Need advice for dog when im at work (Keep home or bring with me)

Galway K9

Hi Guys,

Need feedback and suggestions of current situation.

At moment, My Dog is free to roam house with back window open which he hops in and out of for fun and toilet. Im gone from 9 - 5 so want to try and do more for him. Dog sitting or someone minding him is out of question as tried 3 already and unhappy with it and messes up his training, routine and behaviour.

The idea im having now is going to work but bringing him in car and have him in parking lot, where i would be popping down at 11, 1-2, 3 for training, more walks, ball chasing and fun. However the time in between he's constrained to the car and people love telling how to raise your dog and have lots of opinions esp seeing a dog in car.

I would greatly appreciate opinions from Dog lovers (dedicated) and no comments or opinions from bleeding heart liberals or sensitive people.

Giving up my dog is not an option!

seamus

Hmm.

I'd be inclined to say that more space and less attention is preferable to less space and more attention. I know my dog would very quickly become anxious every time I left the car because she'd know I was leaving her in there.

Whereas in the house she's not too bothered about me leaving so long as I leave her on the couch.

The car will also inherently be colder, but you can have blankets and stuff for him. Depending on the size of the car, you could also drop the seats so that the dog has more room to move around and stretch their legs. Many rescues keep the dogs in pens which aren't much larger than the rear cabin of a car.

Maybe give it a go for a couple of days (one on - one off) and see how it goes?

Cherry Blossom

If your dog is happy enough in the car and is warm enough it shouldn't be a problem at this time of year if your car is parked somewhere completely secure. You don't want some passer by smashing your windows in to let the 'poor dog in the car' out. I wouldn't see it as a long term solution though as it's not really going to be feasible in the middle of summer by which time he will have become acustomed to comming with you and might not be so happy at being left behind. If I were in your position (not having the option of daycare/dog walkers ect.) I'd see if there was another dog somewhere nearby in the same circumstances, get the 2 used to each other and leave them together for the day for company. This would work all year round.

Galway K9

My dog is well socialised so no prob with others, i will be getting a working pup soon so thatd be company i suppose. Still unsure but great feedback so fa

. You don't want some passer by smashing your windows in to let the 'poor dog in the car' out. I wouldn't see it as a long term solution though as it's not really going to be feasible in the middle of summer by which time he will have become acustomed to comming with you and might not be so happy at being left behind. If I were in your position (not having the option of daycare/dog walkers ect.)

This car park is under ground so heat wouldnt be a major prob. Also very secure and fortress liek carpark belong to work with restricvted access to employees only with loads of cameras.

shinikins

Oh please don't leave your dog in the car!! For one thing, it will be viewed as animal cruelty by any passerby, and if the gardai or dog warden are called there is every chance he could be forcibly removed from the car(had a local Garda in last week with a Lab in a similar situation-owners left him in the car for over 5 hours and the poor thing was stressed out, the Garda took pity on him and brought him in to be checked out bfeore handing him over).

Plus, even in an underground carpark, the temperature inside the car will drop greatly, ever try sitting waiting in a car for a few hours with no heating on? Car's cool down very quickly in winter and can act like refrigerators in cold weather, holding the cold in. A car is also a highly open area,visually, and your dog may be overstimulated by watching cars and people going by, and may become nervous.

I think that leaving him at home with a few toys and a kong or two would be better for him as he will be in familiar territory and still be able to do his business and sleep whenever he needs to.

Discodog

That must of been a unique Garda !. I have my pup with me every day & he has a ball. I suspect that your dog would soon get used to the routine & to the noises etc in the carpark. My pup used to be very interested in everything around him, when in the car, but now he sleeps.

Might be an idea to park there, with him in the car for a while & see how he reacts. Any chance of training the CCTV onto the car ?. If & it's a very big if, someone does think that he is being neglected you could always leave a note in the windscreen. This is essential in the UK but I have never felt the need to do it here.

I don't get the lack of space argument. My dogs never leave their beds all day.

drongal

Galway K9 wrote: »

Hi Guys,
The idea im having now is going to work but bringing him in car and have him in parking lot, where i would be popping down at 11, 1-2, 3 for training, more walks, ball chasing and fun. However the time in between he's constrained to the car and people love telling how to raise your dog and have lots of opinions esp seeing a dog in car.

I would greatly appreciate opinions from Dog lovers (dedicated) and no comments or opinions from bleeding heart liberals or sensitive people.

Giving up my dog is not an option!

Hi

I had to bring my dog with me to work last year (similar time). He was not happy with this, and i couldn't focus on my work as well. It was very cold, and i had to spent 20 mins every hour to warm up my car. He had hist favorite toys and treats but he was not happy.

