Leaving the dog for the first time

We're going away tomorrow evening so some friends are looking after the dog. Usually when we leave the house for a few hours we just give her a kong and she's more than happy for us to go but this is the first time overnight.

We can't work out whether it's better for her to see us leave or to just sneak out. What do you reckon?

Or are we deluding ourselves that she'll actually be bothered when she'll have a couple of kids to play with all night?

I wouldn't make a fuss as it will just make her wonder what's going on. As long as there are people around she will be fine.

she'll be fine , of course she will miss you but its like a little holiday for her and you have peace of mind to know she is well looked after , enjoy yourself

If she is anything like Moo she won't give a dam as long as she is entertained, cupboard love

Just leave in the normal manner, give her her Kong if thats what you do and enjoy your evening away.
You girl cant tell the time, so wont be clock watching waiting for you to come home.
But be prepared for a massive welcome when you do get home thou

Like already said I would leave as normal with kong etc.
Enjoy your night and enjoy the welcome home

Yes just leave as normal and enjoy the massive welcome back home

dogs have no concept of time so dont need to sneak out, if you leave they will just wait for you no matter how long.

Hayley wrote:dogs have no concept of time so dont need to sneak out, if you leave they will just wait for you no matter how long.

How do people know that dogs have no concept of time ??
.

When hubby and me go out without Rocky he somehow knows he isn't coming with us and just goes and sits in his crate, he is so funny sometimes,

Just dont make a fuss and leave, she will be fine.

Dave wrote:

Hayley wrote:dogs have no concept of time so dont need to sneak out, if you leave they will just wait for you no matter how long.

How do people know that dogs have no concept of time ??
.

cause they dont wear watches.....duhh...

Hayley ya noob , Tilly has clocks in every room what does she want a watch for , and if all else fails she always has the time on her mobile , (smart answer BTW )

Well, she had a lovely time away from us. I just asked the kids to entertain her and walked out and she barely noticed I'd gone. No pining or anything (how disappointing ).

She'd been as good as gold apparently so that was a relief. She rarely relaxes unless she's at home with us so was endlessly exploring their house for the entire day but otherwise no bother at all. The kids loved having her over which I'm pleased about; when we mentioned we were getting a Staffy to their Dad he jokingly suggested he wouldn't let the kids near it. I think he's been won over because she slept in their bed

We met up with them in a park yesterday and got a big staffy greeting so I think we're forgiven.

great news and you will have a settled mind if you need to do it again , and who knows if you have really sold her to them you may find she has a little playmate next time