how bad is it to brake up the pack?

[lovebug]

we are going out of town for 10 days and we cant take our dogs (we have 3). we only have one problem dog. he is an issue that he need constant supervision and will chew if he does not get that love and affection. as long as he knows someone is there or know someone will be home soon he is fine.

the cost to kennel all 3 is way to much money,so what i was thinking is to keep him ( the chewer) at a friends house or a kennel and have the other 2 stay home ( we have a doggie door) i have 3 friends that have agreed to come over everyday (one in the AM, one at noon and one in the PM) to make sure they have food, water and love.

any advice? any questions to help you answer my question? any other ideas?

[mamallama]

What issue do you foresee with breaking up the pack? Do you think they will fight upon reintroduction?

If you're having people look in at home anyway, could you crate the chewer and leave all three at home? If he's a healthy adult, three potty breaks a day isn't ideal, but it should be ok in a pinch.

[lovebug]

i just know that it can be stressful for them. the chewer is at the bottom of the pecking order so i dont think fights would be the issue. i more so think the 2 at home will 'miss' him and get stressed.

i dont think a crate would work, or would it? they are so use to coming and going as they please with the pup door. they use to pee and poo on demand, but that was years ago... hmmm i will have to look into it! thanks!

am i worrying about nothing?

i just know that the border collie (one of the ones that will be home) did not do well one other time we left him home 'alone' and i just wonder if this will do more harm then good.

[waterproofmascara]

We break up our pack all the time (every other weekend during the summer, maybe once a month during the winter). We have a bloodhound, a basset, and a cocker that stay at home while the rat terrier always goes with us. There has never been a problem, unless you count the numerous kisses the rat terrier has to have upon her return.

And in case you are curious why, we go fishing in the ocean and the rat terrier goes in the boat with us. There is not enough room in the boat for the others so they can't go.

[lovebug]

that is great! thanks for that post!