My brother's dog will be staying with us for a week or so next year while they go on holiday.
He's a lovely dog but only has eyes for my brother. I know that he will whine & howl when my brother is not around.
I want him to be happy & comfortable staying with us, is there anything we can do to help him relax? Obviously we will talk him on long walks, play & try to keep him occupied & tire him out but if anyone has any other suggestions I'd be very happy to hear them!
We are going to have a couple of overnight trials beforehand.
Thanks!

have a t-shirt that your brother has slept in for a couple of nights to pop in his basket.  the scent will be a comfort

don't reward distress, its too easy to jump to comfort an upset dog but that is telling the dog the feelings/behaviour is correct. a jolly matter of fact attitude is better then sympathy.   whatever you do make sure your garden is VERY secure and don't let him off lead on walks or he may well do a runner to try and find owner

Thank you Weimed. Yes, our garden is secure & we wouldn't let him off the lead. I'll ask for a t-shirt.

How far away do you live from your brother? `

The best way to get him to enjoy his stay with you is to spend as much time as you can with both your brother and the dog before he stays with you. I don`t think a couple of overnight stays will help him or you as its too short a time. Are you able to stay with your brother for a few nights or as many as is feasible so that you could feed him and walk him ? Play with him and maybe get him a new toy to play with but you take the toy home with you and give it back to him when he`s at your house.

What I am saying is for you to establish more of a relationship with the dog and then when he comes to stay he will hopefully look forward to seeing you!

It's not feasible for me to stay but I can visit & walk him. Getting a toy is a good idea. Thanks!