Can't stand the dog!

[Kasan]

I'm really not a dog kind of guy... I'm not going to leave the dog in the house when everyone is gone. the dog is free to be in the house when someone is home. Otherwise the dog needs to be outside or in the garage. i don't think I am being unreasonable about that.

 

However we have discovered we can't leave the dog in the backyard by itself for more than 5-10 minutes or it starts continually yelping or chewing on the fence gate. This pisses all the neighbors off. It goes on for hours and hours..

 

If we put the dog in the garage it yelps and tries to chew through the door... so we have to put it in a dog crate... then all it does is whine and yelp. The neighbors can her her do this as well.

 

My deal when she brought the dog to live with us, was that it would sleep in the garage. This dog sheds soo much I don't even like it in the house for the amount of time when we are home.

 

Does the dog have a history of chewing things up when it is alone in the house?

 

Brushing the dog will help with the shedding problem.

 

Sometimes "deals" have to be re-adjusted as they don't always work out the way they are supposed too.

 

I agree, your wife and daughter need to make a decision about the dog..........

[carhill]

IMO, better get some training specific to the breed or adopt the dog out to someone who has the time/inclination to work with the dog.

 

We were given a "crate" 6 yo dachshund a few years ago who supposedly was so fragile from having back surgery that it couldn't be very active at all. Within a month she was jumping and running and chasing birds and squirrels (we live in the country) and was hardly ever in her crate. All that crating had created some neuroses which I didn't have the time or inclination to deal with (I was caring for my mom at the time), so we gave her to my wife's girlfriend who had a 5 yo daughter at home. The girl and the dog bonded immediately and the dog got the love and attention she deserved. They still have the dog (who's now a very healthy 9yo) and I'm very happy we were able to serve as a 'halfway house' of sorts finding her a good home. It was my first experience with an animal who was crated for hours at a time and there's no way I'd do that to an animal; I'd rather put a needle in it or shoot it (like we do out here) if it can't be free. That's suffering IMO. That dachshund couldn't even climb up onto a low chair when we got it. Real sad

[hotgurl]

I'm really not a dog kind of guy... I'm not going to leave the dog in the house when everyone is gone. the dog is free to be in the house when someone is home. Otherwise the dog needs to be outside or in the garage. i don't think I am being unreasonable about that.

 

However we have discovered we can't leave the dog in the backyard by itself for more than 5-10 minutes or it starts continually yelping or chewing on the fence gate. This pisses all the neighbors off. It goes on for hours and hours..

 

If we put the dog in the garage it yelps and tries to chew through the door... so we have to put it in a dog crate... then all it does is whine and yelp. The neighbors can her her do this as well.

 

My deal when she brought the dog to live with us, was that it would sleep in the garage. This dog sheds soo much I don't even like it in the house for the amount of time when we are home.

 

so you understand that you are creating your own problems.. The dog is yelping and crying and chewing because it wants to be in the house. It is used to being in the house.

 

Look at it this way if you lived in your house for 40 years and all of a sudden someone took you and locked you in a garage what would you do?

 

personally I think you should either let the dog come inside or give the dog away.

[hotgurl]

IMO, better get some training specific to the breed or adopt the dog out to someone who has the time/inclination to work with the dog.

 

We were given a "crate" 6 yo dachshund a few years ago who supposedly was so fragile from having back surgery that it couldn't be very active at all. Within a month she was jumping and running and chasing birds and squirrels (we live in the country) and was hardly ever in her crate. All that crating had created some neuroses which I didn't have the time or inclination to deal with (I was caring for my mom at the time), so we gave her to my wife's girlfriend who had a 5 yo daughter at home. The girl and the dog bonded immediately and the dog got the love and attention she deserved. They still have the dog (who's now a very healthy 9yo) and I'm very happy we were able to serve as a 'halfway house' of sorts finding her a good home. It was my first experience with an animal who was crated for hours at a time and there's no way I'd do that to an animal; I'd rather put a needle in it or shoot it (like we do out here) if it can't be free. That's suffering IMO. That dachshund couldn't even climb up onto a low chair when we got it. Real sad

 

I agree with you about crating dogs. I know a dog who was crated and it is really neurotic now. it can't walk on wood floors or tile only carpet.

 

cta7978

 

I am not a dog person myself so I understand how you feel. But I could never crate an animal like that or leave it outside all day. Talk to you wife, but you may have to let the dog in the house if it comes to that. If you brush the dog everyday the shedding shouldn't be such a huge problem and if your wife and her daughter want the dog bad enough they will do the extra work.

[Mr. Lucky]

I agree, your wife and daughter need to make a decision about the dog..........

