Dog trouble. Help!
So my husband has a dog, so we now have a dog. I knew going into it he had him, obviously. However, I didn't realize how much care an maintenance went into having one. I've only ever had cats, and I've got a house bunny. When I got Lucy (my bun) I was still at my parents house, and I literally had to do almost a presentation like explanation of why I wanted one, the care involved, etc. I researched, and my dad let me get her. I could write a book on rabbits. When we moved in together, I gave my husband so much information on her personally, it was ridiculous. I literally explained everything. Her little habits, what makes her angry, what to do when she's ornery, etc. He was fully prepared to deal with the fluff ball.
I was not prepared for the dog. So that's frustrating. I had to read up on everything myself, and after reading, I realized you know? Really not feeling picking up poo! But it's ok! He's here, he's ok, I don't really mind him. Not a big deal. I'll handle it.
What I can't handle is him pooping on the floor.
All. The. Time.
He used to sit in front of the door to let us know he had to go, if it was between his "scheduled" times. We typically take him out in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and right before bed. He doesn't poo every time, but he does typically pee at least. But now he's seemed to have developed a habit of going out, peeing, running to the door to go in, we go inside. Husband or I will assume, since he wanted to go in, that he's done. Heck, I'll even stay out with him a few extra minutes, walking him up and down to MAKE SURE he's done. Anyway, he'll come inside, we'll get busy with dishes or something, I come back and an OH GOODNESS someone pooped on the freaking floor!!!!!
I'm really getting sick and tired of it. I'm not a dog person to begin with, so it's already frustrating for me. I have no idea how to handle it. He tells me, "Just put him in his cage" The thing is? When it's just me and the dog? After he poops on the floor? A lot of the time I only realize he's done it because I hear him go into the cage HIMSELF. He'll poop on the floor, and cage himself. Then I look out and bam. Poop on my floor. Here's the issue, right now we have hard wood floors. In less than 2 months we're moving in to a carpeted apartment.
This is a really big sticking point with me. My rabbit never poops on the floor. The cat? Never poops on the floor. They both use their litter boxes and to this point, haven't had accidents. Ever. We've had him to the vet and he's in perfect health. Did I mention he's 5? I'm so tired of it. It literally brings me to tears.
I try to like him. I do. I try to get myself to be a dog person. One day last week I brought my husband lunch, figured I'd bring the dog with. I took him poop TWICE before we went. Literally, right before he got in the car, he pooped. I'm driving driving driving BAM he craps in my car!!!! I cried. My car is my baby. I purchased it brand new, my first new car, and he crapped. Then he jumped all around and got it everywhere. All. Over. I try to do cute things, I try to bond with him, and it just never works out.
I can't have a dog take a dump on my carpet whenever he feels like it. But I know if I tell my husband to get rid of him, he'll resent me pretty much forever. I just don't know how much more I can deal with
For a while I had to go on anti-anxiety meds because of the dog. I've seriously contemplated going to therapy because of how much it upsets me. I'm not a prissy girl either, that's why I feel so terrible. I can put up with a lot, it takes A LOT to get me frustrated, but poo? Makes me vomit. I can't handle it and I'm at a loss
I was not prepared for the dog. So that's frustrating. I had to read up on everything myself, and after reading, I realized you know? Really not feeling picking up poo! But it's ok! He's here, he's ok, I don't really mind him. Not a big deal. I'll handle it.
What I can't handle is him pooping on the floor.
All. The. Time.
He used to sit in front of the door to let us know he had to go, if it was between his "scheduled" times. We typically take him out in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and right before bed. He doesn't poo every time, but he does typically pee at least. But now he's seemed to have developed a habit of going out, peeing, running to the door to go in, we go inside. Husband or I will assume, since he wanted to go in, that he's done. Heck, I'll even stay out with him a few extra minutes, walking him up and down to MAKE SURE he's done. Anyway, he'll come inside, we'll get busy with dishes or something, I come back and an OH GOODNESS someone pooped on the freaking floor!!!!!
