I am dogsitting my parent's basenjis. They have a big 6y/o red/white male named Vegas, a 5y/o black/white female, Katy, and a chromosomal poodle named Marley. These are very good dogs, but they are a pain when there routine is changed. I'll be watching them for a couple of weeks, and I'm keeping a diary here for your enjoyment.
Day 1:
5:00pm-Parents leave. Dogs have been fed, and let out. Grass may be slightly damp.
7:00pm-I come home. Two days worth of poop in middle of floor. Vegas runs, and hides in kitchen. Marley walks in it. Katy is sitting on the couch knowing that she's done nothing wrong. I clean it up, and don't scold. I realize Vegas is out of sorts, and I don't want to add to his anxiety.
8:00pm-Friends come over to watch movie. I move a couch to give a better TV view, and find more poop. Katy runs, and hides in Kitchen.
Day 2:
5:00am-Katy lets me know that it's time to get up! I take the dogs into the family room, and open the back door, which gives them access to going outside on their own. Outside ground probably slightly damp. Vegas is asking to go out a different door, and I don't abide. I fall back asleep on the couch.
7:00am-I get up to take a shower, and forget a towel. I go back into the room the dogs are confined in, and Vegas is pooping on the floor. As soon as I see him he bolts outside (yes the door is still open) to finish the job…I'm slightly perturbed.
12:00-dogs go out, and all is well. No messes. No destruction. I think they're plotting something. The time of danger is approaching. Mom should be home from work in 2 hours. How will they react when she does not show up for their 4 O'clock feeding? Will they make it until 5:30? Time will tell. I fully expect destruction.
6:00-get home. all is well. one pee spot by the door. The little girl just doesn't have the bladder of the boys, but at least she makes her messes on tile. Overall a successful day. We celebrate by all sharing the same chair.