What to do with family dog?

Question

I've had an adult lab (4yrs old) for 2 years now - if my ex gets partial custody of the kids, no one will be home sometimes to care for the dog (retriever). Other than making her an outdoor dog, or paying lots of money for daily visits by pet sitters, any suggestions other than giving the dog to a caring family? If do keep her, any suggestions on how she can be comfortable outside, especially in winter months?

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear this . . .

I think the two main problems will be boredom and getting her used to being an outside dog.

Firstly, you will need 1) Good insulated dog house (not wooden) that is slightly raised off the ground (to stop water getting in) and water/feeding bowl. Also, make sure all your fences and doors are secure so she can't get out. You can get doors for some dog-houses which will stop draft coming in Winter, and woolen Snooza dog pillows (http://www.snooza.com.au) will keep her warm. Make sure you place the insulated dog house in a shaded area, with lots of water for the warmer months.

The ones made by Ferplast (http://www.ferplast.com/) like Dog-Igloo etc are very very good. You can get feeding bowls which are designed to be anti-ant (they have a moat of water around them) and also drink bowls that you can attach a bottle to and it will automatically fill the bowl using gravity and air-pressure.

These are the pre-requisites you need to buy first.

Then, you have to get her used to being outside for longer and longer periods.

Start spending more time with her outside, and also start feeding her outside, so that she starts to associate outside with food and play.

Build up the time she spends outside before coming in . . . but as she is outside, leave her with a filled Kong-toy so that she doesn't feel bored and gets destructive.

There is a Kong dispenser you can buy (I think it is called Kong-time or something like that), which will drop out 1 of 4 Kongs throughout the day. You might also try a Buster-Cube to feed her.

(http://www.bustercube.com)

The point of this is to make sure she doesn't get bored outside, and associates it with food and play. That will also, hopefully, tire her a little bit while you are out (dogs usually sleep during the day while owners out).

Mainly, it is about slowly getting her used to being her outside for longer and longer periods, and associate outside with good times by using food dispenser toys (Kong/Buster Cube) and other toys.

That will stop boredom, and anxiety problems leading to excessive barking or destructive behaviour.

Also, don't chain her outside (and preferably don't use collar) as it could get caught on branches etc. and choke her. Hopefully she is microchipped and you've checked your fences and gates to make sure she can't get out.

The Ferplast Insulated Kennel (with optional door), Kong, Buster Cube and Water/Feeding Bowls are all available at pet stores.

Answer 2

You referred to your dog as the "family dog". Would you treat any member of your "family" with the alternatives you have given? I don't think so. If she hasn't been an outside dog, don't make her one now, especially in cold winter months.
Why is it when the family has a crisis the pets are the ones that suffer the most and are the first to go? If you've come to love this dog, do the right thing and keep her where she would want to be, with you. Do what you have to do to keep her, sure it may require a little effort on your part, but I'm sure she is worth the effort, after all she is the "family dog."

Answer 3

Poor baby,I would think your ex would take the dog with the kids but no such luck huh?Anyway if the dog is use to being inside she will have to make some adjustments....I would suggest if she must stay outside,she will need a large dog house,and the best way for her to stay warm is to get a bale of hay and put inside her dog house.It will keep her warm...If that doesnt work then find a caring home for her.I know you don,t want to lose your dog,those labs are such nice dogs..Good Luck!

Answer 4

Try to find a meetup.com group in your area for owners of big dogs or retrievers. You may be able to hook up with someone that would be willing to pet sit, or trade pet-sitting duties. Also, get to know your neighbors. Maybe there's a stay-at-home dog owner that would like a playmate for their dog. There's also doggie daycare centers, but that gets expensive.

If you must leave your dog outside, get him a good, waterproof/windproof doghouse with lots of warm blankets for him. Make sure he has plenty of water.

Good luck, I hope you find a solution that's best for you and your dog.

Answer 5

If your ex gets partial custody of the kids then maybe she will take the dog too.

Answer 6

Don't send it to the pound. If it is a good dog, find a family to take it.

Answer 7

Give it to someone that will actually take care of it and have free time to play wit it. Unlike someone.... But be careful of about who ur giving it to. ! Good luck you and the poor doggy.

Answer 8

you should try putting out a lot of her favorite toys. try KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy it will be a fun puzzle for her and she gets treats at the same time!

Answer 9

I love retrevers I suggjest that if you have a freind then see if they will do it i hate to see dogs in kennels for a long time. (and sometimes they get sick my dog did)

Answer 10

Put in a dog door and teach your dog to use it.