If I'm reading the OP's posts correctly, the majority of the time at issue with the dog is when no one's home. I'm assuming he and his wife both work, daughter goes to school, the dog is there by itself for 8-10 hours a day. I don't think he's unreasonable for not wanting the dog in the house by itself when everyone is gone. Perhaps rather than "dog" piling on him, posters could help frame a solution based on the facts...

 

Mr. Lucky

[blair08]

So, is getting in touch with a trainer/behavior professional an option?

 

They are better equipt also to make suggestions about crating one or not, along with the training.

[hotgurl]

If I'm reading the OP's posts correctly, the majority of the time at issue with the dog is when no one's home. I'm assuming he and his wife both work, daughter goes to school, the dog is there by itself for 8-10 hours a day. I don't think he's unreasonable for not wanting the dog in the house by itself when everyone is gone. Perhaps rather than "dog" piling on him, posters could help frame a solution based on the facts...

 

Mr. Lucky

 

well he could let the dog in the house and gate it in a certain section.

 

The main problem is that the dog was inside the house for 9 years when the wife lived by herself and now it is all of the sudden in the garage.

 

Did the dog destroy your wife's house? Or is it the shedding you are objecting too?

[whichwayisup]

This dog has been around for 9 years.. I wasn't under the impression it even needed training, all I was told is that it was a good dog.

 

Obviously it does need to be re-trained. Again, this dog has been used to having people around alot and now there's noone. It is reacting to the change. Locking it up in a crate or shoving it in the garage isn't helping.

 

Why not pick one room the dog can stay in inside the house? I don't know of anyone who puts their dog outside all day long or locked in a garage.

 

I mentioned before, but what about hiring a dog walker during the day?

[norajane]

I'm really not a dog kind of guy... I'm not going to leave the dog in the house when everyone is gone.

 

My deal when she brought the dog to live with us, was that it would sleep in the garage. This dog sheds soo much I don't even like it in the house for the amount of time when we are home.

 

If you guys actually brushed the dog each day, there wouldn't be so much shedding, except in the spring when they lose their winter coats.

[whichwayisup]

Another thing, maybe it's time you talk to your wife about her 15 year old daughter not helping out as much with the dog. She can walk it after school, play with it too, as should your wife.

[Final Girl]

If I'm reading the OP's posts correctly, the majority of the time at issue with the dog is when no one's home. I'm assuming he and his wife both work, daughter goes to school, the dog is there by itself for 8-10 hours a day. I don't think he's unreasonable for not wanting the dog in the house by itself when everyone is gone. Perhaps rather than "dog" piling on him, posters could help frame a solution based on the facts...

 

Mr. Lucky

 

I made a few suggestions and received a personal insult in return.

 

This is really very simple. No animal should be treated like this - it's a disgrace. So he and his family need to sit down and draw up all their options and a plan of action...dog trainer, brushing it every morning so he doesn't moult so much, taking him for long walks so he doesn't get so anxious, spending time with him helping him to adjust to living utside.

 

All baby steps...that's what dogs need!! The OP sems to expect overnight changes!

[Kasan]

Maybe Geishawhelk will see this--she works and trains dogs.

[Billy Bob]

If I'm reading the OP's posts correctly, the majority of the time at issue with the dog is when no one's home. I'm assuming he and his wife both work, daughter goes to school, the dog is there by itself for 8-10 hours a day. I don't think he's unreasonable for not wanting the dog in the house by itself when everyone is gone. Perhaps rather than "dog" piling on him, posters could help frame a solution based on the facts...

 

Mr. Lucky

 

Thanks Mr. Lucky.. yes the dog is by itself all day until the afternoon. I'm trying to get it across to my wife that the dog spends a minimum of 16 hours a day by itself in it's crate (actually an extra large dog carrier.. about the size of a big dog house). As soon as someone gets home in the afternoon the dog gets out into the house and backyard.

 

I would love to let the dog run around all day and all night but its causing problems with the chewing and barking. I just think the new environment is too much change for the dog.. I'm really trying to convince my wife that we should adopt out the dog to someone who can give it more attention.

 

It's really become a large maritial issue. I think all the neighbors could hate us and the dog could destroy the entire house and she still would keep the dog!

[blair08]

I guess its not an option since its been asked and suggested many times.

[carhill]

OP, don't know if your animal is recoverable, but I've seen Golden's as "companion animals" at both my mom's facility and other LTC facilities serving as a "friend" for the residents there. I've never seen a resident animal, but they visit under the care of their trainer/handler. My experiences with Golden's are that they are like big lap dogs and love people and bond well to families. It's not uncommon for such service animals to be rehabilitated after being dumped or otherwise ending up at the SPCA, so, with proper care and training (this is where an experienced professional is important), the animal and relationship dynamic can change for the better.

