Just hope that Bailey behaves and it doesn't upturn his routine too much.
Don't worry about his routine too much. I've taken pups away with me for days at a time from a very early age, so not only has their environment changed but their routine too. In some cases I've not even been able to take the crate with me and the pup has had to sleep on the bed with me, yet once we get back home, they quickly slip back into the old routines. Dogs are very adaptable and also very situational, so just go and enjoy your holiday and don't worry.....Everything will be fine.
Are you still in touch with Bailey's breeder? He/she might be prepared to have him to stay while you're on holiday - I've got 3 of my puppies coming back during the next few months while their owners are on holiday.
____________ Lynda x
Emily, Poppy, Maisie, Phoebe, Martha, Will, Ned and Isis
Routine-wise I think they adjust quickly, Theo went to stay with friends for 2 weeks while we were away (he was turned 9 months in the 2 weeks) - All their dogs are working gundogs and live in kennels so Theo joined them, Jan said after a few days kennel hopping to get him in the right place so they all settled he was soon in on the routine of quick run in the garden, breakfast, morning walk and then mix between kennel/run/garden/training etc throughout the day, evening walk and dinner before being shut in for the night. We picked him up yesterday and he's already settled back into routine here, went into his cage no fuss even got slightly excited at the sight of it, remembers to ask to go out and still waits patiently for Goldie to finish eating before he goes to check his bowl...
At 8 months old, Bailey is at the 'stretching the boundaries' stage, but he WILL adapt to a slightly altered routine. When we ever go away, Lucy goes to our pet sitter (in their home)...she has been to 3 pet sitters since we got her, and has gotten on well each time.
I would agree with some of the other posts, why not try Bailey at your MIL's house over night before you go, to see how he is. Maybe try him in the crate again, as it'll be a new environment anyway, and he may feel safe in there.
Either way, as difficult as it is, you deserve a break, and Bailey will be absolutely fine. I know it doesn't stop the guilt and the worry (i feel the same) but whenever we come home, Lucy is happy as larry (as its usually tough to get her away from the Pet sitter lol - think they spoil her too much!)
Oh I do feel for you. I have the same problem with leaving Sky. I won't kennel her either. My Mum had her for two days and a night a couple of weeks ago and I worried endlessly. As it happens Sky was fine it was only me who was anxious. But, Sky is very used to my Mum and Dad as she sees them a lot and absolutely adores them. My Dad is a bit funny even though he likes Sky he won't have her for more than one night. Whereas my Mum would. I think he is worried that my Mum will want a dog too - very complicated.
We are planning a weeks holiday abroad next year. A sort of last family holiday before my eldest goes to Uni etc. We have already got my MIL to come to ours, and are planning to get dog walkers in to walk both the dogs (we will have two by then) twice a day. I can't expect the MIL to walk two dogs for the amount of time they will need. But, future holidays will probably be in this country with dogs in tow. Any foreign holidays will most probably be city breaks of a couple of days.
Hey ho the joy of having dogs.
Why don't you also write down a detailed account of your daily routine for Bailey and show your MIL what is expected before you go. I am sure all your worries will be for nothing and Bailey will behave impeccably!
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