I'm really getting sick and tired of it. I'm not a dog person to begin with, so it's already frustrating for me. I have no idea how to handle it. He tells me, "Just put him in his cage" The thing is? When it's just me and the dog? After he poops on the floor? A lot of the time I only realize he's done it because I hear him go into the cage HIMSELF. He'll poop on the floor, and cage himself. Then I look out and bam. Poop on my floor. Here's the issue, right now we have hard wood floors. In less than 2 months we're moving in to a carpeted apartment.
This is a really big sticking point with me. My rabbit never poops on the floor. The cat? Never poops on the floor. They both use their litter boxes and to this point, haven't had accidents. Ever. We've had him to the vet and he's in perfect health. Did I mention he's 5? I'm so tired of it. It literally brings me to tears.
I try to like him. I do. I try to get myself to be a dog person. One day last week I brought my husband lunch, figured I'd bring the dog with. I took him poop TWICE before we went. Literally, right before he got in the car, he pooped. I'm driving driving driving BAM he craps in my car!!!! I cried. My car is my baby. I purchased it brand new, my first new car, and he crapped. Then he jumped all around and got it everywhere. All. Over. I try to do cute things, I try to bond with him, and it just never works out.
I can't have a dog take a dump on my carpet whenever he feels like it. But I know if I tell my husband to get rid of him, he'll resent me pretty much forever. I just don't know how much more I can deal with
For a while I had to go on anti-anxiety meds because of the dog. I've seriously contemplated going to therapy because of how much it upsets me. I'm not a prissy girl either, that's why I feel so terrible. I can put up with a lot, it takes A LOT to get me frustrated, but poo? Makes me vomit. I can't handle it and I'm at a loss 0
Replies
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I'm so sorry to hear your dog is frustrating you to tears! I would recommend taking the dog for a walk, instead of just outside to encourage pooping in the great outdoors - for dogs, walking/running is like coffee is to humans, it can stimulate a bowel movement.
Also, when he does go potty outside, give him SO MUCH PRAISE. I mean, like the poop was made of gold or something. Like you can't believe he's SO CLEVER AND TALENTED to poop out of his butt! And really tons and tons of praise, even take treats on the walk with you, so you can dole out a little chicken flavoured cookie or whatever to him, when he does his business where you want him to.
Positive reinforcement is so important in dog training and it can seem like it takes forever, but once the dog gets it, he'll REALLY get it.
Another awesome thing to do is try and catch him in the act, and you can say "Oh no" and rush him outside. Hopefully he'll finish the job once outdoors, and, while he's doing so, you simply praise, praise, praise him "gooooooooooood boy, oh aren't you clever, such a good dog!"
If it continues, you can contact your local humane society for advice (my local Oregon Humane Society gives free advice over the phone and have super cheap classes). Even if they don't have potty training classes, taking a class with your pup can only help improve the human-animal bond and lead to more trust between you and your dog, and decrease frustration.
Good luck!0 -
I love my dog, but have to say, if he was pooping all the time like that, I'd not love him at all and it would take a lot for me not to seroiusly lose it. During my time with him, he'd be in his kennel or outside on a leash somewhere and away from me.
I grew up on a farm...when rarely, my parents had to deal with a bad mannered animal, like a dog, my dad would take it to the back and shoot it. Problem solved.
Hope you get better advise than mine!! ((HUGS))0 -
I am a total dog person so I feel ya. You've got to cage him right after you bring him in if he hasn't pooped outside. Then he'll let you know when he has to go out again. Then really make a big deal out of it when he goes outside. I mean a really big deal. Lot's of atta dogs and maybe even some treats at the beginning. Ignore him and the bad behavior and praise the good and pretty soon it'll all be good.
Dogs are funny and a rescue dog is a whole different story. You don't know what type of upbringing he has where the poop is concerned.
For the car hmmm never in my life have I heard about a dog crapping in the car. Wow. Your dog has some toilet issues. Ok I found all kinds of humor in that however, I'm sure your husband hated cleaning up after that. If it's your man's dog he should have to clean up after it. Does he clean the litter boxes?
