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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Puppy doesn't want to be left at school gates

27 replies

Roseberrry · 08/02/2016 12:42

My puppy is about 14 weeks old and I'd like to be able to walk him on the school run. He hates being left though, just pulls and pulls when I tie him up and ends up really sore and retching when I have done it. He is fine left alone in the house so don't think it's separation anxiety, plus there is a janitor stood near him so he's not alone.
How can I get him used to this?

OP posts:

ThatsNotMyRabbit · 08/02/2016 12:50

Don't try. He's clearly not happy. Leave him at home.

Leaving a dog at the school gates is unnecessary and risky even if the dog doesn't mind. Is never do it.

ThatsNotMyRabbit · 08/02/2016 12:51

I'd.

LilCamper · 08/02/2016 12:58

If he's happy at home leave him there. You are putting him in danger of being stolen and setting him up for failure.

Hoppinggreen · 08/02/2016 13:00

I have a 12 week ld puppy and there is no way I would do it.
He clearly doesn't like t and you have an alternative so why bother?
I know it would be nice to combine the school run with a dog walk but if the pup is distressed then you can't, and that's before you consider other people/dogs who might be around.

Original poster

Roseberrry · 08/02/2016 13:04

I've only done it twice, I stopped so as not to make it worse for him. It would just be useful to combine his first walk with the school run but I don't want to stress him out.

OP posts:

RudeElf · 08/02/2016 13:05

Well if you must do it (i wouldnt, i'd like to keep my dog rather than provide bait for fighting dogs) then you must train him to like it. At 14 weeks you're expecting a fucking miracle tbh! He is a baby. Of course he gets so upset he retches! This one will take lots of patience on your part and doing it in very small steps with lots of rewards. Especially now that you've created a negative association with being left at the gate.

ThatsNotMyRabbit · 08/02/2016 13:07

Another potential risk is that he'll end up surrounded by swarms of children, feel overwhelmed and develop a fear of kids.

flowery · 08/02/2016 13:14

I never understand why people do this. When we walk the dog, we're walking the dog, concentrating on him, not surrounding him with hundreds of kids and parents walking/on bikes and scooters etc, and not having to manage kids and the whole school run thing at the same time. Then vice versa. So much less stressful, surely?! Especially when it's a puppy, when surely a walk is something that requires a bit more concentration and attention, reinforcing training you're doing etc.

Original poster

Roseberrry · 08/02/2016 13:14

No need to be like that rudeelf, I'm not expecting miracles I'm asking if I can get him used to it. I'm fully aware he's just a baby which is why I'm not making him do it.

The janitor stands by the gates at every pick up and is happy to watch him so I'm not worried about someone taking him.

OP posts:

nipersvest · 08/02/2016 13:17

could you wait at the gate with the puppy and get the kids to come to you?

would only work though if the kids are old enough to do that, at ds's school, key stage 2 can come out by themselves but key stage 1 need collecting.

nipersvest · 08/02/2016 13:19

bit harsh rudef!, op is talking about taking a puppy for a walk, not stubbing cigarettes out on him.

Original poster

Roseberrry · 08/02/2016 13:21

Ds is too young for that unfortunately. I suppose I could do that in the future to make life easier though.

OP posts:

RudeElf · 08/02/2016 13:30

bit harsh rudef!, op is talking about taking a puppy for a walk,

Actually she's talking about leaving him alone (he doesnt know the janitor!) at a strange place that is swarming with kids,(who cannot resist touching and crouching down to hug and talk to him) cars, buggies,and noises he doesnt know.

Wolfiefan · 08/02/2016 13:35

Could someone else hold your dog whilst you take your child in? Could you meet up with another parent and let them take your child in?
You can't leave a puppy tied up outside the school. Or a dog. Just don't.

