And they flunked!

About 2 weeks ago, we tried to have our two huskies evaluated to qualify for temporary lodging at a doggie hotel. We did not want them home alone while we were at an important wedding, we thought that was being too mean. The doggie hotel was too cool, you can see your dogs the entire day because they have a live webcam, not that we're going to have our laptop to watch the webcam during the wedding.

First day of evaluation, Lobo did ok. Alert and curious he was exploring the new place, which was expected. Layla, on the other hand, was scared. She did not want anything to do with the stange man that was evaluating her. His methods were quite like the dog whisperer's way on the discovery channel. He said that Layla's reaction may be due to stress and unfamiliar surroundings. The huskies were probably unsure because there were a lot of dogs already in the kennel. He suggested that we take them back the next day. So we did.

Day two, he suggested that we leave the dogs for a couple of hours. Two hours is the maximum time before they notice that "mom and dad" are gone and become antsy. Sounds like a 5 year old on his first day of kindergarten? Definitely! Sure enough, after two hours of playing with other dogs, they wanted OUT! He then suggested that we leave them there the next day for half a day.

Day three, Lobo and Layla wanted NOTHING to do with the doggie hotel or the possible play time they may have had. That was a bummer! You have to understand, these dogs, especially Lobo, are mellow dogs. They are very social and friendly with people and other dogs and yet THEY FLUNKED!

This is just my opinion, I think our huskies are too attached to us and have developed an affinity to a certain routine and familiar places that any deviation from it will lead to anxiety. I guess our lives are pretty routine (work/home) and we're comfortable with it, hence, our puppies are too. Hmmm, in the end...this reflects badly on our lives. It's routine!