Dog Community

help needed

Posted : 8/20/2006 11:39:23 AM

my friend is having a family emergency and needs to fly back home. He asked me to take care of his dog (siberian husky) since no one else apparently could help him.

The problem is i know how active the dog is and needing alot of exercise but i have a full time job (8am to 5 or 6 pm). I usually jog in the morning and im guessing i can take him with me and i come home for lunch (lunchtime is around 1 pm and last for a hour). I also recently started to walk with a neighbor with there dog (Im thinking of getting a dog for myself). Do you guys think thats enough exercise?

I already got a room set up and my friend gave me all his stuff he liked and when the dog was here, he didnt seem to destroy anything...

My friend supposedly said he will only be there for a week but said he could be longer and will call me if he does.

Do you guys have any tips or am i missing anything? (He's leaving in 2 days without counting today August 20 2006)

jones

Posted : 8/20/2006 11:47:27 AM

That is a really nice thing to do for your friend. I think a jog in the morning, walk at lunch, and walk in the evening is a good amount of exercise. It may be less than he's used to, I don't know, but if so I'm sure he can adapt for the short term.

smilee1079

Posted : 8/20/2006 11:48:27 AM

Ask him what activities he normally does with the dog to get an idea of how active he is. I think what you have planned is good, and maybe another walk in the evening when you get home. Do you have a fenced in backyard where he can run and play?

ryco86

Posted : 8/20/2006 11:51:12 AM

i do have a backyard that is fenced but its not that big and its not really "escape proof"
his activities i was told is he normally walks him once or twice a day and that my friend has a pretty big backyard compared to mine that he plays in

ladiebug

Posted : 8/20/2006 3:30:49 PM

Here's a few ideas:
IF the dog is socialized, you might try the park, let's the dog run around off leash & play with the others. We see lots of huskies there.
I've seen people rollerblading, riding a bike, on a scooter,etc. at the park while the dog ran alongside. I guess this tired the dog out faster. I saw one husky pulling his owner on rollerblades. This might be great in the a.m., have the dog use up his morning energy so he's less likely to get anxious while you're at work.
Hide your shoes when you leave the dog, he may get nervous or curious.
Good luck, you're a good friend.

Benedict

Posted : 8/20/2006 3:52:26 PM

I just wanted to ditto everything everyone else said. In the short term, I think the dog will be FINE with this. He may be slightly anxious because his owner is gone, but showing him love, giving him a place to be (his own room) and giving him as much exercise as you can will help keep the dog settled and happy. Many people who look after dogs for others are not nearly as thoughtful as you seem to be about catering for the dog's needs.

Relax, and enjoy! You said you are thinking of getting a dog of your own, this will be an excellent way to get into a routine of caring for one.

Kate

Xerxes

Posted : 8/20/2006 5:09:48 PM

One thing to add: Lots of things to chew on. If he's feeling a little anxious it's better that he chews on something appropriate. Good luck.