renaming shadow velcro a positive thing for a change

[joanne/shads]

Just thought id share a positive for a change. Shadow bless him has been a challenge from day 1 with seperation issues, howling and destroying anything and everything withn reach if left him. Well crunch time came 3 weeks ago, I got a job, full time as big a shock to my system after 18 months out of work as it was for shadow. As luck would have it a few days before he had managed to get trapped in my bedroom (door shut on him) while i was cleaning the kitchen so it was a while before i realised he wasnt curled up on the sofa. Any way he must have been in there a good hour no whining or chewing which made me think. So i left him in the hall way when i went to the shop he had the run of the stairs, bathroom and spare bedroom. Came home no howling, no destruction just a very warm welcome and attached dog. I mean really attached he didnt just follow me his nose was against my knee when ever i moved. So now this where i leave him when i go to work, i hide treats and chews, his kong and ropes and of course food and water, my daughter pops in lunch time to let him out and stops for a coffee with him. he still gets his walks, play and training time just at each end of my workday. I get home everyday about 5 to the most warmest of welcomes i let him out make a cuppa he sits on the sofa almost on my knee getting stroked then take him out, for the first hour or so he is like velcro in physical contact head on my lap if im sat or constantly nose in my knee as i move round the house and when i take him out he is a lot more attentive we have fetch now and he brings the ball all the way back, still pulls a little on the lead but it is improving everyday. I feel so guilty having to leave him all day but he seems a lot more relaxed in the hallway than in the kitchen and of course he sleeps on my bed at night usually snuggled up beside me. I know its not an ideal situation and given a choice i would work part time but in a funny sort of way its helped us both focus on the positive side of his training its more quality time now. oh just a extra hes still not perfect he digs my plants out the garden if not watched every second and a couple of times hes chewed something id left in reach but hey i can live with that.

[GreensMom]

awwwh......good for Shadow
Green has the run of the house but heads straight to my bedroom as soon as I leave the house. He even does this if other people are home. Bob has to call him out after I am gone. He goes in my room and lays down in his favorite spot, which is a small space on the floor. He can lay on any piece of furniture or his dog bed but this is the spot he picks. Funny how they have their "safe" spot.

[joanne/shads]

I was really amazed what a difference it made for him just by leaving him in a different space and relieved too still feel guilty leaving him but not quite as much as when he was howling i never considered where i left him being part of the problem, i dare say he'll change his mind again but at least before i panic ill try a different room. i think ill give him more room ie the sofa and tv when im convinced he wont chew anything thats not his lol i already need a new sofa from the first time i left him but hey ho all part of life with a BC.

[goldcreek]

Good boy Shadow, I love velcro dogs.

[GreensMom]

Green likes the tv left on for him. He loves HGTV. I had company one night and he was all excited and bouncing around and I said here let me put your show on. I turned on House Hunters and he layed on the ottoman and watched. My friends were amazed and are still talking about it.

[goldcreek]

LOL! That's awesome.

[GreensMom]

oh he is a character for sure

[Vicky]

Well done Shadow, Bella likes to lie on my bed it is her safe spot she went up there tonight to get some peace and quiet because my nephew was here.

[RockysMum]

Well Done Shadow, that must be a weight off your mind Joanne when you've got a full time job to concentrate on Congratulations.