What to do with Mia while I'm gone?

Laurelin

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#1
I'm going to Alaska for a week in about a month. What on earth should I do with Mia while I'm gone? My dad was going to ask a friend to dog sit but quite frankly I don't think this person is near dog experienced enough to manage Mia. Mia is quite difficult in many ways and you have to stay on top of her or she will get in trouble.

So I was going to ask Summer's breeders if they could watch her but it's not exactly looking like they'll be able to because they're going out of town.

So... I have a hyper dog who destroys things if left unsupervised and who absolutely dislikes and distrusts strangers. I have only left her alone for a day before and it was pretty much a disaster both times. The people taking care of her couldn't get her to listen to them or put her up. She spent the whole time barking and growling at them. I really can't think of anyone that is dog-savvy enough to handle her. Or maybe I could slowly introduce her to the person who would be watching her?

What do those of you with non-stranger friendly dogs do when you have to leave them?
 

Zoom

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#2
I would slowly introduce the person; that sounds like it's pretty much your only option at this point. It's tough with those types of dogs, isn't it. Too bad you can't just take her along! She'd fit as carry-on luggage!
 

Lizmo

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I would choose a friend who you think would be a good match for her. Or seek out any dog sitters in your area.

I pet sit, but I'm not really 'known' to many. It's just by word of mouth. Ask around town at local shops, while checking out maybe just say "Hey, you wouldn't happen to know anyone in town that does pet sitting". You never know. Ask your vet and/or trainer who they recommend. Check your newspaper for advertisments for pet sitters. Then definitely start bring that person over many times before you leave and even do a 'test' run through. Go out for the day and have that person come over and let the dogs out just like they would if you were really gone. See how it goes.

I know you would probably rather leave her home, but do you think she would do better in a boarding type situation?
 

MisssAshby

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#4
I can possibly watch her....if you trust me.

We could maybe do a few dates at the park and she how she does with the girls.
 

Laurelin

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I can possibly watch her....if you trust me.

We could maybe do a few dates at the park and she how she does with the girls.
Oh that's a great idea if shipping her to the breeder's doesn't work out! There is still a chance they may be able to keep her. If not, I definitely would trust you over anyone else I can think of. She is a difficult little brat some days.

She remembers Rhonda still and the time Rhonda watched her (it was pretty much a disaster). Rhonda came over today and Mia immediately went on guard barking and growling at her. She will absolutely not let Rhonda even touch her now.

Renee, she'd probably love being around filas. She likes having a big dog around to do her dirty work so to speak lol. She is so sweet once she warms up to someone, but with only one exception I can think of, she does not warm up to people quickly.
 

bubbatd

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Ollie , Hunter and Maggy are off to Camp Bow-Bow in Aug. when we go to my dear cousin's memorial ,
 

BostonBanker

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#12
I used to house-sit for a very non-stranger friendly (think bite history) dog. The way we made it work:

I never once went to his house when his owners were already gone to start the visit. I would go before they left, and would go walk around the neighborhood myself until they took him out and "ran into me" on the walk. We would walk side by side for a while and they would pass the leash to me eventually. When we got back to their house, they would head inside and get out of there while I continued to walk him. For the first day or so, he went anywhere I went, as it is very likely I wouldn't be able to get back in the house. After 24 hours or so, he'd be settled and be my best buddy (and I certainly never worried about people breaking in!). This was outright aggression though, so I'm not sure it would help with Mia; just a thought.
 

Laurelin

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#13
Mia's not really aggressive, just very wary but that's some definite ideas. I do definitely plan on hanging around some time to help with the transition.

When she was kept by two different people in the past, once she was there with me for days and was just fine with all the people until I left. She had all five other dogs with her too, but still would not allow any of the people to touch her or anything. That's the big problem is when they need to crate her, etc, she won't go.

It's very frustrating because she's been socialized out the wazoo. She just doesn't seem to like anyone except me. She gets along okay with friends and family after she's met them and if I'm there too.

ROFLMFAO!!! :rofl1:

Oh, it doesn't work that way with the Filas . . . . . . . . :eek: Think more on the lines of Catherine the Great :D
Don't underestimate the power of the 6 lb Mia, lol. The filas would probably just teach her more bad things. She would fit right in though. She is the most devious little thing I've ever seen.
 

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