Am I losing my friend ?!

[wissam_jordan]

Hi,
I arranged for my 6 month GS to go to a nearby pets club to have a daily play ( socializing with other dogs ) its a full day arrangement from 9 am to 9 pm , i stay that long at work and no body home to look after him.
Now i feel like my dog don't know me any more!
Am u doing wrong by sending him there daily for that long ?! Please help


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[Mary Beth]

No, you are doing great and what is best for your dog because you have to work. When you pick your dog up, he is tired and ready for bed. That doesn't mean he doesn't know you. And yes, you do have a right to be concerned, because your dog can understand when you are at work and he is at daycare, but when you are at home, he needs your attention. Be sure to include your dog in your activities, take training classes if you want to do that, go for walks, work on training, play with him, work on his down/stay when you are sitting, have him follow you around the house when you are doing chores. At night, be sure he sleeps in your bedroom, even since he is still young, if he is in his crate. These are all ways to bond with your dog.

[carmspack]

maybe it wasn't such a good idea to own a dog at this time?
the cost must be high - especially with extended hours when your day ends at 9 pm . That doesn't even allow you time to socialize for your self , never mind providing for a dog (to be with you daily) .
So the dog turns into a community dog , partying every day , no training , no bonding with you . Days off - you catch up on sleep , do errands to see you through the week whether it be laundry/dry cleaning, bill paying , car maintenance, house errands, shopping , personal grooming.
If this is short term lifestyle I can see it , but if you came to me looking for a pup I would say wait till you are in a better position. If it is a long term expectation I would question it .
I think this is particularly important for GSD's who as a breed are aloof to strangers , discriminate and are loyal and dedicated.

[huntergreen]

keep your pal close to you whenever you are not working. its often quality time not quantity time that your pup needs.

[Tom888]

Hi,

I think some of the posts here may relate to your problem. GL

[wissam_jordan]

Thank you for the kind help , i will do as you advised (:
Ps.
When i got him I had less working hrs, so i used to spend most of the day with him , he is my ONLY friend (:
Now my work changed so i only spend time with him early morning and 70% after work, most the days off he is with me..




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[OffgridAlex]

Can you get his crate or bed up next to your bed?

Sleeping next to each other will bring you closer.

[Kaiser2000]

I understand hun. I have a Husband and a son but I am very lonley during the day. My dogs are my company. Sleep with the dog, walks will be your saving grace. Make sure that you go on pack walks where you walk in front of your dog. The relationship with your dog isnt like a human one its better! Its not about time its about who is ALpha. Follow The pack rules keep you head higher than your dogs, always walk in front, you are alpha. And that Dog will love you forever you will be the pack leader! I suggest some of the Dog Whisper sites and A book by Richard Maller "21 days to a trained dog". Its not about the training really its about the relationship between you and your dog. All of this makes for a wonderful dog, and a great bond that cant be broken so that when you see your dog its like you were never away. Dogs are great creatures they love us unconditionally, just be resonsible with that power and make sure you leave him in good hands while your at work : ) hope this helps good luck.

[wissam_jordan]

Thank you my friends, you helped me (:


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