There are limits ya know.
Hang in there. I'm sure you'll grow to love the dog almost as much as the man and on some days maybe even more. 0 -
Dogs that poop in the house are trying to claim territory. Your man is the territory and the dog has no respect for you. You don't supply enough information like how old is the dog, when did you move in, was he trained before all this?0
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Sounds like the dog is trying to adjust to the change. This is probably stress-pooping, and his stress if likely related to yours.
Dogs pick up on things. He knows he's living with someone new who doesn't like him, and this may be his non-verbal way of handling it.0 -
Is the dog eating something he isn't supposed to? Can't believe he pooped and then got in your car and pooped again. Maybe only feed him at certain times of the day and then take him for a walk after. My dog usually can't make it 10 minutes walking before he has to do the deed. Dogs are funny creatures and something has got him doing this. He knows he has done wrong so it could be for attention.0
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I grew up on a farm...when rarely, my parents had to deal with a bad mannered animal, like a dog, my dad would take it to the back and shoot it. Problem solved.
:laugh: :sad:0 -
The good news is... you can teach an old dog new tricks.
But you and your husband have to go back to the very beginning with house training. As of right now, he can't have any "free" time where he's not supervised. Some folks suggest tethering yourself to the dog with a leash so he can't wander off and poop. He's always under your watchful eye. If you get up to go to the kitchen, he goes with you. If you're watching tv on the couch, he's there with you. Keep him in his crate when you can't watch him.
Keep a strict feeding schedule. Feed him twice a day, put the food away when he's done, then walk him about a half hour or hour afterward until he poops.
Feed a high-quality food, too. The better the food, the smaller and less frequent the poops. The better the food, the less fillers. The less fillers, the more nutritious. And the nutrients get used up, not just pooped out. Pretty much anything you can get in a grocery or discount store is junk. I hate to be a food snob, but it makes a big difference. In a lot of the foods, corn is the first ingredient. And what does corn do? Goes right through you! :laugh:
Personally, I'm a big fan of Merrick, both the dry and the canned. I'd eat the canned myself! There's one called Thanksgiving Day Dinner that has turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries... it smells delicious! And if you watch for sales, it's not THAT much more expensive. Less, in the long run, because you don't have to feed as much. Some folks swear by feeding raw foods to their dogs, but I'm not that militant.
But look at the ingredients. If some kind of identifiable meat (ie, "chicken" not "meat by-products") isn't the first ingredient, don't buy it.
And lastly... you said you had him checked, but did you have the poop checked? An intestinal parasite might not be visible, or even change the uh... texture (ew!) of the poop, but could still mess up his habits, and your house. You shouldn't need an appointment... you can just drop off a baggie of poo at the vet's. It's usually around $15-20 to have it analyzed, plus the costs of any medications you might need.0 -
Warning: This is hard work and requires 100% consistency. If you mess up once and miss him having one accident inside, you have to start at the very beginning all over again. However, this method is highly effective, assuming your dog does not have a contributing medical issue.
I work with dogs and have a ton of experience. Forget whatever you think your dog knows, for all intents and purposes consider him NOT housebroken or trained.
The way to fix this problem is to never let the dog out of your sight. If you cannot watch him, he goes in the kennel. And when I say watch him, I mean you have him on a leash (yes, EVEN inside the house.) The dog should never be unsupervised while you are house training. When he starts to go you WILL see him because you're connected to him, and can take him out immediately.
In the morning you should wait him out outside (he should poop AND pee). Before bed wait him out. After lunch wait him out. Ideally the dog should be going outside every 1.5- 2 hours.
When he goes outside say "go potty." Only say this when he is already going, then give him a cookie (even while he's going if your dog can multi-task, if he gets to distracted then wait til he is finished), This will train your dog to use the bathroom on command, and will help immensely.
As far as going in your car, it does suck (has happened to me multiple times) but it probably has nothing to do with house training and a lot to do with anxiety. Even if you can't identify any signs of anxiety from him that doesn't mean he doesn't feel it. There is probably an underlying issue causing him stress.
