How do you deal when you hate having a dog?

[Anonymous]

We got our dog about a year ago. We did a lot of research, I have experience with dogs, we all thought we wanted one.

Turns out I hate having a dog. Everyone else in the family is happy, and everyone does pitch in for her care. I just hate all aspects of being responsible for a pet.

As she gets older it’s gotten a little easier, but I’m so bummed I have to spend the next 12 years or so dealing with this. It’s such a contrast from having kids, my kids bring me SO much happiness, and the dog just feels like a total drag for me.

Anyone else been there? How did you cope?

[Anonymous]

I didn’t want my dog but it’s not really a drag. Who cares …. what is happening in your home that makes this dog a drag?

[Anonymous]

Are there specific issues that, if resolved, would make you feel differently? Is your dog kind of aloof, so it’s harder to bond with her?

[Anonymous]

I'm in the exact same boat. I love animals, I had dogs growing up, I did allll the research. Turns out I hate it too. I'm hoping that it will get better as she gets older- we got her at 12 weeks old, she's 8 months now.

It makes it even worse that I'm "her person"- she looks for me constantly and loves me more than anyone else in the house- so there's this constant guilt that I have for feeling like I wish I could go back and undo the decision. It is just so much work and expense and I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I just got yelled at by the vet for not brushing her teeth every day. I have no advice, but wanted to let you know you're not alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the exact same boat. I love animals, I had dogs growing up, I did allll the research. Turns out I hate it too. I'm hoping that it will get better as she gets older- we got her at 12 weeks old, she's 8 months now.

It makes it even worse that I'm "her person"- she looks for me constantly and loves me more than anyone else in the house- so there's this constant guilt that I have for feeling like I wish I could go back and undo the decision. It is just so much work and expense and I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I just got yelled at by the vet for not brushing her teeth every day. I have no advice, but wanted to let you know you're not alone.

Agreeing totally. I hate having a dog - so needy; but the three children adore him, and to his credit - he very sweet and has never ever tried to harm any of the children; even when they do all the crazy things kids want to do with a dog. But, I'm his person; I do all the work grudgingly. It would help if we had a fenced in yard, but then I'd worry about him digging up holes all over the place.

What helps me is to plug in my ear buds and take him out. The ear buds are so I can be in my own world, and he in his.

[Anonymous]

I’m thinking of rehoming my dog for the same reason. She a great dog but just not the dog for me. Fortunately she is healthy and well trained so I know she will find a new and better home. She was my husbands dog who died during Covid.

[Anonymous]

You all suck. OP rehome your dog if you’re going to feel like this for the rest of its life.

[Anonymous]

Unless the dog has special needs, they're pretty easy. I can't imagine having so much resentment about a pet, especially if your kids pitch in to help!

My advice: make them help more.

[Anonymous]

I think there are some people who genuinely love animals (pets)…..and some that just do not.

OP you are obviously in the latter category.
How can you hate on an innocent, well-behaved dog??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m thinking of rehoming my dog for the same reason. She a great dog but just not the dog for me. Fortunately she is healthy and well trained so I know she will find a new and better home. She was my husbands dog who died during Covid.

Sorry about your husband.

[Anonymous]

Your dog might not live that long. Anyways your family should be helping.

[Anonymous]

Try to empathize. I can't stand many aspects of parenting a toddler but then I remind myself she is an innocent, small being who just wants to be loved, and it humbles me and gives me perspective. For the day-to-day stuff that grinds me down, I try to "outsource" as this forum puts it.

[Anonymous]

I adore my dog and would never re-home her, but she is very high energy and pretty extra, while I suffer from chronic fatigue. I use day care a lot. She’s very social and loves it, and they love her. She has tons of friends. (I’ve mad friends with some of her friends’ owners too). Also, during the very cold and hot months, it’s a must, regardless of my energy level. In the morning before day care, we play. We walk there together and I pick her up and walk home with her. In the evenings, we mostly cuddle. On weekends, we cuddle, play, go to the park, go for some walks, maybe have a play date with friends. We spend quality time together but it’s manageable for me. If we have a few days in a row where she doesn’t go to day care, neither of us is happy. I’m exhausted and she’s bored. It really helps our relationship to outsource, and she really does love it.

[Anonymous]

I love my dog, but I'm pretty sure she's the only dog I'll ever have. Turns out I really am a cat person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m thinking of rehoming my dog for the same reason. She a great dog but just not the dog for me. Fortunately she is healthy and well trained so I know she will find a new and better home. She was my husbands dog who died during Covid.

What kind of dog PP? If you live in the area, our family is looking to adopt.