All about dogs - dog breeds, dog training and behavior, news affecting dog owners or handlers, puppy pics, etc.
Rules (Will be refined later on).
Don't be a dick. This should cover most things, just keep in mind that everyone started somewhere and try to be helpful rather than rude or judgmental.
No personal attacks based on training style or tools.
Discussion of balanced training including proper use of aversives is allowed here.
All breeds and mixes are welcome. You can criticize backyard breeding practices but don't pile on people because they own a specific breed or prefer purebreds or mixed breeds.
Do not support backyard breeders or puppy mills. Please do not link to or suggest buying from high volume breeders or those with an obvious lack of standards and testing.
Do not help or support fake service animals. Please do not encourage people to buy fake service dog vest or ESA letters to get around rental or other restrictions & do not give advice on how to misrepresent a dog as a service or support animal.
Try to keep this in mind:
You have: Your friends, family, job, school, social activities, phone, computer, TV, car, bike...
Your dog has: You!
Not trying to shame anyone here who is burnt out with a pet. I get frustrated with my dog too, but I try to remind myself that she's a part of my world, while I'm her WHOLE world.
It's been a few days for the person who obviously is having a bit of a hard time. Try encouraging the human to figure out what's happening instead of trying to guilt trip them out of their funk.
What would we do with our dogs when we have two days of really bad pouring rain? Or a blizzard? Or 110° weather where it's not safe to exercise a dog a lot? That's the type of advice this person needs.
When I'm feeling very through with the world, I find it very hard to level with my dogs excitement. Little things she does will piss me off disproportionately and I tell myself she's just a dog and doesn't know better. It's not her, it's me. Take good care of yourself so you can take good care of your dog!
Are you looking for help or are you just venting?
Wish more people would ask this question. My wife and I practice this at home (and with our teams at work) and it's a game changer.
Dogs can have a day or two off. Think what happens if they are boarded.
It's only been a few days that you've been feeling down. If you are concerned that you are letting your dog down, you can get her a new chew toy or bone for enrichment.
Take care of your mental health first, you have plenty of time to figure out what's best for your dog since it's only been a few days. Right now, figure out what's best for you.
You need a vacation or time off... I feel bad for your dog. You're her whole world, and the only thing that matters to her.
Don't push her away.
I've got three dogs and get it. One dog is very old and needs special attention. Another is very young needing different attention.
When there is something wrong in my head their normal stuff annoys me. I try to remember they are being normal and it is I that is different.
I’m in the same boat with my 3 dogs!
I have an old dog with Cushing that is in the end of life stage. He’s old and mostly blind.
Have another who is young, but has really bad environmental and food allergies.
The 3rd is young also. She doesn’t take any special needs, she’s just REALLY dumb. Doesn’t care about food or treats or anything except play.
My partner and I have decided that these are going to be the last dogs for us and we are sticking with cats. We have 2 cats and they are very easy to care for.
How long have you had the dog?
A few months.
hey, I honestly get this. there were points when my guy was a pup and pushing the boundaries it was miserable. they are hours and hours a day of work and they can be kind of jerks, esp when they're young. he's settled down so much and I'm proud of him, it was worth all the work. don't be down on yourself for feeling the burn out though. I started paying a dog walker to take him out for the day once a week and it helped even having one extra day where I didn't have to worry so much.
edit: also when I got covid he went a week without a walk and didn't even complain. they can go a day if you're burnt out. it might be nice to watch a movie with her, just play with a ball inside or something.
Like I'll still pet her and give her affection, no problem. But when it comes to play time I am just done.
If you're finding it hard to get out after work maybe try a doggy daycare or a local dog walker who can take over that responsibility for a couple weeks to give you a break. I have 3 at home, 2 have some special needs and it can be a lot sometimes.
What does play time look like? Maybe find a new way to play with her.
Also, do you usually jump on a new interest and burn out from it frequently?
Play is fine, though her attention span is annoyingly short. It's a struggle to get her to focus. Making progress but it is annoying.
No.
Ah well how old is she?
Does she have chewing treats? Peanut butter and a ball with a hole can help keep her occupied without needing you to participate.
I totally understand how you're feeling. I have a year old beagle and a 12-week goldendoodle puppy and sometimes I really need a break from them.
Every so often, I'll go visit my grandma or my parents or my friends for a few hours on a Saturday and leave the dogs at home. They're more than happy in their crates and I need the time to myself for my mental health.
I used to spend as little time away from home as possible because of my dogs, and I ended up having breakdowns and it upset my beagle greatly to see me so distraught. Eventually I realized the dogs will be fine at home alone for a while on a Saturday, since they're fine while I'm at work.
Giving yourself breaks is important. Dogs can pick up on your emotions, so it's important to take care of yourself. Don't feel bad about needing to get away for a bit.
Maybe don’t get a dog?
I am sure someone else would be willing to take the dog off your hands and put it in a home where it’s welcome. Go put up an ad on Craig’s list.
What on earth are you talking about?
What on earth are YOU talking about. You off your meds or something?
I haven't the foggiest what you're on about mate. I didn't say anything about not wanting my dog or giving her away.
Are you usually such a cunt, or are you just having a bad day?
Oh my bad. When you come in here saying “I am sick of my dog” it really gives us all loving feelings.
You need to get yourself evaluated.
Get fucked dude you came here looking to argue not discuss the problem. Fucking douchebag..
Poor dog
Lol, sure you're not off your meds? "Gee, abandon your high maintenance dog because you're a little overwhelmed, totally makes sense."
Maybe you're a quitter, do you I guess.
I’m not the genius that got a high maintenance dog and can’t handle it. You sound like someone that makes bad decisions and can’t deal with it. I don’t feel bad for you. I feel bad for your dog having to put up with your shit constantly.
Ok retard.
Sounds like insecurity projection.
Ok retard.
Ah can't think of a better response huh? I guess you're the quitter after all.