You should probably take him to a class of some sort (you, not your husband). The structured one on one time will help you develop a relationship with the dog and make him more comfortable with you and both of you will feel more relaxed with each other.
Like I said, this is hard work and since you don't like dogs you may not want to do all of it, but it will make everyone less stressed in the long run.0 -
Hey,
Sounds like he is lacking routine.Does he get taken out for exercise daily,he needs to be walked and preferably around the same time.He will begin to poop outside and establish a routine.If you can excercise him on a few occasions then great.This will also help him to deal with the stress of the change in enviroment.The upside of this is that you get less stress,he gets less stress and you both get more exercise...winner all round I would say.
Btw,I have three dogs and have had dogs all my life and the best gift you can give them is exercise.0 -
Sounds like the dog is trying to adjust to the change. This is probably stress-pooping, and his stress if likely related to yours.
Dogs pick up on things. He knows he's living with someone new who doesn't like him, and this may be his non-verbal way of handling it.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing since he was okay before. I'm not blaming you I'm just saying it could be the reason.0 -
I feel your pain!!!
I am not a dog person or honestly a pet person AT ALL but because of my loving husband I am one now.
Try the following take treats out there wit you when goes poop. And everytime he poops give him a treat and that a "boy/good boy". This is how I house broke our dog in three days. My husband said it would take months. I told him he has three days or he's outside! He learned in three days. The hubby also helped alot during that time but was really shocked.
BTW side note..I think your doggy is being no offense and Ahole.LOL Our dog did the same thing on purpose when he got older. The last time he did that ironically the timing was perfect we went on vacation so we left him in the kennel for three weeks. When came back he didn't poop in the house again!
They have personalities. They can be spitful just like humans and can learn quickly too. So, be presisist and consisent in his/her training (the younger the better) and you'll be fine. Also I taught him to poop in the woods so I wouldn't have to pick it up.0 -
Hey,
Sounds like he is lacking routine.Does he get taken out for exercise daily,he needs to be walked and preferably around the same time.He will begin to poop outside and establish a routine.If you can excercise him on a few occasions then great.This will also help him to deal with the stress of the change in enviroment.The upside of this is that you get less stress,he gets less stress and you both get more exercise...winner all round I would say.
Btw,I have three dogs and have had dogs all my life and the best gift you can give them is exercise.
Now, I feel like I should walk my dogs...they thank you, we are on the way out the door0 -
All of you gave good ideas, and I'll have to work on it I suppose.
I did supply how old he was. He's 5 years old, my husband has had him the entire 5 years. Literally got him as a puppy, trained him etc. We moved in a year ago. He didn't start doing this until about a month ago. Like I said, he's in perfect health, besides being 5 pounds overweight, which we are treating with diet food and have been for a few months now.
I guess my main issue is I feel like I am the only one doing anything with him, and I honestly don't even like him. I'm the only one who ever walks him, I take him out most of the time, and it is on a schedule. We're very scheduled people. Like I said, it's after breakfast every morning (same time every day), after lunch every day (same time), after dinner every day (same time) and before bed (same time). He gets fed once a day (vets orders), he gets a diet food, and he gets that typically half in the morning half at night.
I mean, right now I have him scheduled. I really do. But when I go back to work, I really feel like we won't have time for him. My husband only ever takes him out when I push the issue. I get "I WORKED ALL DAY" well that's great, but he's your dog. You chose him. You picked him. You take care of him.
My husband works 8-6 most days, so I'm left to take him out, feed him, walk him etc. Even when he comes home, like I said, I get "I WORKED ALL DAY". Yes, yes I know. And now you responsibilities at home kick in. I don't want all the responsibility of him. He's his dog.0 -
Wow, I'm feeling pretty sorry for the dog! In defense of him, the fault lies not with the dog, but with the owner. (Not meaning that to be a personal slam, please don't take it that way- but for the most part this is true of most all bad dog behaviour!)
