Should I find our dog a new home?

Question

Ok-we adopted a St. Bernard/Black Lab mix a couple of months ago. My husband wanted him-he wanted a big dog to ride in his semi with him. He told me he'd take care of him and all. WELL-he ended up being an at home pooch(which was ok cause we already had 1 dog), but my husband doesn't help take care of him. He sheds a LOT which I worry about because I'm due to have a baby in 12 weeks and today when we came home he had shredded trash out of the can all over the house, which I had just cleaned and my husband refused to help clean up or reprimand the dog. I'm about at my wits end. Do you think we should try to find him a new home-or should I just deal with it? I'm afraid after the baby comes and there is even more to do that I will just not have enough time and energy to deal with the dog.

Our other dog is a very well trained and mannered small dog that we have had for YEARS and had no trouble with.

Answer 1

with a family, a dog has to be family responsibility. I am not crazy about dogs but my daughter really wanted one. I am willing to make the sacrifice to assist in her care and training because I want my daughter to be able to have the dog. If the rest of the family were not taking care of their responsibility regarding the dog , I would have to find her a new home. It is a lot of work and responsibility without a new baby in the house.
Aside from the physical work involved in having a new baby, your hormones and emotions are going to get worked over like you would not believe- the less outside stress you have and the more time and energy you have to devote to your new little one , the better. If all members of the family are not willing to chip in it is not fair to you, the baby or the dog. It would be best to find the dog a home where the dog will be able to be taken care of so that oyu can take care of yourself and your new baby.
God bless and I hope that all goes well!

Answer 2

If I were you, I'd be more angry at the husband than the dog. Honestly, the guy is going to have to learn to treat his 7 month pregnant wife a little better and at least help out with things!

I wouldn't be so quick to give the dog away, I mean, it is a living thing and all. Could you kennel the dog while he's unsupervised? Or maybe just confine him to a doggie-proofed room or basement while you are out?

You are going to be busy once the baby arrives, but I really think you're husband should take responsibility for his decision to get the dog and take care of him. If he can't even help with a dog, how is he going to help take care of a child??

Answer 3

sorry but yes you should get rid of the dog. You have a baby coming and if your husband is not willing to take care of him he cannot expect you to and take care of a newborn. You will need to put all your time into your baby and it would be wrong to keep a dog you cannot give enough time/love/affection to. A big shedding dog around a baby can also cause some problems. I wouldnt want my baby crawling on a hair covered floor and who knows how he will act to a new baby. Just think of what would be best for the dog. Please dont just drop him off at a pound. Try to get ahold of a no kill animal shelter and see if they can take him in. Just remember you are trying to give this dog a happy life and shelters like the SPCA will find a good family for him. Good luck!

Answer 4

Unfortunately this breed or dog will mault fur. The only breed of dog that doesn't mault is the Poodle but even these can be little sods at the best of times.

Best thing to do is train your dog. Teach him NOT to go in the bin and tear things apart. He is most likely doing this for attention or because he is bored and as he is a new member of your household he does need time to settle in and this could take up to 6 months.

When your dog does something good then call him a good boy or make a fuss of him or give him a treat and when he does something bad put him in the kitchen on his own and ignore him for a while or put him in the back garden providing it isn't raining. Keep doing this and he will begin to get the idea of what is acceptable and what is not.

But it wont happen over night. Your talking few weeks of this kind of training.

But based on what you said it doesn't sound like you have a major problem. But make your husband hoover up the dog hair.

Answer 5

Find a new home for your husband. Your having a baby with a selfish baby. I so sorry. Having a baby is going to be a lot for you to handle. I would find a good home for the dog now. Sounds like your too frustrated with the dog to really be any good for him. But I understand you have a lot on your plate. You need to really sit down with your hubby. If he won't help you with a dog he wanted in the 1st place then don't expect any breaks when the baby comes. And your are going to need sometime for yourself.

Answer 6

id trade in the hubby or get him trained instead. I bought my hubby a dog too and he takes care of the dog no problem, its a 50 50 deal. Its so unfair of your hubby not to help, does that mean he isnt gonna help with the baby either?? As for the dog you should put him in a crate when you leave the house so he doesnt destroy things, my dog does the same!! Also try your best to train him, any habits he has that are naughty you should turn into commands, like if he barks teach him the bark command so you control when he does it. You shouldnt give up on the dog just because your hubby wont help. If it ends up too much then surrender him or give him to a loving family who has the patience to train him. A pet is like a family member, I dont beleive in giving up on family members so please try :}

Answer 7

Okay, I hate to break it to you but you husband is an immature jerk.

Getting a dog just to ride in the truck so he looks cool it insanely irresponsible. A dog is a 10-14 year committment. Your husband is not ready for that kind of committment. Your situation sounds really bad.

For the benefit of the dog return it to its previous owners or find a Bernard or Lab rescue group to take it in. Forcing a dog into a life without training or love is selfish and inhumane.

If your hubby isn't helping you now, when you are about to pop, is a sign that he won't help later. He is inconsiderate and selfish.

Get rid of the dog and get into marriage counseling.

I truely hope everything works out for you and your family. Good Luck! :)

Answer 8

Bring him to my house. I have a beautiful black lab. This is how I got him. Some pin head took him home when he was 2 months old. He got in the trash, chewed up the furniture and pooped on the carpet.They kept him just long enough for him to fall in love with them then they took him to the pound to be left in a cage all day with no one to play with wondering where his people had gone. I took him home and worked with him and waited for him to get older (labs act like puppies for 2 years longer than other breeds by the way) He's three years old now and I never had a better dog. People who get a puppy home and then ignore it and stress over the fact that there's a dog in the house don't deserve pets.

Answer 9

The dog is fine. Just needs a little training. However the husband is an entirely different matter. I'd fine a new home for him (what an inconsiderate jerk) and take a real look at what life with him will be like. Just more of the same. Good luck.

Answer 10

I would get rid of the husband...not the dog. (just kidding) It sounds like you're going to have your hands full if you don't get help with this new dog. He has to be taught your rules and you have to be consistent. It would sure help if you had your husband supporting you since it was his idea to get him in the first place. Taking care of a big dog who sheds is alot of work (I know...have a golden retriever who sheds like crazy) Then with a baby to take care of on top of all this? I hate to say, I think you could have alot of unnecessary stress once the baby comes if things don't come together soon with this dog. Bless his heart... who knows what kind of life he had before you, he may need some special attention until he adjusts to his new life, but I think you might just have your hands a little too full for him right now. It sounds like you're already stressed...I think I would try to find him a good home because it doesn't sound like you're ready for him right now. Wish I could take him off your hands! Good luck to you.