Hello. Next June I am going to an occasion that merits the company of all my family (wedding) Trouble is I am loathe to leave my 4 year old gundog with anyone but family. Do you think that leaving her in her home alone from about 2pm to midnight would be too long? Normally leaving her for max of 4 hrs is ok. She is very well behaved & can be left without any problems. Do dogs know the duration of the time they are left? She wouldn't be happy left with friends & would probably be more of a nuisance in someone elses home! You're thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.  

Have a neighbour come over and let her out to do her buisness and all will be fine.

Thanks for your reply --but---our neighbours aren't very dog orientated--I don't think I can even bribe them to come & do me a favour like that--- Some you can ask ---mine you can't!! 

Is she used to being left for long periods (6-8 hours) without being stressed already?  If so, I'd have thought she'd be fine, put paper down to facilitate cleaning up, make sure she has plenty of water and is not going to get too hot (mine stay in a passageway when I'm not home, and in the summer I line the window with kitchen foil to reflect the sunlight).  Most dogs simply sleep all day anyway, so I doubt she'd be aware you were gone any longer than normal........

Yes- she is ok when left- but how do you know what noise she makes when you aren't there? Maybe she is quiet 'cos I don't, at least, get any complaints from those Neighbours! Maybe she will be ok, because most days we get back from her 2nd walk about 2pm & she dosen't need to go out until I go to bed.My O my, why do we worry so about our beloved pets--when some people wouldn't think twice about leaving their children "home alone"! Thanks Digger for your comments I just need some reassurance!

If in doubt, set up a tape recorder one day to record her activity while you're gone ;)

What a great idea! But if I find that she is noisy all the time~ That could also be the reason why the neighbours ARE so unsociable about dogs!!!

Can you record what she does before the event?  Maybe while you're out for a couple of hours during the next few weeks?

Hi Digger! Yes I will record her this week I have a "retail therapy" session on Wednesday for 3 hours. I'll set up my recorder then. We went out last evening & left him for 2 hours & he was still waiting at the window when we came back-& almost ate us both with his greeting!
As this wedding is being held in a great mansion estate park I'm now wondering if I can get him invited to the evening reception which will be held outdoors in the park (dogs allowed normally) What a cheek to ask though! You often read of celebraties taking their pooches everywhere -----sooooo maybe. 

hi, i had the same problem when my son got married, all family ,friends & many neighbours came to the wedding. luckily the wedding etc was only 6 miles away & i ended up getting a taxi there & back twice ,  throughout the day ,to see to my poochies !!!

Do you have a dog-walker/sitter anywhere near you, if so, it would be worth paying someone to come in to let your dog out.

Sarah.

No there isn't Sarah. But I would be rather concerned about a stranger unlocking the back door - my dog does get a bit concerned about anyone a bit different & probably wouldn't obey them! I'm thinking of "taking leave" from the wedding & just come home to feed her & see that's she ok! Prehaps I'll be able to freshen up at the same time! Thanks for your thoughts> Bye.

Hi, you could ask at your vets and they may know of someone who could look after your dog for the day.  There are petsitters near where I live and they will have your dog for the day/overnight for you.  You have plenty of time to get to know someone.  If they were in your area you could drop your dog off for a couple of hours now and then before June.  At least you will have a nice day without worrying.  It is awful, I hate leaving mine.  My dog has been to a petsitter while we go away on holiday, and he loves it there.  But this year it was great as my son didn't come away with us so my dog stayed at home with him, but I still think he would have got more attention at my petsitters but at least he stayed in his own surroundings.  I think it is worse than having a baby - most times your baby can go anywhere with you - but not your dog!!

Hi dgibbo! Yes I have fellow dog-walker friends in the local park who , if I mentioned it would be only too pleased to look after him for a few hours. But it's me that has the problem worrying whether he would be ok. Anyway I'll explore all the options & have enjoyed this discussion with fellow dog owners & can now appreciate that I'm not the only devoted pooch owner--& that others can share my sentiments! Thanks.

It's always reassuring to know that there are other neurotic dog owners too, isn't it :) We've been invited to stay with friends this weekend and my parents will stay at my house to look after the dogs. This will be the first time I've been away from the 'baby' (22 weeks old) overnight and I'm dreading it. The dogs love my parents and my parents love the dogs and I know they are in safe hands...so why can't I just relax and look forward to a nice night out with friends 

I have just dropped Ella off at my parents for a couple of days where I know she will have a wonderful time and be well looked after.  They have had a flatcoat, have plenty of gundog experience (more than me) and I will still worry about her and miss her.  I don't think it matters where they stay they're still away from you.
Anyway to the poster, if the wedding is not too far I would go home - there is usually a lull in weddings between the afternoon bit and evening bit where you won't be missed too much.  This will set your mind at rest completely and you can just enjoy the day.
Best wishes

I am so glad that everyone seems to feel the same about their dogs.  Alot of my friends think I am mad the way I am about my dobe, I hate leaving him, I know you have to but I really don't like it.  This week both my children 18 & 15 are away from home, the eldest is on holiday with friends (a very worried mother here), and the other is staying with our friends (not a problem).   Anyway my dobe has had  myself and husband to himself since last Friday, and I have definitely noticed that he has not whined as much or even seemed to follow me about the house as much or been as boisterous.  Its strange.  On Sunday morning I brought tea and toast up to bed, and there were the three of us husband, myself and my dobe joined us.  My dobe was very content!!!  Ahhhh!!!