One thing I'd like to post is that any time you change a dog's food, there will be changes with his stool and or bowel habits.
I highly recommend a book by Jean Donaldson, "The Culture Clash". I think it should be required reading for all dog owners.
Also, it is NOT TRUE that dogs do things for spite or whatnot- many people put their feelings onto the dog and it's just not true. That dog wants nothing more than to love, protect, and cherish you. I understand your frustration, and would like to help, but there just isn't enough room in this post. I have a copy of the book "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, and if you would like, I would be happy to mail it to you as a gift (for both you and the dog!). Just send me a personal e-mail with an address and I would be happy to mail it to you ASAP. It could make all the difference in the world. Let me know if I can be of any help.0 -
I understand, and I am honestly trying. We unfortunately can't food train him because he needs to be on diet food. I brought this up to the vet, and he said as few treats as possible. So I try to use them VERY sparingly. I understand that there aren't bad dogs, only bad owners. I've always felt that way. I just feel like I don't get enough support. I'm the only one dealing with him, and he isn't even mine. I mean, he is in the sense that he's my husbands, so everything is joint, but I just don't feel like I should be the only one taking care of him. I feel like responsibility should be shared, at least a little bit. Especially because it's going to take some time for me to work on my behavior. I try not to stress, I do, because I'm sure the dog feels it, but like I said, when I'm the only one handling it, I can't help it. I feel like I got him dumped on me. I don't like disliking animals. It isn't his fault, I guess I should get a book on training husbands
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Wow, I'm feeling pretty sorry for the dog! In defense of him, the fault lies not with the dog, but with the owner. (Not meaning that to be a personal slam, please don't take it that way- but for the most part this is true of most all bad dog behaviour!)
One thing I'd like to post is that any time you change a dog's food, there will be changes with his stool and or bowel habits.
I highly recommend a book by Jean Donaldson, "The Culture Clash". I think it should be required reading for all dog owners.
Also, it is NOT TRUE that dogs do things for spite or whatnot- many people put their feelings onto the dog and it's just not true. That dog wants nothing more than to love, protect, and cherish you. I understand your frustration, and would like to help, but there just isn't enough room in this post. I have a copy of the book "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, and if you would like, I would be happy to mail it to you as a gift (for both you and the dog!). Just send me a personal e-mail with an address and I would be happy to mail it to you ASAP. It could make all the difference in the world. Let me know if I can be of any help.
I agree. I feel so bad for this dog. I've worked in and have many friends that run rescue shelters where we/they get about 5 to 10 new dogs a DAY and we've calculated that 90% of these dogs show up because their owners didn't want the responsibility of a pet, couldn't handle the temperament of the dog, or just didn't have the energy to deal with them. Getting rid of your dog is 100% unacceptable unless the dog has physically tried to hurt some one (i.e. a small child), you are not healthy enough to take care of it, or you are dead and can't take of it. Taking care of a dog is a full-time job, and it's one that the owner chooses to have. I could go on for years about ownership responsibility, but I'd rather not.
As for the dog's pooping, it sounds like a territorial thing. Like others have said, the dog senses your frustrations and that you don't like him. Until you make him feel loved, wanted, and cherished, you are going to have this problem because he doesn't respect you. As many have also said, I would also look into medical issues and if changing his food was the issue. It never hurts to have all your bases checked. Remember, it is hard work training a dog, and you need to be persistent with the training. If your husband doesn't want to take care of the dog, then why did he choose to get it? The dog may be interpreting his neglect as abuse and is acting out. He may be pooping everywhere because it gets him attention, and in his mind any attention is attention (good or bad). If your husband makes the dog feel wanted and important again, I am sure that the behavior will change.0 -
Another thought that I am curious about. If the dog is in perfect health and only five pounds overweight, why did the Vet suggest 'diet food'? Does the Vet, by chance, sell that food at his office? Five pounds of weight should be pretty easy for a dog to lose with just a small cut back of his regular food and an extra walk or outdoor playtime. I'm wondering if his newly recommended food is Hill's, or Science Diet. There is a website www.dogfoodanalysis.com that rates dog food, and neither of these rate very high at all. I've read that most Vet's seem to recommend whatever dog food they sell at their office. High quality food makes a very big difference in a dog's health and bowel habits. I have tried many, from plain dog chow to very expensive brands. For me personally, I feed my dog's Newman's Own Organic Adult Dog Food (the one with the red and yellow bag.) It is reasonably priced, has not had any recall's, and I am happy with the quality ingredients and it's effect on my dog's health. It might be interesting to check that website to see the nutritional analysis of what food your dog is on! 0
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Wow, I'm feeling pretty sorry for the dog! In defense of him, the fault lies not with the dog, but with the owner. (Not meaning that to be a personal slam, please don't take it that way- but for the most part this is true of most all bad dog behaviour!)
