Fortunately, my SO will be home to take care of her and she doesn’t need to be put in a kennel, so I shouldn’t be worried about traumatizing her. But, my SO (I’ll call Pat) and Alice didn’t start bonding until a few months ago so I’m worried that she won’t feel secure with them.
Getting a puppy was my idea. Pat was not really up for it (still grieving over loss of other dog a year earlier) so I have been the primary caregiver. It took months for Pat to warm up to Alice (petted and treated her kindly, but didn’t fawn over her the way I did). Pat wasn’t involved much in Alice’s training although they would follow my lead in house rules and take Alice outside occasionally (we have to walk her bc we don’t have a fenced yard.) Over time, Alice and Pat have become closer and now will enjoy cuddle time, something they never used to do. She usually wants to immediately get back to me though.
I am clearly Alice‘s human and she is with me (or on me!) whenever she can be so, I’m not confident that she will feel OK when I’m gone overnight and then for three more days.
She stays in her crate when we go out and doesn’t seem to have separation anxiety but those times she spent alone have only been 3 to 4 hours at most and infrequent (we’re retired).
How can I prepare Alice for my absence and are there any suggestions on how to prepare Pat for the experience?
submitted by /u/Bawonga
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