We had taken a brief walk, because I didn’t want exhaust her before heading into a new environment. I knew she would be plenty stimulated by things… New faces… New bums to sniff.
She was curious enough about the place – which we had visited once – when we walked inside. But when she saw that I would not be staying, she hesitant to move fully inside of the welcoming area.
It’s a similar thing when we go to the vet. I have to hand her over, since they don’t allow owners inside. And we go there at least every other month to have her nails trimmed or bum milked (which is how they drain the anal glands – in case you were wondering.)
But inside was a play area. And other dogs. And humans. She warmed up to the humans quickly.
But wanted nothing to do with the other dogs.
Unsurprising to me.
I knew it would take time. Especially without me there.
It was about two hours later, when I was at home between meetings, that I got a call.
“She’s not engaging other dogs. She’s panting heavy and looking for ways out of the place.”
I wasn’t surprised at all.
And this is why I wanted her to do to doggy day care.
We decided it would be best for me to go and pick her up. They want her to come back, but after she has a chance to build up her confidence in engaging other animals without me there.
So instead of day care, I will be taking her to some private lessons each week for scent work. It will get her better prepared to go back into doggy day care.
“She will gain some independence with it, you’ll see,” they assured me.
They would keep her spot in doggy day care available while we work through a few lessons.
That way I am not leaving them with a sad dog when I drop her off.
She aligns herself more as human and not a dog.
Is that wrong?
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