One thing I'd like to post is that any time you change a dog's food, there will be changes with his stool and or bowel habits.
I highly recommend a book by Jean Donaldson, "The Culture Clash". I think it should be required reading for all dog owners.
Also, it is NOT TRUE that dogs do things for spite or whatnot- many people put their feelings onto the dog and it's just not true. That dog wants nothing more than to love, protect, and cherish you. I understand your frustration, and would like to help, but there just isn't enough room in this post. I have a copy of the book "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, and if you would like, I would be happy to mail it to you as a gift (for both you and the dog!). Just send me a personal e-mail with an address and I would be happy to mail it to you ASAP. It could make all the difference in the world. Let me know if I can be of any help.
I agree. I feel so bad for this dog. I've worked in and have many friends that run rescue shelters where we/they get about 5 to 10 new dogs a DAY and we've calculated that 90% of these dogs show up because their owners didn't want the responsibility of a pet, couldn't handle the temperament of the dog, or just didn't have the energy to deal with them. Getting rid of your dog is 100% unacceptable unless the dog has physically tried to hurt some one (i.e. a small child), you are not healthy enough to take care of it, or you are dead and can't take of it. Taking care of a dog is a full-time job, and it's one that the owner chooses to have. I could go on for years about ownership responsibility, but I'd rather not.
As for the dog's pooping, it sounds like a territorial thing. Like others have said, the dog senses your frustrations and that you don't like him. Until you make him feel loved, wanted, and cherished, you are going to have this problem because he doesn't respect you. As many have also said, I would also look into medical issues and if changing his food was the issue. It never hurts to have all your bases checked. Remember, it is hard work training a dog, and you need to be persistent with the training. If your husband doesn't want to take care of the dog, then why did he choose to get it? The dog may be interpreting his neglect as abuse and is acting out. He may be pooping everywhere because it gets him attention, and in his mind any attention is attention (good or bad). If your husband makes the dog feel wanted and important again, I am sure that the behavior will change.
I feel like this may have been a little bit of an attack, so I'm going to address it.
I never think it's ok to get rid of an animal. Ever. And as much as I think "Things would get better if we got rid of him." I would never do that because I know his behavior is for a reason. He is feeling something and doesn't know how to express it. I've been volunteering at shelters since I was 15. I've never once given an animal away, and I don't plan on breaking that habit.
My main issue at this point is the poop on the floor. I don't dislike the dog himself, I greatly dislike the behavior and seeing as I don't get any support otherwise, I feel like I'm spinning in circles. Anything I try to do gets undone at the end of the day because my husband comes home and doesn't follow through with me. I'm going into this blindly. I'm trying my best, but we really can't afford a trainer at this point. I'm going tomorrow to see what books I can find on training and such. If I need to food train him, I guess that's what I'll have to do. I want to make this a happy experience for everyone involved. I'm not purposely making the dogs life hell, just like I'm sure he's not making mine hell on purpose either. Either way, both are happening. And Everyone has given great suggestions, and I do appreciate the constructive criticism. But to put everyone's mind at ease, I have never given an animal up and will never. I am merely looking for any kind of help, tips, tricks, anything I can to make the process more fun for everyone involved.0 -
Just realized I forgot to address the food!
