My wife and I have had our dog for 6 years, and we love her very much. However, 3 years ago we moved and changed jobs. Our new jobs require much more hours from us, and we have after work activities that keep us busy. Often, we leave at 7am and return at 7-8pm. Over the past 6 months, our dog has been acting up - peeing on our carpet/bed while we sleep, crying/barking constantly while we are gone, and licking herself until she gets soars. I personally think our lifestyle has changed and we can no longer properly care for this pet, however both my wife and I would have an extremely difficult time giving her up. We have thought of daycares, but their hours do not work into our already tight schedules. What do you think we should do?
2007-03-19 08:42:59 · 14 answers · asked by chucky 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You are right in thinking her behaviors are from stress and lack of attention. If daycare won't work for you, I think the only solution is to find her a home where she matters..It is either that, or reduce your activities that keep you away from home.
2007-03-19 08:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Get up earlier and take your dog on a 40 min power walk with you leading the way. Also long walk at night. Feed your dog after she is calm. Of course being gone for 12-13 hours a day i would pee in the house as well. Maybe you just need a different job if you can't come home for lunch to walk the dog or before the evening activity. Which is more important....the dog or your after work activity? What is the activity because if it is something like the gym workout then quit the gym and run with your dog. Save money and keep your friend.
2007-03-19 08:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by Mark W 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What would you do if suddenly your schedules change again and you would have had time? Is this permanent or are you ever going to have a home life again? I think the suggestions about another person to come in the middle of the day and spend some time or with her is the best. I know you think you need to find a new home for your dog but have you thought about company in the way of another pet? not necessarily a dog maybe a bird? and the television on is a good thing too many shelters use this...we use a radio because we dont have space in the shelter for a tv...
2007-03-19 09:29:57 · answer #3 · answered by dragonfly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would look into a dog walker who can come into your house and walk your dog for a half hour to an hour a day. Most of them have references, are bonded, doesn't cost to much and generally love pets. Or try a kong toy. If you walk your dog for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes when you get home they will love you much more. I recently have had a lifestyle change and this is what i have done and my dogs are acting way better now then ever before. Good luck!!!
2007-03-19 08:50:46 · answer #4 · answered by teenabear 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to work your way around giving him away, our dog died and i have missed all the tim, the saying you dont know what you got till its gone is true, maybe you're neighbours friends or children if you have any to call in for about an hour and play with them or there are some places where you can leave your dog and pick them up afterwards its kinda like a dog siters. Just if you love him give him alot of afection but dont give him away if you can keep him
2007-03-19 08:50:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My parents have the same schedule and they pay a neighborhood kid to come over after school and play with their dogs and walk them. The kids usually stay for 2 hrs. It's great for both the dogs and the kids and usually pretty inexpensive like babysitting fees. There are aslo petsitter places that will come to your home and do the same thing, a bit more pricy though.
2007-03-19 08:52:38 · answer #6 · answered by Cash, Gage and Jax's Mom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your after work activities are more important then a living, breathing, loving, companion then yes find her a home that recognizes her value. Also, if you can't change one thing on your schedule to spend some time with her then the difficulty you say you will have is guilt not love!
2007-03-19 09:12:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep the ddg and dont get rid of him. the best thing to do is by a spray at a petstore that makes the dog unhappy to eat carpet/bed. Next the reason he is barking is probaby because he is lonely maybe you should let him stay in the same room with him when you guys go to sleep. That should stop him from barking.
2007-03-19 08:51:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you should give up your dog yet.
Try leaving the TV on for her ... maybe hearing people talk with help. Or call home a couple of times during the day and leave yourself a message, so she can hear your voice over the answering machine.
Twelve hours is too long to expect any dog to go without peeing, so make sure she can't get onto your bed while your gone.
2007-03-19 08:49:16 · answer #9 · answered by Craig L 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
have you tried including your pet in the after work activities?? have you tried placing your dog in a puppy daycare??? have you tried hiring someone you can trust to take care of her while away?
these are jst some suggestions, i hate to see you place your dog into a shelter.
2007-03-19 08:50:08 · answer #10 · answered by hydez2002 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