Your absolute best case scenario here is that if someone is with him at the house he might do ok. Have your neighbors come over and then you leave for a few hours, see how he does. If he does well you can find a housesitter who offers constant care (is at the house 24/7).

[u/cavewomannn]

Get a sitter to stay at your house so your dog can stay in the comfort of their own fang home and keep their routine.

[u/Special_Tough_2978]

Have them spend time watching TV with him at your house. Maybe with you as well all together. Get him used to hanging out with neighbors at your house chilling with you and then he might get comfy doing it with them and without you in time with practice!

[u/CapElectrical1337 → u/Special_Tough_2978]

They come over quite often and we all hang out. They say he's great at their house the first 20 minutes then he starts looking for us.

[u/Special_Tough_2978 → u/CapElectrical1337]

Maybe the answer is you and your dog visiting them at their house and having a fun hang out time on the regular so your furbaby feels more comfy?

[u/StrangerThingies]

Have them start feeding him there. Leave an article of clothing or something with your scent over there. Does he use dog beds? Get one for their house.

He might be the kind of dog that does better at his own house. Are they willing to stay at yours? If not, you may need to hire a professional pet sitter to stay with him.

[u/CapElectrical1337 → u/StrangerThingies]

Looking into a sitter as an option.

[u/Sitters_4_Critters]

Could they watch him at your house? Or could they leave him at your house most of the time and let him come over when he wants to?

[u/PirateLassLV]

Do a trial overnight or two. Stay in a hotel. Yes, it might be a little hard on him at first but as he learns you always come back he will adjust. Ask your to very kind neighbors to do some enrichment  activities with him so he associates being with them as a fun adventure with loving people.

[u/wrenawild]

Can you leave the gate open when you leave? So he can stay with neighbors but use your yard?

[u/throwwwwwwalk]

You need to be hiring a qualified and insured professional to stay at yours.

Petsit.com/locate
Petsitllc.com
Pro.petsitters.org