Advice on changing routine

[SilverSteno]

The home routine my dog has been used to for the last year might be changing as I may be getting a new job. Currently I work evenings but my new job would mean I'd normally be working during the day (but roughly the same hours) and I'm concerned she may take some time to adjust to the new routine as I'm usually there all day. She's fine with me going to work on the evening but if I go out during the day she can start chewing things up.

I'll be taking her out for at least an hours walk on the morning before I have to go to work, even if that does mean getting up at 6 in the morning I find a good walk usually settles her down when I do have to be out during the day but I'm not sure how long that will last for. She'll get another walk in the evening.

She isn't interested in things like treat balls, instead she likes hunting yoghurt pots or cardboard (or taking all of the potpouri out of the bowl at my mums and spreading it all over the floor), so does anyone have any suggestions of things I could try to keep her occupied during the day? Since she seemed to like targetting cardboard could I leave cardboard for her to rip to shreds? Might mean a bit of tidying up but I don't mind
I know she likes towels that I've used (especially those I dry my hair on) so I'll collect some of these for her to have during the day.

I just want to make sure that any upset to Tai is minimised so does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm needing plenty of ideas so if one doesn't work there is a back-up!

[abandonallhope]

Frozen peanut butter in a kong, keeps the busy for hours!!

Other than that for the first week or two, see if either you or someone could come round and let her out and give her a bit of fuss and then gradually stop.

If your worried about her chewing move everything chew able for a while too.

Other than that most dogs adjust well enough to change, just make sure she has plenty of love and re-assurance.

Edit: If she is already a chewer it's best not to encourage her further by giving her things to destroy. In america they had timed toy dispensers, not sure if they are avaliable over here but if you can get one they are brilliant.

[KathyM]

How long will she be being left?

[abandonallhope]

Amazon.com: Kong Time Automatic Dog Toy Dispenser: Kitchen & Dining


Basically it will release a toy, so in your case it could be a yogurt pot if she likes those, at a set time.

[SilverSteno]

Originally Posted by KathyM

How long will she be being left?

It will vary, but the maximum will be 8 hours. She has been left up to 4 hours with no problems, but other times I leave her alone for 1/2 an hour and she has ripped up some paper or built a collection of things I've had hold of!

She isn't interested in food when I'm out, the most she will do is chew on her rawhide a bit but she waits until I'm back before really going for it, and I don't think she bothers with her toys either as they always seem to be in the same place when I come back.

[mask-of-sanity]

do you have anyone that can pop in during the day to let her out and play with her ? its just after being alone all day and then when you go to bed the hours mount up ...so 8 hours working and 8 hours in bed is most of the day to your dog .....is there family you can drop her off to whilst you work ? if she is a chewer then i think that will increase with the routine change

[KathyM]

Originally Posted by SilverSteno

It will vary, but the maximum will be 8 hours. She has been left up to 4 hours with no problems, but other times I leave her alone for 1/2 an hour and she has ripped up some paper or built a collection of things I've had hold of!

She isn't interested in food when I'm out, the most she will do is chew on her rawhide a bit but she waits until I'm back before really going for it, and I don't think she bothers with her toys either as they always seem to be in the same place when I come back.

I would definitely recommend getting someone to come in and break that 8 hours up - say a dogwalker or helpful family member/friend who can come and take her out in the middle of that stint?

[SilverSteno]

Originally Posted by KathyM

I would definitely recommend getting someone to come in and break that 8 hours up - say a dogwalker or helpful family member/friend who can come and take her out in the middle of that stint?

I'll ask the neighbour who owns two of Tai's best doggy friends if she can take her out with them on their afternoon trip to the park, haven't seen her lately but I think she might be away at the moment. Depending on what day I'm working/where I'm working she could stay with my aunt/at my parents. Some days I might be working close to home and be home after about six hours or working an hours travel away. I've got Jury duty coming up soon as well and I have no clue how long I'll be away for then or even how many days it will last!

She's asleep right now and her legs are twitching like mad