Need Advice - visit or not?

[Milopup]

Hi,

I was hoping people here would be able to give me some advice. My pup now lives most of the time with my mom because I am living overseas. I do travel back as often as I can afford to visit him, but his favorite person is my mom. Now I am going to visit my in-laws across the country for 2 weeks - should I bring my pup with me or would that be disruptive? I was thinking of bringing him because it would give my mom a bit of a respite and would be a adventure for him.

What do y'all think??

[bradl]

I think adventures are good for dogs. Helps them be well-rounded.

[Carolinasmom]

I think your pup would love to be with you during your visit! Go for it!

[Brigette]

If your in-laws dont mind, I think it would be great to get to spend some time with your dog-and give your mom a little rest. I can tell you that we take our dogs with us when we visit my sister-in-law (she has 2 Weimeraners and a dog welcoming house) and they love to have new people and things to see. Dont forget to bring a crate if they dont have one, so he doesnt eat their house while you guys are out to dinner etc., its better to be safe than sorry when you are a guest somewhere.

[Milopup]

What I am afraid of is that any progress we have made with his training will be shot after 2 weeks in a new environment - will we need to start all over?

My pup still sleeps in his crate, so we will bring it with us. I will bring only a few things - all my check in luggage will be for his crate, toys, bed and food.

[bradl]

So what if you do start over? I look at things this way, more or less: I'm going to be living with each dog for 14 years or (hopefully) more. What do I care, over the long haul, about some ups and downs with housetraining, etc? I keep a roll of paper towels handy, a baggie in the pocket of every pair of pants, a sense of humor, and heaping helping of forgiveness. I consider life to be all about process. One day at a time, etc. etc. I guess I just don't really care - I've gotten so much love and enjoyment from our dogs that I no longer feel the need to hold them - or myself - to my original ideals, which could only be achieved by television Lassie or stuffed toys in any case. Having to cope with messes and their stubborn unpredictableness has had a profound and liberating effect on my life. I bless every mess even as I mutter over it!

[toomanypaws]

Wow Brad, what a great post! That should be written into a cairn book right at the end of the "housetraining" chapter.

Milopup, I agree to take your pup along w/ you. I've traveled w/ mine and had no problem w/ housetraining. Of course I had Abbey's faithful wee-wee pads close by for unpredictable weather. I use to worry about my large dogs when I'd leave them at the "doggie hotel". I was always afraid they'd forget to use their doggie door to go out but I was assured that they never soilded their sleeping area. Enjoy your trip!

[fancypants]

Brad - that was so inspiring! You said it! I'm moved. Does anyone remember the woman who was planning on taking her Cairn(s) on a long cruise? Did she go? Did she take him? Was it fun? Just curious!!!

[Eliz222]

I say "go for it!". Like Brad said, just take a roll of paper towels and some plastic bags with you.......and have fun!

[kayharley]

Brad,

Did you know that you are my hero?

[bradl]

[Guest mrskti]

and he's shy too....how sweet is he!!

[MikeC]

Bravo Brad! My sentiments exactly. Milopup, take Bosco with you. Enjoy the time that you will be able to spend with him. I know that he will certainly enjoy being with you!

MikeC

[Milopup]

Thanks everyone. I was all ready to bring him, but today's incident is making me re-think this again.

Today my mom had a friend drop by to visit with her two dogs. The friend and the dogs stayed in their car and my mom carried Bosco in her arms. Things were okay, but Bosco was a bit growly/barky. Then my mom started petting the other dog, and Bosco became very upset. High pitched barking ensued.

Part of the reason I am bringing Bosco on my trip is because my friends have two dogs (shih tzu and labrador retriever). I was hoping this would be a good opportunity for him to play with other dogs, but how can I integrate them?