The vet said his one knee looks like it's getting arthritis, and suggested we put him on diet food. He had been eating "dog chow", now we have him on I believe Purina's "diet" food. They suggested 3/4 c once a day, but I've been giving him 1/2 a cup for breakfast and 1/2 a cup for dinner. He seems to be moving around better, and once he's done with this food, we're switching him to an organic food. We just switched the kitten and she loves it.
I may look for some supplements if there are any. I take a daily for my knees and I know I feel a lot better now than I did before! I really am trying to look out for his best interests. I'm not a terrible owner, I just don't understand a lot about dogs, never having had one, and since I don't get a lot of help at home, it's frustrating. I've taken him on runs with me before and he seems to like that a lot, so I'm thinking if I walk him in the morning like I typically do, then take him for a run instead of a walk after lunch, that may help a little. With the pooping and bonding. We'll see!0 -
Just realized I forgot to address the food!
The vet said his one knee looks like it's getting arthritis, and suggested we put him on diet food. He had been eating "dog chow", now we have him on I believe Purina's "diet" food. They suggested 3/4 c once a day, but I've been giving him 1/2 a cup for breakfast and 1/2 a cup for dinner. He seems to be moving around better, and once he's done with this food, we're switching him to an organic food. We just switched the kitten and she loves it.
I may look for some supplements if there are any. I take a daily for my knees and I know I feel a lot better now than I did before! I really am trying to look out for his best interests. I'm not a terrible owner, I just don't understand a lot about dogs, never having had one, and since I don't get a lot of help at home, it's frustrating. I've taken him on runs with me before and he seems to like that a lot, so I'm thinking if I walk him in the morning like I typically do, then take him for a run instead of a walk after lunch, that may help a little. With the pooping and bonding. We'll see!
If you give the dog a fish oil pill and a tablespoon of olive oil with his food, his joints should loosen up and take some relief off of the arthritis. It will also moisturize his skin and shine up his coat.0 -
I think your husband really needs to step up and be accountable for at least helping you with this. If he doesn't, you should start pooping in his shoes.0
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I should add that I'm being totally serious about him needing to step up. I'm mostly joking about pooping in his shoes. I feel for you, and I would be beside myself too if I were in your shoes. I'm not dog psychologist, so I don't know what the initial reasons were for the behavior, but it seems like he's gotten into a routine now that needs to be broken. I hope you get it remedied soon! 0
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Hey I just thought of something! What kind of a dog is this?!
@ PJilly- just in case pooping in her husband's shoes isn't Mrs. Farrow's cup of tea, maybe she could just put the dog poo in his shoes............lol!
edit: I give my dog glucosamine/chondroitin (one capsule a day) for her arthritis and have seen good results.0 -
Sorry you're having trouble with your dog - but it sounds like the real problem is the relationship between your guy and you over the dog. I was raised on a farm with lots of animals, raised my son on a small farm with lots of animals (dogs, cats, chickens, horses, rabbit, goat, cows). Animals require consistency, love and care. Your posts reads like you want to focus on the excuses for not trying snacks, etc; complaining about being "responsible for him" and wanting sympathy from everyone else. If you truly don't like being responsible for this pet, fix your relationship - get honest with your partner and come up with some alternatives that the two of you could try together - in the meantime, keep the dog on a short leash or in his kennel, take him out immediately after letting him out of the kennel, and when he does his thing give him lots of praise (good potty - for example) using the same phrase all the time, don't bring him back in the house until he's gone. Don't know the breed, but you might want to try another vet - all the dogs we've had, eat one meal a day of high quality food (usually after our dinner) and were/are taken out about 30 minutes after to exercise and play, taken out again before bed, in the morning (before breakfast). We use an outdoor kennel during the workday when they can't be with us - but obviously you will have to do something about daytime needs when you return to work. The only times we ever had a problem were when there was a change in food, they got something they shouldn't have, or developed a condition due to age or health.0
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