Advice needed

Rona · 08-12-2015, 19:48

Have you considered a dog-sitter? We live in an apartment with a vlcak (7 year old) and when we need to leave her on her own for more than 5 hours, I make an arrangement for somebody to come and spend 1-3 hrs with her, depending on the situation and length of my absence. I used to hire a translator who came and worked at my place while I was out and additionally could make some extra money. Now a 15 year old neighbor's daughter, who earns a nice addition to her pocket money comes from time to time. Alternatively we have a group of vlcak owners and sometimes help each other in emergency. It's enough for the person just to stay with the vlcak, there is no need to entertain her or take out to make her happy. I'm lucky because such situations are rare, once every few weeks/months, but over the last 7 years there were periods when my husband travelled and I worked longer hours and this solution worked very well.

I don't agree with the thesis, that a vlcak must have access to the garden, imo what he needs most is the company and plenty of exercise and mental stimula.
We take Lorka for really long walks 2-3 times a week, also to play with other dogs, including vlcaks, in fact her social life is richer than ours

We also practise tracking/trailing which makes her tired, happy and let her feel handy.

yukidomari · 08-12-2015, 23:20

Of course change can be hard for a dog to adjust to but with enough time and effort I think it can work out fine.

A lot of people's dogs don't have access to a garden and I don't think their happiness is contingent on that as others have said.

I have a house but it's probably no bigger than an apartment since we're in a big city. And during the day when I'm not at home they are not allowed to the deck because frankly it's not safe to do that here.

Of course, they grew up this way so are accustomed to it, perhaps just some more time, some readjustment training in expectations, and increased exercise and social events will help you through it.

I think near everyone can say a vlcak would rather have adjustment pains than to lose their human.

But in honesty, if you feel you must rehome him, I would do it with the cooperation of his breeder if it is possible.

08-12-2015, 19:48	#1
Rona Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kraków Posts: 3,509	Have you considered a dog-sitter? We live in an apartment with a vlcak (7 year old) and when we need to leave her on her own for more than 5 hours, I make an arrangement for somebody to come and spend 1-3 hrs with her, depending on the situation and length of my absence. I used to hire a translator who came and worked at my place while I was out and additionally could make some extra money. Now a 15 year old neighbor's daughter, who earns a nice addition to her pocket money comes from time to time. Alternatively we have a group of vlcak owners and sometimes help each other in emergency. It's enough for the person just to stay with the vlcak, there is no need to entertain her or take out to make her happy. I'm lucky because such situations are rare, once every few weeks/months, but over the last 7 years there were periods when my husband travelled and I worked longer hours and this solution worked very well. I don't agree with the thesis, that a vlcak must have access to the garden, imo what he needs most is the company and plenty of exercise and mental stimula. We take Lorka for really long walks 2-3 times a week, also to play with other dogs, including vlcaks, in fact her social life is richer than ours We also practise tracking/trailing which makes her tired, happy and let her feel handy. __________________ Last edited by Rona; 08-12-2015 at 21:33. Reason: spel.

08-12-2015, 23:20	#2
yukidomari Moderator Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 847	Of course change can be hard for a dog to adjust to but with enough time and effort I think it can work out fine. A lot of people's dogs don't have access to a garden and I don't think their happiness is contingent on that as others have said. I have a house but it's probably no bigger than an apartment since we're in a big city. And during the day when I'm not at home they are not allowed to the deck because frankly it's not safe to do that here. Of course, they grew up this way so are accustomed to it, perhaps just some more time, some readjustment training in expectations, and increased exercise and social events will help you through it. I think near everyone can say a vlcak would rather have adjustment pains than to lose their human. But in honesty, if you feel you must rehome him, I would do it with the cooperation of his breeder if it is possible. __________________ "Learn to do well; seek judgment." www.greyfarer.com/ Last edited by yukidomari; 08-12-2015 at 23:24.