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    individual1's Avatar
    individual1 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 11, 2012, 08:19 AM
    Grieving dog keeps me awake all night. What can I do
    My Dad died 5 weeks ago so I now have his dog, who has been my Dad's best
    Mate for 16 years. I think he has just realised Dad isn't coming back and I think now he is grieving. He sleeps in my room with me but is constantly demanding my attention all night by licking and nudging my face, trying to get ino my bed with me when I move away from him and crying. When I put him in another room he barks and scratches the door. Im doing all I can to ease his pain short of letting him sleep in my bed and giving him my undevoted attention 24/7. I don't know what else to do. I need to be able to sleep at night!
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    Oct 11, 2012, 08:29 AM
    If you let him bond with you, you will have some peace. Good side is, he probably has a short attention span, so this won't take very long. Can't you let him in your bed ?
    individual1's Avatar
    individual1 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 11, 2012, 08:36 AM
    The dog and I are as bonded as can be. I saw him on a regular basis for his whole lifetime while I was visiting my Dad. As much as I love him I just don't want him in my bed
    Wondergirl's Avatar
    Wondergirl Posts: 39,354, Reputation: 5431
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    #4

    Oct 11, 2012, 08:38 AM
    Do you have any unwashed clothes from your dad that smell like him, and can give them to the dog to sleep with?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #5

    Oct 11, 2012, 10:50 AM
    No, your dad was his alpha, you are not and never were; you were someone he trusted only. It is like I said; in time he will come around, the more one-on-one time you have with him. If he is l6, or so, correct. Old habits die hard.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #6

    Oct 11, 2012, 12:34 PM
    Gosh, at 16, he doesn't have much time left himself... I would let him sleep with me, poor doggie.
    sweethawaii2009's Avatar
    sweethawaii2009 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Oct 11, 2012, 12:43 PM
    I agree with what Wondergirl has said. It can actually be anything - a sheet, blanket, clothes, towel. Also, even though you REALLY do not want him on your bed - it may be a good idea... Use an old blanket on top so that he does no soil yours, and if you are really against this idea, there is this item called a THUNDER SHIRTI believe. It holds them snug and it is suppose to suppress that "anxious" feeling dogs get when their masters are away or in the even that they are nervous about something. Perhaps try and see if it works. Hopefully you have something that smells like your father though. The combination of the two could work wonders.

    Thundershirt | The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #8

    Oct 11, 2012, 12:46 PM
    Yes, joy, I do so agree with that ! I guess we can't answer with a quote anymore.
    Wondergirl's Avatar
    Wondergirl Posts: 39,354, Reputation: 5431
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    #9

    Oct 11, 2012, 01:06 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tickle View Post
    yes, joy, I do so agree with that ! I guess we can't answer with a quote anymore.
    You can do a [ quote ] [/ quote ] and pull in the brackets.
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