How about dealing with "excited to see you" dogs?

[CeeJay15]

I am scheduled for surgery on July 15th with Dr. Rector in Boulder and trust me, I am counting down the days.
I have a question - how did everyone deal with their pets during recovery? I have a wonderful golden retriever who believes her mission in life is to be by my side constantly. She tends to lean on me a lot and will jump up on the bed to lay by my side. Also I have two daschunds who think they are golden retrievers and just as affectionate.
I am worried that during recovery, especially when I first get home from the hospital, that they will be over-excited to see and be with me.
Any suggestions?

[Pat Walter]

Hi

You will be amazed how much the dogs understand that you are not feeling your best.  The crutches, walker or cane will also be different and they will be more cautious.  You can also tell them to be more careful and not to jump.  Best time to teach "no jump" is now before going into the hospital. Get your crutches or cane out and teach them to respect your wishes.

You say - impossible, what does she know!  I had 14 dogs at the time I had my hip resurfacing.  I am down to 11 now.  I do the local website for our shelter and other rescue groups.  I have many dogs that were all going to be killed including the blind and the crippled.  The dogs understand you are moving differently and not feeling your best.  They will respect that.  You can also use your crutch or cane to touch them on the chest to remind them not to jump.  I had no problem and most people don't have any problems.  So stop worrying and start telling them you will be getting operated on and they need to be careful.  Say "Careful" and touch them with the cane on their chest.  Any different movement from you to teach them to listen to you.  You may also want to spend more time in a recliner or a diffeent bed in the begining.  Close the bedroom door to keep them out for a few days.  Be creative and all will be well.

Hope that helps.

Pat

[CeeJay15]

Hi Pat -

Thank you for your response! I will begin training tonight! They know they are not supposed to jump, but just tend to get excited.

You are a wonderful person to take in those blind and crippled dogs! I'm sure they love you all the more for it. I would love to do the same but my husband might move out in the process (and he's kinda important).

I love this website too - so much information. Thank you thank you thank you!

Carolyn

[rickt]

 ;D Hi  rickt here i will tell you something pat is spot on i have a french mastiff 120lbs he gets very excited to see my wife and me but when i came home he was so gentle and seem to understand some how i cannot explain how he knew

[B.I.L.L.]

;D Hi  rickt here i will tell you something pat is spot on i have a french mastiff 120lbs he gets very excited to see my wife and me but when i came home he was so gentle and seem to understand some how i cannot explain how he knew

Same here.  Dog is God spelled backwards you know... :D

[CeeJay15]

That is so true! Thanks everybody.

[West106]

I also have two Dachshunds, and when I came home from surgery I can still see the look in my older ones face.  He was so worried, and did not leave my side for the three weeks I was home.  He slept in the bed right at my side, and I really think he took on the job of preventing me from rolling over.  He followed me into every room, and just stayed at my side.  I would be reading, look up and Moose would just be staring at me.  I agree with everyone that the dogs will sense the change in you, and will be very careful.  Also, since you will be away from home for a couple of days after the surgery they will already know something is wrong.  Best of luck with your surgery.  I am three and half weeks post op and I feel fantastic.