Poor Max!

**stacwase** · 05-20-2004, 09:24 AM

Max is just beside himself.

This morning 4 contractors showed up to do some work on our house. They're upstairs making a TREMENDOUS amount of noise.

Max just doesn't know what to do. He's very nervous. He doesn't know these people and he can hear some violent activity going on up there!

I had to put him in his crate when they got here. He's fine meeting new people, but four new men all at once was just too much for him - I was afraid he'd bite them.

So now he wants to protect his family and he's stuck in his crate. As soon as my husband gets home I can take him somewhere, I just don't want to leave the house with all these people here.

This will be going on for at least 3 days, and I won't be able to let him loose in the house during that time. Even if he gets used to them, he'll bolt every time they open the door or get under foot.

Jake isn't having a problem with it at all - he's just doing his best to stay out of the way.

**Corinna** · 05-20-2004, 09:55 AM

I have the same problem with Merlin ,as we don't get a lot of company. I find that if you explain to the guys that you want to "socialise' Maxif they don't minf you just letting him see what is going on. Most are good about it, just explain that they should say hi from there work and not move toward the two of you. Keep him on a leash and be very soothing and just let him see what is going on.
It's like you know the kids are doing something but you still have to make sure they arn't doing something wrong. Thats how he feels. After about 5 mintues he should be a little more consoled. It works for Merlin ,I take him then for a walk around the yard he then realizes it's ok.
Hope it works if you choose to to it.

**stacwase** · 05-20-2004, 12:18 PM

Well - before I read your post, I tried taking him out and introducing him. Stupid me, once he got to know them I let go of his collar. They didn't have the screen door latched and he bolted! Silly dog. Good thing he loves car rides. All I have to do to catch him is offer him a car ride.

We're going to the vet soon, so he'll be away from them for a little while.

Maybe I should consider boarding him or something.

**My Peanuts** · 05-20-2004, 04:27 PM

Poor Max! Sylvia and Harley are the same way. Surprisingly Harley calms down first. I had carpet put in my room in January and they barked the whole time! I kept trying to give them kongs with peanut butter in them to keep them occupied. It didn't work.