Galway K9 wrote: »

This car park is under ground so heat wouldnt be a major prob. Also very secure and fortress liek carpark belong to work with restricvted access to employees only with loads of cameras.

This is underground car park, it's dark and cold. Dou you really want to keep your dog there for 8 hours every day?

Honestly, basis on my own experience i'm telling you: this is not s good idea...

---

Visit Romek on facebook!

Discodog

The cold issue is easily solved by getting a 12 volt heatpad & a spare car battery. Just wire the second battery so that it charges when the car is running. These even come with a cigar plug lead:

http://www.petnap.co.uk/acatalog/pet_heat_pads.html#a30

He is not leaving his dog for 8 hours. By the sound of it the dog will get more exercise than most do in a day. The dog will be "left" for a maximum of 2 hours. The only drawback that I can see is if your circumstances change & you have to go back to leaving him all day. I am deliberately leaving my pup at home for a few hours now & then to let him get used to it.

shinikins

Discodog wrote: »

That must of been a unique Garda !

He's an animal lover! He's brought in plenty of strays to us rather than just call the dog warden, and does it in his own break time, fair play to him!

Seriously though, the dog can't turn the heater on if it gets cold, nor can he open/close the windows for fresh air. If he's happy at home toddling around the house and garden, why upset his routine now?

smokie2008

No way, Can;t leave a dog in the car, what would you do in the summmer?
Best thing to do is get another Dog, honestly, much better, they keep one another company.

Discodog

A dog can choose to sleep on the heatpad or off it - mine do this all the time & they sleep indoors.

The OP has made it clear that he wants to improve the dog's daycare. It is easy to use a cheap voice recorder or even a camera to monitor the dog to see if it settles. If mine were getting games every two hours they would certainly sleep the rest of the time.

Discodog

smokie2008 wrote: »

No way, Can;t leave a dog in the car, what would you do in the summmer?

It would be in an underground carpark - nice & cool in the summer.

Yes a second dog would be good & the OP has said that he will be getting one.

Galway K9 wrote: »

Beside me in bed, cuddled up real tight and warm with my arm around him

Doesn't sound like a uncaring owner to me.

kaiser sauze

:eek:

I couldn't endorse this plan, sorry.

You simply need to make time for your dog in the mornings and/or evenings.

Discodog

kaiser sauze wrote: »

:eek:

I couldn't endorse this plan, sorry.

You simply need to make time for your dog in the mornings and/or evenings.

It is obvious that the OP spends most of his home time with his dog - he even sleeps with it. He is now proposing adding his breaks & lunchtime as well.

He doesn't need lectures regarding being a caring owner. He has the compassion to want to make things as good as possible for his dog.

ppink

OP does the dog like the car?

Ours LOVE our jeep. They very happily spent hours in there in the summer, every time the back was open they were in.
I think if you do it for a couple of days the dog will let you know if he is miserable or happy with the added attention.

Galway K9

Disco Dog thanks such much for defending me, was offline for a bit.

I love my dog more than everyone i know including my family.

He gets exercise moring and evening and 2 hour trainign on anf off at nigth down training grounds.

I want to be with him more and entertain him more example every 2 hours as dosco dog pointed.

My dog is a relaxed and easy going dog so car doesnt bother him at all.

Galway K9

Discodog wrote: »

It would be in an underground carpark - nice & cool in the summer.

Yes a second dog would be good & the OP has said that he will be getting one.

Originally Posted by Galway K9 View Post
Beside me in bed, cuddled up real tight and warm with my arm around him

Doesn't sound like a uncaring owner to me.

Mortified!:o

toadfly

I've met the OP and know that he adores his dog!

I think try it for a few days and see how he is getting on. Good luck with it!

kaiser sauze

Discodog wrote: »

It is obvious that the OP spends most of his home time with his dog - he even sleeps with it. He is now proposing adding his breaks & lunchtime as well.

He doesn't need lectures regarding being a caring owner. He has the compassion to want to make things as good as possible for his dog.

I didn't give him a lecture, I told him that I don't agree with what he is proposing.

I sleeps with my dog also, I still would not consider doing what he is doing.

boomerang

I think it could work OP, but I also think your dog might be equally happy to wait for you at home.

My dogs LOVE the car, they feel really safe and secure in there and sometimes they ask to go in it even when it's parked up at home!

A friend of mine always brings her terrier with her to work, loves the company on the long drive to and from work, and spends all her breaks with the dog. The dog LOVES the car and has no problem with being in the car two-three hours at a time.

The fact that the carpark is underground as great as it will stay cool in summer and the car can be made cosy for the dog. The way I see it, it'll be no colder in the car than it would be in an outdoor kennel, which most dogs have to sleep in.

