I have tough call.

[The3DChis]

So as you know i have been working with a behaviourist for Dillon's sep anxiety.
Well it's going ok.
I have been doing all she says, like not allowing him on my lap on the sofa, making less eye contact.
Getting Jamie to feed the dogs as much as possible.
More excersise and playtime etc...
Also doing sit and stay while i go out the room.
He has defo improved and i can nip to the loo or to the kitchen door for a ciggy without him making any fuss.
At night i can leave him in bed while i go down again for a cig since i dont get tired till pretty late nowadays.
She said to potter about first in the livingroom before i go then just do it.
I always ignore him when he demands attention and when i come back in as well so that is all good.
I bought a 2nd crate and i feed him in there and give treats too.
He now takes his toys into it now and then which is great!

Anyway the one thing she wants me to do next is stop having the dogs in bed with me at night and i am having a hard time with that one.
I love having them there, especially since i am on my own with Jamie working nights.
Darla and Daisy have slept with me for 2 years now and Dillon a year!
I have tried putting both crates beside my bed and while the girls will go in and sleep in their snuggle sack, Dillon just whines, then starts barking which isnt good late at night.
Anyway i was honest with her on the phone yesterday and said that this is one thing i would miss too much.
I get great comfort having them in with me and they keep me warm. lol
She said she understands but i have to give him less access to me.
Surely though if i am doing that throughout the day it wont matter too much if he sleeps with me at night?
It's a tough one.

[brodysmom]

When all is said and done Terri - they are YOUR dogs. I know you have employed the behaviorist, but she doesn't live there! She has your best interests at heart, I'm sure. But if Dillon is making improvement, then what is the harm of having him continue to sleep with you? I think that if he is doing well, that continuing your usual bedtime routine of having him sleep with you and the girls would be fine. That's just my opinion. You have to consider YOUR mental health as well, right?

[Sarah]

Why not alternate who is in with you at night?? I do that on occasions although mostly they sleep in their crates. Honestly Dillon will learn to shut up and sleep but it takes time like a new pup. Try sticking your fingers through the bars and maybe give him a hot water bottle

[rosiesmum]

It's your choice but I think it's pointless limiting his acess to you during the day and then allowing him constant acess all night? It's kind of defeating the objetive
Maybe this won't matter too much as long as other ideas are implemented?

If you do allow him to be with you all night and he doesn't improve some more generally, then maybe that will help you decide?

I think you need to maybe weigh up what is ultimately in Dillons best interests at this point? Anyway, just my thoughts, hope all goes well

[The3DChis]

Thanks girls.
I dont feel like such a bad mum now for wanting to continue our sleeping arrangements.
When i was in Glasgow by myself i got very down and that was why i decided on the chis for company and they have been amazing for me, so yeah Tracy they have really helped my mental health you are spot on with that.
Yeah i did try the heat pad and having the crate right at me with my hand in it from day one, but he just paws at the bars and barks.
I do want him to get comfy with the crate and that is why during the day he gets fed in there etc.. so that when we have got to the stage of me actually going out, i can put him in one of them with Daisy, and Darla can have the other.
I know we have a way to go before that though.
Jamie still hasnt been playing with Dillon one on one like she said so i have told him he best start that soon.
Apart from that everything else is being done to help him.

[mchis]

Yeah, your dog your decision. However, just know it may take a bit longer or you may reach a stand still in his progress--that's all. If that time comes to a stand still than you can re-evaluate. I do like Sarah's idea of rotating who sleeps with you. It would be good practice for the girls too really. But that would mean less body heat for you at night. haha

I dunno...I'm glad he is making progress for sure. If he continues I say keep letting him sleep with you. But if you want to see more progress from him than maybe re-think the bed thing.

[The3DChis]

Yeah i see what what you are saying Barbara, but i have seen some improvement.
Before i moved he would scream if i left him.
Since i have been doing these changes it is a lot better.
I will see how it goes anyhow.

[The3DChis]

Thanks Heather.
The behaviourist said it wouldnt be fair to let the girls in bed if he isnt, and i know he would throw a hairy fit if he was in a crate and they were up beside me. lol
The girls are totally flexiblle and are used to the crate when i nip out.
As long as they can burrow they are happy to slep anywhere.
It me who loves them with me.
Dillon just never took to the crate and after all this time it is harder to get him used to it.
Of course if i hadnt had such moany neighbours in Glasgow i could have let him cry it out early on.

I defo will see how he goes and decide from there.
I just dont want to be spending hardly any time with my furry kids.