Missjoy

I could use some advice. I've started a new job and for the first month I'm working from home and then I start going into work at an office in April. I've found a dog day care near my office - so I think that will work well. I just don't know what to do until then. Maggie's training was coming along pretty well, she was having an accident inside about once a week - but usually we were probably at fault.

I started work on Thursday and in the afternoon I tried to shut her into my office with me (my husband watched her for the morning - but he is away for the rest of the month). She immediately scratched at the door to get out and then turned around an peed on the carpet. I can shut her into her kennel or fence her off in the kitchen when I go out - but if she knows I'm here she cries and cries.

I had good luck on Friday because I worked around her sleeping schedule (6:30 - 8:30 she sleeps so I worked, fed her at 8:30, walked, then she slept by my feet till about noon then I did some more work in the afternoon). But just this morning I started working at 6:30, heard her moving from the chair she sleeps in downstairs so I went down and opened the door to see if she needed to go out -she made no move for it, so I thought I woudl go upstairs to work and she would follow - she follows me up stairs and squats and pees in my office.

I"m trying to make a good impression by completing a lot in my first month, but I find it so hard to work at home!

Help!
Missjoy and Maggie (who is downstairs crying in her crate now)

Twinkie's Mum

Can you bring her crate into your office so she can see you while you're working, but not be a pest?

Janet 'n Twinkie

Missjoy

Thanks for the advice, I don't think that would work because if I put her in her crate when she can see me she barks and barks. What I've decided to do is gate off the kitchen and work a schedule where I work for 2.5 hours - walk her for an hour - work 2.5 hours - walk her for an hour - then work the final 2.5 hours before finishing for the day and releasing her from the kitchen.

She cries a bit when I put her in there, but she stops after about 10 minutes. I think she'll get used to it and I don't feel too guilty (because she has space to roam).

Thanks!

Elmer-n-Button

She'd probably be fine with 1/2 as many walks, but being in the same room with you. Let her out of the crate and provide a nice comfy bed near your desk. Give her some chew bones and Kongs. It might take a few days, but in the long run, you'll be eliminating the circus of walking one hour every 2 1/2 hours. You'd be surprised (pleasantly) how they manage to "fit into your day". Most bassets just want to be with you , whether they are getting 100% of your attention or not. We did this, and E & B would sleep through even the craziest days at our office, then we would have lots of fun when we went home, walking and playing.

Good luck.

__________________
Arrrooooos from Bubby Boo, Dee Dee and Elmee Too!

lovingbianca

Oh yes!! She really just wants to be in the same room with you...Every day might be a little different according to the way she feels, but I'm sure you're going to do just fine--just have to get through this month. I know you must have had a hard time concentrating on the job-- with the crying you've had to endure! Day by day--you can make it! Don't make her have to be all by herself in the kitchen.

Missjoy

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to try being a bit looser with my schedule to keep Maggie with me. This morning she slept on the couch while I did some work, then I had to confine her to the kitchen while I went to a meeting (however, she is getting good at being in the kitchen with her toys and her bed and not her kennel, which is nice). When I came home she came up to my office and chewed on toys for a while and this afternoon she is sleeping on my feet in the sun. I might have to try a variety of methods - but it is only one month.

My hubby is in a job where he works for a chunk of time (two weeks) and then is home for two weeks, I'm thinking of taking Maggie to a doggie day care close to my office the times when my husband is working, it is $18 dollars a day, but I think it is worth it (especially since I don't have kids). Does anyone else take their dog to day care? Maggie loves being around other dogs so much it would make me feel good knowing she is having fun.

lovingbianca

You can always try "doggie day care" --they're individual--meaning some might be good. I haven't used the one here because I don't want Bianca picking up any habits that might be bad--or anything else for that matter. We have somebody called "Ain't Misbehavin'" that comes in to feed your dog and spends time with her/him for about the same price. I'd like to hear what everyone has to say about this topic as well.

Missjoy

Thanks for the input, I didn't think about her picking up bad habits. I would be taking her to doggie day care when I start working in my offices which are a bit of a commute from the small town I live in.

For me I can't seem to find any service that would come and walk her during the day, as I said, it's a small town. I would also be gone for close to 9.5 hours because of the commute. I feel that doggie day care would keep her from getting bored - but I would love to hear any experiences.

Melissa