Anyone with OH away for periods of time?

[Mittens]

Hi - does anyone else spend regular time apart from their OH and notice a prolonged negative effect on the dog/s?

With buying our second home and work commitments me and the OH regularly spend up to two weeks a month apart and until Christmas the dogs were seemingly fine with it. The travelling up and down the motorway once a month doesn't seem to bother them and they are with me all the time, as I'm the one working from home three weeks out of four (yeay  )

Here's the thing though: Since my accident in September when I've been tied to London for the regular hospital visits we've all been together again for three months BUT since coming back north on my own to resume normal schedule at the beginning of last week, Eddie has been a nightmare whining and crying and pawing at me non stop (apart from when his eating or on a walk or sleeping). I was worrying he could be ill (although he has no outward signs) but then my OH unexpectedly came home last night and there has not been a peep out of him since! 

I'm now concerned when my OH goes again at the weekend he will start again and wonder if anyone has tips on how to stop him being so affected by the comings and goings? It's really awful to see him so stressed.

[penguins87]

Hi

We have three girls beau lottie and Dora . Beau is my hubbies best friend the other two are more my dogs but when hubby is away they all want my attention and I end up sitting on the floor with them so I can cuddle all three .

Carl can be away up to a week at a time and then back for a night and then away for three days then back for two away for one etc etc so very random . Beau has times when she is ok with it and is just very quiet and other times when she is quiet low Not eating or just not bothered to brak or tail wag. On those days I walk her longer and in different places and tryto have just her and me time as she seems so sad . She has everything she could ever want but not her daddy and she is definatly besotted with him . distraction s the best tonic for her and one on one attention . She also has dads jumpers to sleep on which seems to help her . It's hard as she is a one person dog and he is that one person . But I can come close second if I really put some effort in and build a closer relationship with her it does help.

Good luck with Eddie it's unsettling for him I'm sure what with two houses and your accident( hope your feeling better ) . it's not that easy for them to adjust they do like routine keep reassuring him and giving him your attention and love and cuddles and I'm sure he will get better in time 

[Evadee]

Have done in the past (when we did not have dogs) as OH was in the military and it certainly affected the kids when they were very little.  Very clingy when he was around and distressed whenever he left (as they never knew if it was for hours or weeks)  Think you can make some comparisons with toddlers and dogs 

My OH has just started a new job so has loads of courses this year for weeks on end in different location but they are only mon-fri thank goodness,.  I am not looking forward to it though, 2 dogs are hard work on your own all (with work as well).  We have just picked ours up from being in their "holiday home" for a week too so Tia is already getting anxious whenever OH goes out of sight!

I think all you can do is be consistent and try to to keep with normal routine with them as much as possible.  Is it possible to distract Eddie when he gets distressed with a rare treat (chew/bone/special toy) or anything like that?  If you can try to nip it in the bud early on when OH leaves, although I know this is easy to suggest and harder to achieve...

Hope your recovery keeps going well x

[theshrew]

Wish my OH would go away for long periods 

Seriously they probably just miss him. I no if i go away for a weekend or for a night away Missy hates it and acts all funny so my Mrs says. When i get back she goes mental HUGE cocker loves 

Not really got any advice what to do but im sure they will get used to it.