We all know that the trifecta of puppy raising is house manners, obedience and socialization. And, let's face it, half the fun of raising a puppy is being able to take him almost everywhere. So it might be easy to overlook an important quality that guide dogs must have. They should be able to be left alone without tearing up the place or violating city noise ordinances.
Most guide dogs spend almost 24/7 by their person's side, but occassionally people have to leave the dog at home. They may need surgery or want to go to an event where it would actually be better not to bring the dog (a loud concert or a theme park, for instance.) And, to put an even finer point on it, people who work need to have a dog who won't go ballistic every time they are left alone in an office.
Be sure to acclimate your pup to being alone, especially if he is the type that stays constantly by your side. You know the type - follows you everywhere, would go into the shower with you if you let him. For safety's sake, put the pup in a crate. If your pup has some separation anxiety, you can start with leaving him in another room in the house for a few minutes, then work up to an hour or so. (Remember - don't let him out of the crate unless he is quiet.) Then leave him at home for short periods of time and work up to absences of several hours. Try to leave the pup at home about once a week. This all may take some extra effort, but it will produce a well-rounded dog that is comfortable being alone.
WARNING: CHANGE OF TOPIC AHEAD!
Weather Report: We have 3 seasons in Florida: Miserably Hot, Hot, and Hey, It's Not Too Bad Today. The Not Too Bad season lasts about 3 days. (I may be exaggerating just a tad.) Right now it is Miserably Hot. It's easily 80 degrees by 8am. My point is not to garner sympathy, but to remind everyone that our dogs must work in the heat. This would be a good time to re-read a post I wrote on this subject last year. Check it out here.
blue cape
2 comments:
I think it is a great idea to leve the dog once in a while, and I have been doing this for 25 years of guide dog work. I think it would be great if this could be implemented in class too since when I was there training with Major, we had the dogs with us at all times and I would love tosee the students be able to leave the dog in the room on tie down at least one time a day.
I think that this would be good for the student and the dog would learn that it is ok to be left alone when it is needed as well
Lin and Major.
Great article about occasionally leaving the dog alone.
This helps to build their confidence and trust level.
Also working in the heat for small amounts of time, with breaks and water, is a very good idea. Checking the temperature of not only asphalt but also beach sand is critical. A Dog's feet can get burned very easily.In the heat of the day, an egg will cook on asphalt. This is amazing but true.
Donna and Leona
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