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I lost both my Cockers one in May 2012 and other September 2013, literally a month after I retired and I was enjoying spending much more time with him although he was old and creaky and didn't like cold/wet weather.
I vowed not to jump straight into new dog ownership as I was really upset by their loss but wanted dog freedom for a while but also there's only the wife and me at home now and we do random last minute days out, plus of course I can now bike where I want when I want for as long as I want. In addition I know the last dog to die suffered from separation anxiety and this is my guilt problem/want to try ensure I don't cause it for my next dog if I get one.
MrsS is desperate for another pooch, as the Cockers were a bit of a lap dog for her, I did all the master/pack leader/ walking/grooming/bathing/trimming/ear cleaning/anal gland emptying etc etc etc.
What do you other STWers that have non trail dogs do with your pooches when you disappear for a few hours and what breeds that are less prone to separation issues?
It's not helped by the fact that I've just seen a 5 month old Springer that needs rehoming due to existing dogs not getting on with him (yorkie being obnoxious apparently).
I've got a GSD, it just stares out the porch like all other GSD's I've had. Ignores us most of the time too and sleeps in the kitchen, he quite often shuts the door if we are loud.
😆
all dogs wanna be a trail dog ....
I shitzu not 🙂
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Greyhound rehome. Lovely dogs with minimal exercise needs.
Our Retriever is now 15 1/2 so she is quite happy dozing when we go out. Not able to do much walking out and about anymore. However we won't leave her for much longer than about 4hours these days.
when she was younger she was OK to be left for up to 7 hrs but we didn't do it very often. I don't think she would ever have been a good trail dog, much too easily distracted like most retrievers.
What eddiebaby said. We have two GHounds and a whippet
I think that's really the key - to have 2 pooches so they are never alone when you're out for the afternoon. And two isn't harder work than one.
We have a lakeland/Jack Russell cross that's okay being left alone but likes a good run out. She's good on a long walk but hasn't been trained well enough to be a trail dog (our fault). I love going on long walks with her, she's good for 12/14 mile walk easily. She doesn't seem bothered being left on her own for a while though, as long as she gets plenty of exercise.
Totally agree with Tom. 2 dogs of any breed will be company for each other and help to ensure that they both retain the canine traits and pack mentality. Leaving them both together avoids the dreaded separation anxiety.
Some of the mot relaxed dogs I have ever seen have been retired greyhounds. All they do is sleep, then go mad for ten minutes, then sleep again. Just don't let them loose near cats.
Failing that, go for another cocker. Spaniels are ace.
Totally agree with Tom. 2 dogs of any breed will be company for each other and help to ensure that they both retain the canine traits and pack mentality. Leaving them both together avoids the dreaded separation anxiety.
Except vizslas. They just sulk in unison.
Another retired greyhound here. Gentle, lazy, but happy to run with me for 5k if we both feel like it, otherwise equally happy with once round the park.
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anal gland emptying
*pushes breakfast aside*
Even though I'm a trail dog owner we still have to consider separation anxiety just the same for example I went back up Snowdon on monday and because Ziva had only just been to my friends to stay I didnt want to ask again so she stayed home for 10 hours alone and I work 9-5 so she is home alone through that time. (she had a 10 mile bike ride before the snowdon day and has 3 miles before work and a variety of 4.8 mile run, 10 mile local bimble ride or a 3-4 mile walk in the evening). Despite that level of exercise I had a boxer before Ziva who had terrible separation anxiety and had to be crated with a clear metre radius of things around the crate otherwsie she'd drag it in and chew it and destroy it from her anxiety and it physical stressed her greatly to go out without her so the crate would be wet from dribble etc. Odd really as she loved everybody and wasn't strongly loyal at all where as Ziva is hugely loyal and aloof with others so you'd think she'd be more concerned about where those she loves have gone.
I think the biggest thing I did differently between the two dogs was to stick to my guns about Ziva not coming everywhere and for everything. After a few days of my boxer being with us due to inexperience I caved and let her sleep on the bed and in the bedroom whereas Ziva sleeps in the living room and only stays in the bedroom when Im away and staying in a travelodge for example. When I go to the loo and shower etc Ziva doesn't come with me and doesn't follow me around the house because whenever she fell asleep when young i would lift her into her crate and really concentrated on the fact that she should be used to me disappearing and reappearing and its not a big thing so no big deal was made about it. The same when someone knocks at the door, it was never a quick jump up to get to it so she doesnt even open her eyes when someone knocks now as its not even remotely exciting. I know this is all down to the breed etc and know Vizlas and other breeds can be real velcro dogs and its maybe a feature of the ridgeback that really shes so independant and clever that she doesnt care much but its all made a difference.
Cheers for the replies all....... I know I need to wait a while longer........a new day, new ideas etc..