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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Family meeting which can be a teaching moment for the kids (and your DH) about how you all made the choice to get a dog and you all need to participate in training the dogs.  Kids can teach lessons like "sit" which are easy and stepping stones for the dog to understand that he/she needs to listen and gets a reward for doing so.  DH can work on more complex tasks (stay--which requires more work).  Find a few good youtube videos on training.  I'd put effort into getting the family to work together before thinking about getting rid of the dog.  My .02[/quote]

+1  I grew up on a farm and knew all about the level of effort needed - and it's easier on a farm than in suburbia!  Like you, DH and the kids were all about a dog and I wasn't.  I suggest you do what I did:  Write up a contract outlining expectations and responsibilities.  At the end of the contract, I noted that if the kids don't hold up their end of things, we would return the dog.  I reviewed the contract with them every day for a month (they were 9, 8 and 6).  I then had them sign it and made them pay for the dog so it will always be 'their' dog, not mine.

No matter what you do, you're going to look like the 'bad guy'.  Make the choice that gives you the most relief.  If that means you return the dog, so be it.  That doesn't make you a bad person, just not a dog person (which is okay).  Demand for dogs in this area is higher than supply and your dog WILL be re-homed.  Let go of the guilt.  Good luck![/quote]

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