If you have to go out of town for a period of time, your dog will be more comfortable with someone she knows. Leaving your Dog with a Friend is a great option.
Prepare Your Dog and Your Friend
If you have someone who is available and willing to watch your
dog for you, you'll save yourself the worry (and money) of leaving your
beloved canine in the hands of strangers at a kennel. But even if your friend
knows your dog well, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
· Give your dog some bonding time. It's a good idea to have your friend come over a few times before you leave, to make sure your dog is truly comfortable with him.
· Make a list of instructions. No matter how familiar your friend is with your pooch, you should write out everything you can about the animal's care, schedules, and behaviors. Include feeding times and amounts, walk schedules, important numbers (the vet and/or emergency animal clinic), and any special needs or unusual behaviors your dog may have.
· Keep yourself available. Make sure your friend has all your contact information: numbers to the hotel you're staying at, cell phone number, even flight information. This will make it easier for your friend to contact you in the case of an emergency.
· Familiarize your friend with grooming and medications, if necessary. Leave detailed information about how and when to administer medications.
Their Home or Yours?
It's ideal for your dog to remain in her comfort zone as much as possible while you're gone. This means that it would be better for her if your friend could stay at your house for the duration, instead of moving your pooch and all her belongings to his house.
If you do have to move your dog to your friend's house temporarily,
make sure she's accustomed to it. Your friend should be sensitive to the dog's
need for normalcy, and attempt to make his home as much like your home as
possible in regard to noise level and amount of people. (If you keep a pretty
quiet household, he might want to reschedule that party for another weekend.)
Make sure your dog has the comforts of home by bringing along a few favorite toys; some treats, and even her bed or crate. Including an unwashed item of your clothing can also go a long way in soothing anxiety when she starts to miss you.