DancingWithWillard · 08/02/2016 13:44

Can you get one of those carrier crates? You can get small ones. I have one to prevent an escaping pug running loose when I leave mine tied up (perfectly safely, away from the children, near the crossing guard). With a young pup you could even get away with bringing him into the playground if you asked as he would be fully contained and safe.

misscph1973 · 08/02/2016 13:51

I would just not take the puppy on the school run. My dog is 14, and I never take her on the school run, mainly because we bike to school, but also because she doesn't enjoy a walk on the lead on the pavement, she likes going to the park/forest. I give her a quick walk in the morning before school (just for a wee), and then she gets a proper walk later in the day.

But if you want to take your dog on the school run, I don't see why you shouldn't. Just don't do it for a while, take a break as your puppy obviously doesn't enjoy it. Try again in a few months, when your puppy is older and might begin to enjoy it.

Pigeonpost · 08/02/2016 13:53

When my puppy was a bit older than yours I walked her to school. I tied her up halfway up a steep grass verge well away from the gate and well away from any passing children. Except one 4 year old who knew the dog slightly ran away from his mum in the playground, ran out the gate (no janitor on duty here...), went up the verge to the dog, tried to pet her and because she's a puppy she jumped up at him and knocked him over. He cried a lot. When his mum eventually found him (another parent took him back into school to look for her) she was very cross with me. You simply cannot assume that all children (even those who have dogs at home as this one did) know not to go up to a strange dog without checking first. It's just not worth the risk.

And if the dog hates it then why persist? Just not worth it. You're only saving yourself 15-20 mins at that age anyway.

Floralnomad · 08/02/2016 15:24

The risk of someone stealing the dog should be enough to not be doing this , the janitor presumably has a job to do which isn't watching dogs so he could well be distracted . The other thing OP is if you do intend to tie him places make sure you use a harness not collar .

WhoaCadburys · 08/02/2016 19:11

I would have thought the school run is quite good for socialising a puppy (so long as the children don't get scratched/bitten and the puppy isn't scared of the children) - but I'd leave it for now OP, and then re-visit in the future and just leave him for a few seconds, rewarding with treats, a few minutes, rewarding with treats etc.

dotdotdotmustdash · 08/02/2016 19:25

I wouldn't leave him tied anywhere, but are you walking him on a collar and lead? It sounds like it as you mention about him choking and retching. A harness would be much better for him and would stop his neck being injured if he pulled.

I hate to see dogs pulling against collars, it's so dangerous.

Original poster

Roseberrry · 08/02/2016 19:53

I will leave it for now and revisit it in a few months to see how he gets on. it's ok for now as he only needs short walks but as he gets older it'd be really helpful to do both together.

I do use a collar yes, this is my first dog so presumed that's what everyone does. A harness may be better for him though, any recommendations for a medium size dog?

OP posts:

TrionicLettuce · 08/02/2016 20:02

This is worth a read if you're wondering about harnesses vs. collars. I don't use collars for my lot at all now, just their harnesses.

The Dog Games Fleece Lined harness and Perfect Fit harness are both very good, especially the latter if you've got a growing puppy.

Personally I love Indi-Dog harnesses, mine each have the 25mm Houdini Ultra. They're all completely made to measure and are fabulous quality.

Floralnomad · 08/02/2016 20:05

I use a Doxlock harness for my dog , it's lasted 4 + years and washes really well . My dog has tracheal problems so I can't risk walking on a collar although he does wear a collar most of the time .

safewayshereicome · 08/02/2016 20:09

I take mine on the school run sometimes when I'm pushed for time with work (work from home mostly so dog isn't left alone for a long time).

I do as other's suggest and wait for one of my friends to come out and ask them to hold the dog - we are lucky though in that there is a staggered entry time so gates open at 8.30 and are locked at 8:45 so I know if I get there at 8.30 someone will come along before we're late.

My dog is always just happy to get out, I don't think she cares in the slightest whether or not she has my undivided attention!

RedOnHerHedd · 08/02/2016 20:29

Leaving a dog tied to the school gate without you being in control of him is irresponsible imo. There are children who are scared of dogs, and children who can be too rough with dogs, and a dog can't tell you if it's having a bad day. Either leave the dog at home or get someone to take your children into school so that the dog isn't left unattended. It's not the responsibility of the janitor to look after your dog.

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