I finally got a dog for the family. It is the worse decision of my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you, OP. It’s been 4 years and it doesn’t get better. I really regret getting a dog and just don’t get why people do this.

I don't get why all y'all whinge about how much you dislike having a pet. Rehome the pet. It's not a kid. You can find it a place where it will be loved and wanted.

[Anonymous]

So your brought a new creature into your house and you’re surprised it wants to bond with you? That’s what you want it to do! That’s what all creatures seek- a connection. It takes months for a dog to get used to a new environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the same. When my dog and cat pass on, I will never own another animal. I don't understand why people are ok with following an animal around and picking up its poop. I got the dog because I love seeing people with their animals (the cat we inherited) - but I hate the smell and I especially hate having to plan my day around walking the dog. I have one hour in the morning before work - I could either lift weights and run or I can take the dog for a walk. But I have to walk the dog so my own health suffers. When I sit down to watch a movie in the evening, the dog wants to play. I'm a slave to the freaking dog.

OP here. This is my problem too. I want to work out in the morning, like intensely when the family is asleep but she needs to be walked. Then if she doesn’t poop, I have to watch her like a hawk to make sure she doesn’t poop in the house. She is not a dog that I can run with as she is small. That is why I asked another poster how long should I walk her to tire her out enough so that I can come home and work out?

Perfect example of when you should be crating her during the day. You need to get your work out in, just crate her. I promise she will adjust and just sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the same. When my dog and cat pass on, I will never own another animal. I don't understand why people are ok with following an animal around and picking up its poop. I got the dog because I love seeing people with their animals (the cat we inherited) - but I hate the smell and I especially hate having to plan my day around walking the dog. I have one hour in the morning before work - I could either lift weights and run or I can take the dog for a walk. But I have to walk the dog so my own health suffers. When I sit down to watch a movie in the evening, the dog wants to play. I'm a slave to the freaking dog.

OP here. This is my problem too. I want to work out in the morning, like intensely when the family is asleep but she needs to be walked. Then if she doesn’t poop, I have to watch her like a hawk to make sure she doesn’t poop in the house. She is not a dog that I can run with as she is small. That is why I asked another poster how long should I walk her to tire her out enough so that I can come home and work out?

Perfect example of when you should be crating her during the day. You need to get your work out in, just crate her. I promise she will adjust and just sleep.

This is the way. If you're not actively engaging the dog, it should be crated.

If you find that the dog is crated for most of the day, you don't have the time/resources for a dog, and should rehome.

[Anonymous]

That's life with a dog. Tried it once and was like "nope" so when that dog died, I held the line on getting another one. We have 2 cats, and they are amazing.

[Anonymous]

What helps is doggy daycare (wasn't a good fit for our family but is wonderful for others), training, and, in your case, I might hire a dog walker.

I'd also recommend boarding your dog for a weekend every now and then so you can get the break that you want and need.

[Anonymous]

Hire a walker or one of those teams that takes a crew of dogs out for a hike/romp in an enclosed field for a few hours each day. Your dog needs friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you, OP. It’s been 4 years and it doesn’t get better. I really regret getting a dog and just don’t get why people do this.

I am a person who can't imagine living without a dog. I had a dog growing up, and except for college/my early twenties have always had a dog. I love the company so much. Now that I have teenagers, I especially appreciate that the dog is always pleasant and happy to see me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hire a walker or one of those teams that takes a crew of dogs out for a hike/romp in an enclosed field for a few hours each day. Your dog needs friends.

Can you recommend a few of these services that takes dogs for hikes? I can't find any!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you, OP. It’s been 4 years and it doesn’t get better. I really regret getting a dog and just don’t get why people do this.

I am a person who can't imagine living without a dog. I had a dog growing up, and except for college/my early twenties have always had a dog. I love the company so much. Now that I have teenagers, I especially appreciate that the dog is always pleasant and happy to see me!

Woof !!!

[Anonymous]

I felt like this when I first got a dog but he has totally grown on me and now I adore him. He is a constant companion (which I do not need) but I still love him now. So maybe there is hope

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Give it back.

OP here. She has a good life. We are doing everything we need to do for her. I just find her annoying. Not sure that is a good enough reason to return her is it? She doesn’t know I find her annoying, I assume. She is very excited every time she sees me be it I am gone for work, get off the toilet, etc.

I can’t imagine being annoyed at another living creature being excited to see me.

But I grew up with dogs/cats and love animals. I have a very clingy cat who likes to sit in my lap while I work at home. I feel bonded with them.

Sounds like you did not have experience with animals and shouldn’t have pets again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Give it back.

OP here. She has a good life. We are doing everything we need to do for her. I just find her annoying. Not sure that is a good enough reason to return her is it? She doesn’t know I find her annoying, I assume. She is very excited every time she sees me be it I am gone for work, get off the toilet, etc.

I can’t imagine being annoyed at another living creature being excited to see me.

But I grew up with dogs/cats and love animals. I have a very clingy cat who likes to sit in my lap while I work at home. I feel bonded with them.

Sounds like you did not have experience with animals and shouldn’t have pets again.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you, OP. It’s been 4 years and it doesn’t get better. I really regret getting a dog and just don’t get why people do this.

I don't get why all y'all whinge about how much you dislike having a pet. Rehome the pet. It's not a kid. You can find it a place where it will be loved and wanted.

Yep this. If it’s not working for your family, find the pet a new home and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why did you want a dog? Dogs are pack animals. You are part of her pack. Of course she wants to be with you!

You do not have the right temperament for a dog. Hopefully your family members are nicer and dog people.

OP here. Fair enough, I may not have the right temperament for one. I am very much an introvert and thought it would actually be a great idea! However, I get no break from her. I am very nice to her. I do not know why people assume I am not? Do we never find our kids annoying or needing a break from our kids? No one even answered my questions, what helps? We put our kids in aftercare and summer camps…. Would doggy daycare help?

Yes. Daycare/nannies/someone to care for your dog so that you can do your own thing, just like you did with your kids.

These (daycare, specifically) are a recipe for behavioral issues that will make poor behaviors even worse but I'm never surprised to see them recommended here.

Ours goes to a daycare run by a vet tech student. My dog goes to her home twice a week and is usually there for the day with one other dog. They are best friends and have a blast. They come home exhausted. The vet tech is saving to enroll in a university to study animal behavior. She started the daycare after working in a crowded kennel and seeing how stressed the dogs were.