Dog Separation Anxiety – Should Your Dog Go With You?

If a friend calls to invite you over, do you automatically put your dog in your vehicle to go along?  What do you do when you get to the friend’s house?  Does your dog go wild, or do you have complete control?  Even though you think your pooch may be welcome wherever you are welcome, this is not always the case.  Before you pack in your pooch, ask a few questions and keep obedience in mind.

You may feel that an invitation to a friend’s or family member’s home does not require an additional invitation for your pet.  Besides, your pooch accompanies you everywhere, including other people’s homes.  But, have you ever thought to ask if it is okay if your pet comes along?  Your friends and family members may overlook the situation since you are close to them, but they may not be happy every time you show up with your dog.  It’s not okay to assume that your dog is welcome, since it could be situational.  Which leads me to my first point:  always ask if your dog is welcome.  If you are told “no,” then don’t take it to heart.  Sometime, people just don’t want animals in their homes, and this could be due to a variety of reasons.

Now, when you do show up with your dog, how does he behave?  Even if you are going over to your own parents’ home, it’s important that your pooch is on his best behavior.  To be safe, you should keep your dog on a leash until either the host tells you that it’s okay to let him off or until it’s obvious that your pet will be calm and comfortable in the strange place.  He should also not be taken straight inside until he is invited in.  Some people just don’t like having animals inside their home.  Not many people like for dogs to jump all over them, their family members, or their furniture.  So, it’s important that you keep an eye on your pet’s behavior.  Don’t be afraid to be stern with your pet; but, at the same time, don’t be overly cruel to the dog just because you are in the company of others.  Before you take your dog to a strange place, he should be completely housetrained and controllable.

Realize that if someone tells you “no” it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t enjoy the company of your pooch.  Have you ever stopped to think about that person’s situation?  For instance, there may be a family member who is allergic to animal dander, or there may be a small child that is frightened of dogs.  If there will be other guests in the home, the host may just be looking out for the wellbeing of others.  You never know when someone could have an honest problem with your pet.

It’s not the end of the world if you can’t take your pet with you.  If it’s a long trip, then find other arrangements for you and your pet.  You may need to seek out a pet-friendly hotel or a kennel at your destination.  Or, invite the person to your home.  If the person agrees, then still realize that your pet still has to be on his best behavior.  There is still a possibility of allergies or fear, so your pet may need to stay confined to a certain area of your home.  If all else fails, try meeting the person in a neutral location.  For instance, find a nice park or pet-friendly town that welcomes animals.  Your pet will love the trip outdoors, you won’t have to worry too much about allergic reactions, and you won’t have to worry about displeasing the other person.

You may not think twice when your friend invites you over and your throw your pooch in the car.  But, have you ever stopped to think whether or not your pet is actually invited?  In all reality, your dog could be a nuisance to your friend.  But, your friend may be too nice to ask you to leave the dog at home.  If your dog is well-behaved and housetrained, then it’s okay to take him along as long as you have an invitation.  If not, then you may want to search out other boarding options for your pet.  If anything, find a neutral location to meet your friend, and take your pet along.

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About the Author

Amber Contant is a featured adviser and author discussing the issues that all pet owning families will experience. Also visit Amber’s website for unique gift ideas for any occasion or holiday. Start planning for the perfect Valentines Day gift.

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