I'd say give it a go OP.

Galway K9

Thanks boomerang.

My fella runs for my car door whenever i open the house door, cause he associates the car with going places he loves and being with me.:D I think i might.

I didn't give him a lecture, I told him that I don't agree with what he is proposing.

I sleeps with my dog also, I still would not consider doing what he is doing.

I havent done anythign as of yet hence askign advice here but please refer to original post regarding opinions requested, thanks tho

Discodog

I have this vision of you being late back from lunch & one of your mates comes looking for you only to find you asleep with your arm around the dog - look forward to it on youtube .

Galway K9

Stuff already there from years ago with my dogs. haha. Couldnt give a crap! ha

kaiser sauze

Galway K9 wrote: »

I havent done anythign as of yet hence askign advice here but please refer to original post regarding opinions requested, thanks tho

Fine, but I still stated it anyway and I did read your original.

Galway K9

ppink wrote: »

OP does the dog like the car?

Ours LOVE our jeep. They very happily spent hours in there in the summer, every time the back was open they were in.
I think if you do it for a couple of days the dog will let you know if he is miserable or happy with the added attention.

Yes my fella loves the car! Runs to it minute house door opens cause car = somewhere fun and new.

I have tried today for the first day bringing Jack into work and i will pop down throughout day and see if it suits him and me and if he is happier or more uncomfortable, will know by this evening. Thanks all.

R P McMurphy

One of my dogs loves the car and wants to go with me whenever I drive. I do get a bit anxious leaving her in the car in case someone breaks in and takes her as I have heard of it happening locally

candy_pants

You obviously love your dog and the prospect of having him/her spend the day with you sounds like a good/fun idea in theory but I really am skeptical that this is a good plan.

I agree with the above poster that more space/less attention for a few hours is better than keeping him in the car. For a start, I know myself that I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell at being able to concentrate.

It sort of sounds like you've made up your mind and just want someone to tell you to go ahead with this plan. If you're determined, maybe do a one day trial and check on how he copes with being left in the car. But even if you're checking on him regularly, I can't say I think this is a good idea.

I can't think of a situation when any expert would recommend this line of action. Is some sort of dog-walking service an option for you? Do you know any cash-strapped students or anyone unemployed who'd come check on him during the day for a few quid? You clearly want what's best for your dog, I don't think anyone would argue that but maybe you just need to think outside the box a bit!

Galway K9

candy_pants wrote: »

You obviously love your dog and the prospect of having him/her spend the day with you sounds like a good/fun idea in theory but I really am skeptical that this is a good plan.

I agree with the above poster that more space/less attention for a few hours is better than keeping him in the car. For a start, I know myself that I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell at being able to concentrate.

It sort of sounds like you've made up your mind and just want someone to tell you to go ahead with this plan. If you're determined, maybe do a one day trial and check on how he copes with being left in the car. But even if you're checking on him regularly, I can't say I think this is a good idea.

I can't think of a situation when any expert would recommend this line of action. Is some sort of dog-walking service an option for you? Do you know any cash-strapped students or anyone unemployed who'd come check on him during the day for a few quid? You clearly want what's best for your dog, I don't think anyone would argue that but maybe you just need to think outside the box a bit!

Thanks for the response Candy_Pants. I tried it today since 9.30, so far ive been down 3 times for good walks and play time and he seems to love it however i am skeptical myself to have him down there from the point of ignorant passer-byers aka Do- gooders. I am unsure as to what to do as uncomfortable myself. Dog minder isnt an option as they will wreck my established routine and structure....(been done)

Wil still think about it.....but unsure about tomorrow, and todays trial onyl happened caus ehe ran to car without me seeing ha

candy_pants

Well I'm glad it's going well for you so far. Wonder if there's some kind of 'doggy' cam that you could put into your car and monitor from a computer?! Just so you can keep an eye on him and monitor his stress levels. Also, as 'dog-napping' is on the rise you could make sure he's safe there? Just a suggestion anyway...!

Galway K9

candy_pants wrote: »

Well I'm glad it's going well for you so far. Wonder if there's some kind of 'doggy' cam that you could put into your car and monitor from a computer?! Just so you can keep an eye on him and monitor his stress levels. Also, as 'dog-napping' is on the rise you could make sure he's safe there? Just a suggestion anyway...!

Doggy cam is excellent idea but i wouldnt worry about dog napping as this dog is top level trained in Personal Protection so theyd want balls of steel to go near the car. ha. I have a webcam on my laptop which is mobile broadband so theres an idea
lol

phasers

The main thing that would bother me is that the car park is underground, so it would be dark wouldn't it? There wouldn't really be much to stimulate your dog...