Joined
·
175 Posts
My Missy is a 6-month-old Mini Schnauzer-Shih Tzu mix and I am retired and home with her ALL the time except for errands and short times gone, visiting, etc. I think the most I've ever left her alone is about 3 hours. She's been very easy to train since I've had her from 8 weeks old. I've taught her to NEVER bark when someone comes to the door or when she sees someone or another dog outside the patio doors... the street is visible so she can sit there and see a lot. And neighbors have said they've never heard her bark when I'm gone. I'm very proud of her for that. BUT, my problem is that she seems to think it is MY duty to keep her entertained all the time. Yep...she has her walks...but it's very difficult when a neighbor is walking a dog at the same time. Missy gets SO excited that I have to pick her up. The leashes will get all tangled up trying to greet each other. But...I digress. I don't know if I'm spoiling her by stopping what I'm doing and playing with her or if I need to do that a lot less.
When I'm busy with something, she will come and sit by me....give a little "ruff" to get my attention...and just look at me with pitiful eyes to come play with her. I've been learning to say "NO Missy...go play"...and she will go play with one of her toys, go sit and look out the sliding doors (she loves doing that), or just go lay down and take a nap. MY problem is feeling guilty. Some dogs HAVE to stay by themselves for long periods because their "parents" work....I'm here with Missy all the time. So should I feel guilty, is she manipulating me, should I spend that much time with her....and so on? I think I can honestly say that about maybe 65% of my time is spent talking to her, playing with her, entertaining her, and so on....even when I'm doing chores.
So....my question is, am I feeling guilty for no reason and my girl is trying to 'use me'. I hope this isn't a silly question, but from the time I get that soft little "ruff" by my bed at 5:30 am and all through the day off and on...I get that soft little "ruff" seeking my attention (she doesn't bark loud....I've taught her not to because I live in an apartment and have neighbors). Am I right in telling her "NO...go play" and allow her to entertain herself.
We also have a play time with a neighbor's dog about once a week...so I don't think I can say she's neglected in any way. I guess it is ME and feeling guilty that is bothering me. Again...sorry if this sounds like a silly question. But, how long do most of you spend "entertaining" your puppy? I guess that is the real question. How much of my day do I need to spend giving her almost ALL my time? Again, thanks.
When I'm busy with something, she will come and sit by me....give a little "ruff" to get my attention...and just look at me with pitiful eyes to come play with her. I've been learning to say "NO Missy...go play"...and she will go play with one of her toys, go sit and look out the sliding doors (she loves doing that), or just go lay down and take a nap. MY problem is feeling guilty. Some dogs HAVE to stay by themselves for long periods because their "parents" work....I'm here with Missy all the time. So should I feel guilty, is she manipulating me, should I spend that much time with her....and so on? I think I can honestly say that about maybe 65% of my time is spent talking to her, playing with her, entertaining her, and so on....even when I'm doing chores.
So....my question is, am I feeling guilty for no reason and my girl is trying to 'use me'. I hope this isn't a silly question, but from the time I get that soft little "ruff" by my bed at 5:30 am and all through the day off and on...I get that soft little "ruff" seeking my attention (she doesn't bark loud....I've taught her not to because I live in an apartment and have neighbors). Am I right in telling her "NO...go play" and allow her to entertain herself.
We also have a play time with a neighbor's dog about once a week...so I don't think I can say she's neglected in any way. I guess it is ME and feeling guilty that is bothering me. Again...sorry if this sounds like a silly question. But, how long do most of you spend "entertaining" your puppy? I guess that is the real question. How much of my day do I need to spend giving her almost ALL my time? Again, thanks.