Not logged inChampdogs Information Exchange
Forum Breeders Help Search Board Index Active Topics Login

Find your perfect puppy at Champdogs
The UK's leading pedigree dog breeder website for over 25 years

Topic Dog Boards / General / Suddenly only dog
- By sasmi [gb] Date 01.06.12 05:29 UTC
After a horrible month we have gone from being a three dog household to a single dog household, loosing our 9yr old bullmastiff to cancer 3 weeks ago, and yesterday our 14 year old retriever to old age. So now I am left with a 3 yr old Clumber who has never been on his own. Last night we had lots of cuddles, but there was a bit of whining at bedtime. I'm dreading leaving him this morning, although I've taken the day off and its only the school run.
Any tips on how to help him cope? We will be getting a new puppy, but not til the end of July, so I just need a few ideas on helping him adjust to life without his friends. He looks so lost! Thanks.
- By colliepam Date 01.06.12 07:50 UTC
Poor lad!I suppose he ll have to come to terms with it in his own time,the same as you will.Im sure youre being extra kind to him,not much more you can do,really,unless someone else has any ideas?Im really sorry youve had such a tough time recently.
- By Celli [gb] Date 01.06.12 07:57 UTC
I'm in the same boat.
I lost my TM to cancer just before Christmas, then my SBT in April, now left with one very unsure little SBT girl.
It takes time, and the time will be different for every dog, and the severity of the lose. I've been concentrating on play for my girl Daisy, play can have a remarkable effect on dogs, one which I think can be over looked. It can reduce stress, and improve the trust and bond between owner and dog, and improve confidence, which is precisely what a dog needs at times like these.
Don't confine yourself to just chasing a ball, play hide and seek, scent work games, puzzles, box diving ( big cardboard box, lot's of scrunched up newspaper and treats = hilarious fun ). Have a look on line there are bound to be lots of idea's out there.
Visiting people has also been a big favourite with her, we always did it, but not so much with three dogs in tow, one of them being huge and hairy.
I was concerned too about leaving Daisy on her own, but she hasn't been troubled by it at all, like your doing, I started out small and gradually built up the time.
- By LJS Date 01.06.12 08:38 UTC
Another option would be to consider fostering as most breed rescues are always glad of help.
- By inka [ie] Date 01.06.12 10:12 UTC
So sorry to hear your news. Fostering is a great idea, doggy day care is another if you can't foster and he is in need of canine company.
- By rocknrose [gb] Date 01.06.12 10:24 UTC
Just give her plenty to do. Lots of walks and play games in the garden. You know yourself if you are doing something/working you can put your worries on a back burner.

Take her out, so she can meet and play with other dogs, walk her so she can fall into a contented tired sleep. Get your tuggy toys out and balls and play, play,play. Keep her mind occupied and time will do the rest.

You've had a horrible month, putting all your energy into making her feel better will help you as well :)
- By Rhodach [gb] Date 01.06.12 11:35 UTC
So sorry for your losses, may they RIP

Can you not take the clumber on the school run with you, maybe a nice change in routine will help get his mind off his mourning for short periods at least.

My last cocker was very sad when we lost our cat, she had been his bed fellow for 5yrs and she was 16yrs old when we think someone attacked with ? length of wood causing brain damage,loss of sight and then fits which she died during the last one, I just increased his walks, my son would take him out if he was going around to a mates house etc., eventually he stopped looking for her in her various haunts around the house and garden.

Keep your chin up and July will soon be here.
- By Freds Mum [gb] Date 01.06.12 11:38 UTC
So sorry to hear your sad news. As others have said perhaps you can use this as an opportunity for one on one time, to do things that you cant usually do with so many dogs. Eg visiting etc.
Topic Dog Boards / General / Suddenly only dog

Powered by mwForum 2.29.6 © 1999-2015 Markus Wichitill

About Us - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy