If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Three Questions on dog behaviour
I am thinking of buying a Havanese toy dog for the family, the only trouble
is my wife is disabled and unable to walk a dog and she works part time 4 mornings a week and the kids are at school. My questions are 1) Is 5 hours a day too long to leave a small dog that loves companionship (We do have 2 cats but I don't know if cats count as companions. 2) If these dogs need companionship so badly how will it get on if we leave it shut downstairs on its own at night. 3) Will a small dog like this need to go for a walk everyday or will it be OK to walk it at weekends only. Note: It will have access to the garden day and night by using the cat flap, does this count as exercise and will this help to stop it from being lonely in the day. Nick |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
On Tue, 18 May 2004 00:13:08 +0100 Nick whittled these words:
I am thinking of buying a Havanese toy dog for the family, the only trouble is my wife is disabled and unable to walk a dog and she works part time 4 mornings a week and the kids are at school. My questions are 1) Is 5 hours a day too long to leave a small dog that loves companionship (We do have 2 cats but I don't know if cats count as companions. 2) If these dogs need companionship so badly how will it get on if we leave it shut downstairs on its own at night. 3) Will a small dog like this need to go for a walk everyday or will it be OK to walk it at weekends only. Note: It will have access to the garden day and night by using the cat flap, does this count as exercise and will this help to stop it from being lonely in the day. I think you will get a lot out of the book "The Body Language and Emotions of Dogs" by M. Milani. It helps sort out the dog's social needs and what you can expect in various situations. Most dogs that make good companions will be very distressed to be shut away from the family at the time they feel the most vulnerable - at night during sleep. People do it, and many dogs do get used to it. Many, but not all, undergo a fair amount of distress in the process of getting used to it. Some never learn to accept it. Dogs that tend to accept it well from the beginning are often independent minded and do well because they don't give a fig about their people in the first place. Exercise is something that most dogs don't do when alone, except possibly fence running which is often (again but not always) a cause for concern. Access to the garden gives some very small relief from boredom, I certainly wouldn't call it exercise. It is sufficient for some dogs, but for many they will make up for the lack of stimulation by finding fun things to do that are usually not appreciated. 5 hours a day isn't too long, if the dog isn't shut away the rest of the time. I guess the question is - what do you envision doing with the dog on a daily basis? You have made a realistic assessment of what you can't provide. This is very good. Its an important step. Now to consider what you can provide. If you aren't actively engaged with enjoying the dog daily then perhaps you may want to reconsider whether a dog is the right choice. Even if the dog can't be taken for a long walk daily there should be active things that can be done so the dog receives physical and mental stimulation daily. And daily interaction is just a part of social bonding. Also the breed requires regular grooming. I think getting the book will help you figure out whether you can realistically meet the dog's needs and have an enjoyable companion. You are showing some thought and concern in this area, and I'm sure having a better understanding of WHY the dog needs what it does will better help you decide if you can meet those needs creatively. -- Diane Blackman http://dog-play.com/ http://dog-play.com/shop2.html |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Some questions about flea infestation | Suki | Dog health | 0 | September 24th 03 02:25 AM |
Questions about unwanted dogs | Scott T. Jensen | Dog rescue | 30 | September 6th 03 04:50 PM |
Questions about unwanted dogs | Scott T. Jensen | Dog rescue | 0 | September 4th 03 08:09 PM |
Questions about unwanted dogs | Scott T. Jensen | Dog rescue | 0 | September 4th 03 08:09 PM |
two puppy questions | Nomad | Dog health | 0 | August 14th 03 08:32 AM |