Isn't this cruel to do to the dog?

Question

I'm a full time college student, and when I have to leave home for school, my female maltese, who is a puppy, gets left home with my parents. She is 7 mos old. When I'm home, she is with me, I feed her, walk her, and let her be on my bed. When I'm gone, my parents keep her locked in her kennel, don't let her out to go to the bathroom so she goes in the cage, and don't feed her. They say they do nothing for her because she is my dog and my responsibility, but while I'm gone she goes unfed and lays around in her own pee/ poop. I've tried convincing them to at least let her out to go to the bathroom but they refuse. What can I do?

Answer 1

Gosh, I feel so bad for your Maltese. Did you talk about this with your parents before you got her?

It's not good for a dog to be in a crate for hours at a time. It's not good for them to hold their bathroom urge and most dogs will do their best to wait, but just because they can shoudln't mean they should have to wait. For small dogs, it's a good idea to bathroom train them on the Pee pee pad so they can go whenever they want to, both the first and second even when alone inside the house.

I hope you can work this out with your parents or if worse comes to worst, look into finding her a new home with responsible, caring people.

A word on letting her on the bed or high places : be very careful. Someone I knew had a Maltese who fell off a counter when left alone for a few seconds, and the Maltese was badly injured. Just never leave her alone, even for a second and be on the alert to grab her if she gets too close to the edge. Better yet, just don't set her on beds or counters, assuming she can't jump on them herself.

And be sure to get her spayed soon, if you haven't already, regardless of whether you keep her or not. This will weed out any potential adopters who want to get a dog just for the sake of making a quick buck.

I wish you luck .

Answer 2

Is there any way you can find a place in your college town that would allow you to keep your dog? Perhaps a house that you could share with other students, or a Sorority house, etc. Do you know anyone else who likes dogs that might help you out? The problem with having a dog that you are calling your own, is that you aren't there, and your parents are obviously not in favor of having it. Did you get the dog without their knowledge? Perhaps it would be in the best interest of the dog, and your family, if you found it a new home. Try a rescue league, like the ones that go to Petco or Petsmart and visit them with the dog on a weekend that they are having an adoption. This way you could talk to them and bring the doggie to show how cute she is. The puppy cannot stay in the kennel like that, because it is bad for her socially, and she will never become housebroken. If you cannot change the situation, then she will not make a good pet for you, or anyone else. If you cannot keep this little dog you chose, maybe she can find a home and be a good and happy pet, and then later when you are in a better position to have and take care of a dog, you can find another dog, or one that is in need of a home (there are lots of them). Try to think of what will help everyone, for right now.

Answer 3

I am guessing that you got this dog, who is only seven months old, when you were already a legal adult and knew you would be going to college. Anyone getting a dog as an adult, it is solely their responsibility to make sure the dog will be cared for if they are away for hours at a time. It seems your parents made it clear this is your dog and your responsibility and so if it sits in its "pee and poop" while you are at school that is not their fault! It's yours.
Just as it is your responsiblity to make sure someone is caring for your dog that wants to when you are not home.
It would be nice if your parents wanted to help you with the dog. I wish they would, for the dogs sake.
I don't doubt that you love your dog and are good to your dog when you are at home.
Think of it like this. If you had a child and stayed at your parents house, and they told you they would not be able to baby sit for you, for whatever reason, would you leave the child to its own devices, unfed, unsupervised or locked in a room while you are at school?

Answer 4

I know it might be hard on you, but maybe its best to give up the dog. If your parents are neglecting the dog while you are gone its not fair that it only gets attention and food when you are there. I know they are your parents but, that's just cruel and mean to do to something you obviously consider part of your family. Not to mention with the inconsistency of being let out you will probably have problems down the line with the dog going potty in the house.

So like I said in my opinion give up the dog for now until you can finish school and get your own place. OR you can give your parents a huge 3rd degree, but I think its best if you give it up before it ends up dead.

Answer 5

First of all, if you ever have to ask that question, then the answer is usually yes. If you are a full time college student who knew she wouldn't be home, why would you get an animal? Secondly, the fact that you willingly give your dog over to your parents, knowing how they treat her is your fault. You need to be proactive. You need to start looking for a dog sitter, someone, anyone who will treat your animal in the correct manner. If you can not afford to do any of the above, then you need to start thinking about giving the dog away to someone who can take care of her on a full time basis.

Answer 6

I don't want to be mean, but this is what happens when kids beg their parents for a puppy, then get busy with college, work, friends etc. Your parents shouldn't have allowed you to get a puppy. But there is nothing we can do about that now. SO, maybe you can try trading responsibilities. Ask your parents if they will let your puppy out to go potty during the day if you do a task for them in return. Like mow the lawn, do laundry, dishes, clean the house, or something.

I also agree that you can get someone to come to your house and let the dog out to go potty, walk her, and feed her if your parents refuse to.

Answer 7

I really dont understand why people take on the ownership of animals, then neglect them. Its your responsibility, not your parents..Get the dog into a decent home where it will get the attention it needs..Apparently you certainly dont have the time for this kind of undertaking..Dogs need alot of attention and that is something you dont have at this time in your life..so do the right thing and find it a good and loving home. And to answer your question? This in undoubtedly cruel

Answer 8

is there more than one bathroom in the house? I have a malti mix and when I can not be at home, I leave her in the bathroom with a bowl of water, a dish of food and a wee wee pad. I give her a bone and a soft toy and she has a rug to lay on.

If that is not possible build a fenced area in your bedroom and put those things into it.

I got rid of the crate for mine because she messed in it. She was miserable. I could never leave her like that. I do not understand why crate training is supposed to be good for the dog. Mine hated it and so did I. ,

Answer 9

Find someone else to watch your dog. She is 7 months old and SHOULD be housebroken by now. If you are worried about her going potty in the house, take her to a dog trainer.

You really can't complain about the mistreatment when you keep bringing the dog over to your parents. If you don't like the way they treat your dog, then don't leave her with them. If she is being treated this poorly, then maybe you need to think about giving her up for adoption. I know you love her, but you have to think about what is best for her.

Answer 10

Why don't you find your own place to live that has a nice backyard and take her with you? My husband and I have managed to have a dog and go to college and our puppy has no problems we leave him outside when we go to class and he does just fine. I suggest you do that or find a new home for your dog. That is cruel to do that and you are just as responsible as your parents, because you know what is going on and you keep letting it happen.