When our son left for college, we were left to care for his Fox Terrier. That has been 4 years ago. The dog is 9 years old. We recently moved to the lake from a large farm and he must now be confined to a small pen all day and tethered at other times. On the occasions when he is not penned or tethered, he runs away, jumps on people walking down the road, etc. He won't mind, he won't look at us directly..even after boarding him for a week while we were on vacation, he didn't seem to care that I picked him up from the vet, he just wanted to be let outside...it could have been anyone coming to get him. He isn't agressive toward us but he doesn't seem bonded or affectionate - but there is something demanding about his presence. My husband wants to find him another home. I feel too guilty. The dog is hyper and troublesome and neither of us wants to be the first one home or his caretaker. What can I do?
2006-11-29 03:29:04 · 5 answers · asked by ruby 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Being confined to a pen all day and then being tethered is not an ideal situation for this dog - you're right. Not that crating itself is bad - but as these other posters say, the dog needs to blow off some steam too. Tethering is probably causing the dog a lot of border frustration too. The dog has also shown you that what he finds most rewarding is not you or being around you, but being off exploring. This is Typical Terrier behavior! The problem is, without a bond to you and your husband, it's dangerous behavior. If he won't come when called, terrible things could happen to him. Your dog can be re-taught and it's not too late to turn this situation around, but your family needs to have a serious discussion about what you want to do. You and your husband will really need to be committed to helping the dog - but if you truly don't want to care for this dog, please find a rescue group to help you to place him. There are several in the U.S. - do a search on Petfinder.com within your zip code, and someone will be able to help.
2006-11-29 03:41:40 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like the dog has spent a significant amount of time away from people, being stuck in a pen or tied up. Do you allow this dog into the house? I think it needs to be around you more in order for it to feel like you're part of it's pack. Doesn't sound like he's got a pack right now.
Poor thing. Take him for long walks, play with him, give him a lot of attention.
And this is what p*sses me off about parents allowing teens to get dogs "of their own"! Sorry, but kids go away to college and their poor dogs are left behind. It's sad really. I got a dog when I was 15 and he went with me when I moved out. I'm 30 now and I just put him down this year. Do people think about this kind of thing?
2006-11-29 12:02:41 · answer #2 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If neither of you, nor your son want to, or can invest the time necessary to train this dog, then I'm going to have to say it's probably in the dog's best interest to re-home it. This dog needs some one on one attention in the form of obedience training. This will help with the bonding and the respect/authority issue. BUT, it takes time and willingness and it doesn't sound like you or your husband signed up for this.
Try re-homing the dog, or check with your son's college and see if the dog can live with him. Some colleges do offer that luxury.
All the best.
2006-11-29 11:33:51 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
with small dogs they have to burn a certain amount of joules per day or they will get hyperactive . if u lock the dog up it an't guna burn them
2006-11-29 11:33:07 · answer #4 · answered by shaggy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him back to your son!! tell him the dog is depressed with you.
2006-11-29 11:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by star4danielle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