Don't really know what to do

Have the house to myself and Dempsey's not settling. Mum usually takes him out for his last walk, but I tried to take him out just now and he flat out refused. He's done that before, but usually gets going after a battle of wills. This wasn't just stubbornness; he was laying down outside the gate, which he never does on hard ground, with his tail tucked under, and he kept sniffing around the space where the car was supposed to be. I tried to lift him to his feet and get him moving, but he just kept laying back down and started shaking.

Don't really know what to do now. I'm going to try again in an hour or so. One the one hand, if he doesn't go out, I don't like the idea of him missing out on a walk. On the other hand, from his reaction earlier, I'm worried that forcing him to go will just cause him unnecessary amounts of stress.

He just won't settle down. He went to sleep this morning after they left, as he probably just assumed it was a shopping trip. Now that it's evening/night, he keeps sitting at the top of the stairs, looking miserable.

I just hope he settles down a bit by tomorrow.

Oh dear, he's missing his Mum!

My last Dobie was like that - if I went away on business trips she sulked like mad and would not go out with my son.

tbh missing a walk is not the end of the world. Comfort, huggles, treats and games if necessary.

Try not to fret Eleanor, keep calm and carry on! Dempsey will survive!

I just feel bad, in case he has to go to the toilet. Maybe he'll go out later. If not, I'll just have to get up early tomorrow to make sure he goes for his morning walk on time.

I can imagine the reaction mum and dad will get when they come home!

Bella is the same with Karla when I'm out. He'll be ok missing a walk   Hope your mum & dad's shins are ready for their welcome home

I'll see if I can get a video of his welcome!

Bless him, he's curled himself up on the bottom landing of the stairs, looking sad. Tried to get him out just now and he gave me the saddest look I've ever seen. Tbh, I think it's probably best just to leave him alone for tonight. I've set my alarm for 6 o'clock in the morning, so he should be okay until then.

 if he's anything like Bella it would be a blur leaving a trail of destruction

They really know how to make us feel sorry for them   

If he has to wee and poo he will do. Easily cleared up. I am sure Mum and Dad will understand, especially if there is no evidence!

He'll probably be a wiggly, waggy little demon!

I don't mind clearing up poo/wee. Just hope he doesn't do it, as it gets him upset.

Also, just went downstairs to check on him. Wish I hadn't. He looks so confused. I can't really think of any other word for it. He just keeps staring at the door, looking sad.

Oh Dempsey    Has he never been bereft of Mum and Dad before? Would he come upstairs with you for cuddles and comfort?

Only twice before. Once was when he was young and we went to Ireland, so he was left with Bull Terrier breeders for a little while. That wasn't too bad, as he had other dogs around and hadn't really had time to form an attachment properly.

The second time was like this weekend, only again, he was much younger. For some reason, he isn't handling it well this time.

I tried to coax him into my bedroom earlier and let him up on my bed, but he just jumped back down and went downstairs again. I think the only thing I can do is leave him be, so that maybe he'll go to sleep, but it's breaking my heart.

At least it's only for the weekend. He'll be back to normal soon enough.

Oh, thank God! Just went to check on him one last time and found him curled up on the sofa, looking sleepy. Hopefully he's settling down for the night. My brother's in the living room, so at least he's got company.

Sleep well Dempsey and don't worry your Eleanor any more. All is well!

He's a pain in the neck at times, but I can't stand to see him upset. I'll make sure I give him an extra long play time with his flirt pole tomorrow!

I know it's hard to see him upset. But it's not for long, although Dempsey won't understand this.

I can only recommend that you keep his daily (and nightly) routine as normal as possible. Everything cheerful, loving, relaxed, normal.

Keep calm and carry on Eleanor!

It'll be worth seeing the look on his little face when they come home.

Yeah, that's a good idea. What I might have to do tomorrow, if he refuses to go out, is just sit with him until he moves of his own accord.

Thanks xx

Put him in a wheel barrow and wheel him down the street???

He'd like that!

He's a bit better today. Still whined when we left the house and he smelled around where the car was. Had a long walk and now he's flopped out on the sofa, exhausted

That's good news at least. Good for him to have his routines changed a bit and having to cope with it. Specially with the move coming.

He's always been a routine dog, but usually a change in the routine doesn't bother him too much. He might sulk for a few minutes, but that's all. This is just because he doesn't understand and misses his owners.

He's still restless today and obviously not happy with what's going on, but hopefully this evening won't be as bad as yesterday.

He won't be able to stay in the house when the removal men are here. A change of routine outside the house is something he copes very well with, hence why he always seems to settle so quickly when he has to be away from home. Staying inside the house with strange people moving things around would be far too much stress though. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it though!

He had an extra long morning walk, from six until half eight, which tired him out enough for him to go to sleep on the sofa afterwards. He's having a bit of a wander around the house at the moment, so I'll probably let him have a game with his flirt pole. Getting close to his afternoon walk time, so that's probably a big part of it.

He's missing his mum & dad. What he sees as "his" routine babe. Why isn't mum walking me? He will pee & poop as needed.
I dare say, the second they are back after a circus for 1.5 hr, Dempsey will be back to normal.  

Oh, I have no doubt he'll be right as rain, as soon as everybody's back home!

Thanks xx

Give him an extra 2 hr pat/scratch/hug. It is hard not understanding why their routine has changed.

You must think, you know they will be back soon. Dempsey does not know that! They are just MIA to him.
Now imagine you didnt know where they went?..... they were just gone!

That's how Dempsey feels.

A dog's simple, snapshot memory is a blessing at times, but can also be a nuisance.

Going to take him out now, so that he can have a longer walk and settle down for the evening. Hopefully it'll help with his restlessness.

Have a good walk guys.

I hope it is a lovely walk.

Not as long as I'd planned, but there were quite a lot of people around, which Demps is never too keen on. He can't possibly do his business with people watching!

Still, half an hour is better than nothing!