Dog Community

I think my dog is sad

Posted : 8/20/2008 11:26:25 AM

My SO is in the military, and he's currently away for a month. My dog is kind of moping about. He's reluctant to eat and he mostly just lays around and sighs, unless I'm actively engaging him in playing or walking. While I do make sure that I take him out for half an hour twice a day (in addition to quick romps in the backyard and short training sessions throughout the day), I can't spend the entire day entertaining him. He's even turning his nose up at his kong. I'm a teacher, so I'm home all day right now. I know that it's going to be even harder for him once I start school in two weeks.

What do you do when your dog is sad? It breaks my heart! He's a high-energy retriever and I want him to have a happy care-free doggie life! I know how he feels...I miss my SO too...but at least I understand that he's coming back.

Any ideas?

VanMorrison

Posted : 8/20/2008 11:33:53 AM

Monroe gets mopy every time DH goes away, which is almost every week.

I found that doing an activity with him that DH does not do with him has helped. I starting doing agility with Monroe and DH has never done it so Monroe sees that as a Mum thing, I guess. When Monroe starts to mope I pull out the weaves and jumps even though we can't compete anymore it is fun for both of us.

And sometimes, I let him be quiet because I think he needs a break sometimes.

Jewlieee

Posted : 8/20/2008 11:47:16 AM

That happens. Neiko gets bummed out, lost and confused when I go away and leave him at a friends house. That said, if your dog doesn't perk up eventually, make sure you check him over good. Sometimes when dogs act like that it could also mean that there is something going on health-wise.

Cita

Posted : 8/20/2008 1:12:33 PM

Try putting him in new and exciting environments. Take him for hikes, let him meet up with a doggy buddy, take an agility class, take him to the beach, stuff like that. Just like humans that are mopey and depressed, sometimes dogs needs a little encouragement to get them re-interested in enjoying life.

calliecritturs

Posted : 8/20/2008 3:41:08 PM

Honestly, if your SO has been gone more than a week or two, I'd take this dog to the vet. They DO adapt and your being home should help ... and you have to make sure it's nothing physical *first*.

random

Posted : 8/21/2008 4:22:55 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'm pretty sure that he isn't sick, because this is not the first time that this has happened. I took him to the vet on the other occasions, but he's as healthy as can be. I think that he's a bit lonely/confused, because SO has been away Mon-Fri but back on weekends, and now we're going a longer stretch.

It drives me crazy, because the dog OBVIOUSLY thinks he belongs more to SO than to me. I mean, Chase loves me, but he absolutely adores my SO. Even though I'm the one who does most of the walking and I'm the one who took him to training classes! What an ungrateful dog! lol

Anyway, I think I'll sign up for an obedience class. It's been well over a year since our last one, and it would do both of us some good.

Thanks!