Barking to go out; how long is too long for a sheepie alone
Is this too much time alone in the yard? Should I walk her more? I do not want to neglect her, but I do have to get work done. Would getting her a companion help (she loves other dogs but I don't know if she would like sharing all the attention she gets) Carolyn |
|
|
| Sounds like Francesca gets alot of exercise and attention! Lucky sheepie. I think it is good for her to learn to be on her own a bit. Out in the yard is a bit scary if she is out of your sight. You don't want her learning to jump the fence, open the gate, or dig to China. When Maggie gets restless and barky (and I know she's gotten plenty of exercise), I put her in her crate for quiet time. She barks maybe 10 minutes and then settles down and either chomps on a bone or naps. |
| Aww Carolyn, I think she will be fine...I think its acutally good to spend some time alone...they will get used to you leaving and not freak out...seperation anxiety can be really hard to fix, once it is established. Panda spends most of the day outside due to us working...our routine varies, but she does spend some time alone...she is fine |
Both my pups spend time outside when I'm home. I'm usually working inside (cleaning!) and pass by a window where I can catch a glimpse of them every few minutes. 90% of the time, they're chasing each other or playing with one of their toys.  It's good for them. Gets some of that excess energy out! |
I've been feeling some pangs of guilt as well. I've had Max since he was 8 weeks and from the start I've made sure he has time alone everyday, because I need to get things done. I'm glad he's used to it because I have a part time job now and I'm usually gone for about 3 1/2 hours, he does fine. I send him to doggy daycare every other day so he doesn't have to be crated every day that I work. I walk him every morning and evening and try to play chase the ball here and there during the day. It sounds like you give your pup plenty of attention!! Good job 
Sharon |
Quote: I usually walk her for 20-30 minutes after my kids leave for school, then take her out for 2-3 15 minute walks until they return and another 20-30 minute walk around dinner. But often, she will still bark to be walked and since I can't spend my whole day walking her, I may send her out to the yard for a while. The longest I have ever left her alone outside is an hour, usually it is more like 30 minutes, once or twice a day.
I would put her on a schedule and keep to it. Dogs LOVE routine. And get a crate and crate her for periods of time. She should be used to a crate, for traveling times, or times she may need to stay overnight at the vet's or boarding kennel. Use it during the day, when you are home, so she gets used to it. As for her barking...ignore it. This is demand barking and it is not desireable at all. Get her on a schedule that you both can live with and you will both be happier. As for outside time, you can put that into the schedule, too. She may play out there, or she may just lay down by the door. Good luck. |
| I work full time. Was leaving them out all day weather permitting. They started barking and one of the neighbors complained. Now they go out before I leave for work to do their business, then are confined to the large country kitchen area with bones and toys till I come home (9 hrs later) at which time I let them out while I get our supper ready. After supper we exercise for about an hour, either training and or walks. The do fine, usually they sleep all day since their toys are seldom disturbed. For recreation they usually play with one another.
Since my schedule varies daily, it doesn't seem to matter whether I'm gone from 5:30am to 2:30pm, 8am to 5pm, or 3pm to midnight. If I'm going to gone longer than the usual, I will ask a neighbor to let them out during the day for about 15 minutes. |
Like George, my schedule tends to vary. I actually believe that the variation is good because they aren't all wigged out if something comes along to change the pattern. I actually even vary whether they eat before or after the walk. They do try to anticipate what is coming next but I ignore them. If you can stick to a schedule, that's great. But if you can't, maintaining a certain amount of variation may be helpful. Huh? Maybe I am just talking in circles.  |
| Carolyn,
I don't think it's a problem to leave the puppy outside for a while. And since you work at home, you can go out there every so often and check on her. I would just make a sweep of your yard and see if there is anything obviously dangerous to your puppy that you could remove... |
| The biggest problem I've found with leaving a sheepie out too long is barking. I've been told this is a problem with any herding dog. When they become bored they begin barking at anything that moves. If you live in a subdivision, unless your neighbors are deaf or have very good insulated houses and no kids or people that want to take a nap during the day, you start getting complaints. In my case, its usually a school bus, trash truck, delivery may in the next block, or another dog wondering around the neighborhood - off leash - or even someone walking their dog, that gets them barking; then I get nasty letters from my neighbors about my dogs barking.
The best one is the neighbor's dog, two houses up, who is allowed to roam into my next door neighbor's yard to do his business, then comes up to my fence and my dogs go crazy. I'm tempted to take a hose and give the animal a good bath! but I'd probably then get sued by the guy. My neighbor of course would like to shoot the animal. Life is fun |
| Hi Carolyn,
Beau is outside laying down by the sliding glass door while I'm typing this. He was barking at me, so that usually means he wants to go outside or it's time to eat. I do check up on him every 10 minutes to see what he is up to. I too, have a varied work schedule, and Beau is crated during that time. He really is so good about going into the crate. When Beau starts to bark outside, I immediately bring him in so that the neighbors don't start to complain. He has two barks (high yap) and a deep bark. I think the deep bark is more defensive. OK, now he pounding on the glass with his big paws, so I better let him in. Good Luck with your puppy. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|