 

For the record, I personally prefer cats to dogs for my pets (in addition to some exotic other species) but I hope, regardless of how you might currently feel, you can find a solution which serves the dog's dignity, as well as your own family dynamic. Your animal really does depend on you. That's a big responsibility. Hope your step-daughter learns about that

[Groovy]

Dogs want nothing other than to please me, they would give it's life for me and wants to be my friend even when I am not my best...why anyone would not like a dog! I guess I am biased because I on the other hand love dogs so all the work required is worth it to me.

[Billy Bob]

well he could let the dog in the house and gate it in a certain section.

 

The main problem is that the dog was inside the house for 9 years when the wife lived by herself and now it is all of the sudden in the garage.

 

Did the dog destroy your wife's house? Or is it the shedding you are objecting too?

 

Dog had a chewing problem at the wife's house too, but there was usually someone to take care of the dog at home. Golden's shed soo much... The dog hair is an issue with me as well.. I have never seen so much dog hair.

 

Her house was blanketed in dog hair when I met her, the dog slept on the couch.. I wasn't willing to buy into that. Now the wife wants to change the deal rather than get rid of the dog.

 

This is a marriage forum, I was hoping others had dealt with this or a similar issue. I know I shouldn't have a dog (I don't want one!) and I do recognize that the dog is living under less than optimal conditions.

 

I think the only solution now is to get rid of the dog (adopt it out), but I will have to deal with a wife and stepdaughter that don't want to get rid of the dog.. even though there is hardly any to zero participation by the daughter.

[Billy Bob]

So, is getting in touch with a trainer/behavior professional an option?

 

They are better equipt also to make suggestions about crating one or not, along with the training.

 

A trainer/behavior professional is an option I guess. I haven't looked into it. I did look at some of the barking deterrents.. sonic, shock collars.. but not sure they really work? Voice box removal?

[JackJack]

I think the only solution now is to get rid of the dog (adopt it out), but I will have to deal with a wife and stepdaughter that don't want to get rid of the dog.. even though there is hardly any to zero participation by the daughter.

 

Yeah getting rid of the dog does seem to be your solution doesn't it?

 

You want to get rid of it and your family doesn't want to learn the right things to do with the dog so it wont be the way you say. To much work right?

[Ocean-Blue]

So, I am headed towards my wits end!

 

Background: Newly married, I have two children 7 & 9, she has a 15 year old living with us. We have all been co-habitating for about 3 months now. When she moved in she brought two cats and a 9 year old golden retreiver.

 

We live in a pretty upscale suburban environment, all the neighbors treat each other pretty well and mind their own business.

 

I am having problems with cohabitating with this dog.

 

1. Dog can't be put into the back yard, because it will suffer seperation anxiety and continually yelp for hours to come back in the house

2. Dog can't just be kept in the garage, because it will suffer seperation anxiety and try to chew through the door frame (has done this twice - still fixing our front door).

3. Dog can't be left in the garage in it's dog carrier, or it whines loudly and continually - the neighbors can hear this..

4. Dog can't be boarded at any kennels because it is allergic to the necessary shots required for entrance.

5. Three neighbors have complained about the dog barking/whining, we have had "how to train your dog phamphlets" left on our door, neighbors at the front door, and now phone calls at 12:30 AM.

6. This is the harriest breed I have ever seen, big tufts of dog hair everywhere.

 

Wife doesn't want to get rid of the dog. Her teen daughter, who feels it is her dog, says "if the dog goes so does she"!.. although she doesn't walk the dog, feed the dog, pick up dog poop or brush the dog.. all that responsibility falls on to my new wife.

 

The dog's life now consists of at least 12-16 hours a day sitting in a dog carrier in the garage. No one really plays with the dog, the 15 year old is not all that interested in her dog.. just doesn't want to get rid of it.

 

My wife claims the dog is old and will probably die in the next year... I looked up and golden's live 12-15 years on average.. so I don't think I can handle another 3-6 years of this old dog!

 

Am I being unreasonable here? I just don't think this new dog is fitting in and it is such a needy dog it causes problems if we even want to go somewhere on the weekend..

 

When is enough? How many neighbors need to get pissed off before I can get her to get rid of the dog..

 

Sorry venting!

 

My God, when did a beloved family pet become so expendable?

 

What you are doing to this poor creature is abuse, plain and simple.

 

Be forewarned that giving it to the local shelter almost 100% guarantees that he will be put down (at his age, it's likely he'll be adopted...plus, they only give them a few days to a week anyway before the animal is terminated).

 

You knew your wife had a dog BEFORE you got married to her, so you can't all of a sudden decide it's inconvenient for you. A dog, like a child, is a part of the family and comes with the package - you either accept the dog or find some safe, happier alternative.

 

I am appalled that YOU are complaining that he whines away when you crate the poor guy for so damn long. Do you have ANY idea what it's like to stay in a confined space for this long? Imagine being stuck in a large coffin and you'll get a feel for it.

 

He is scared. He doesn't belong in a damn crate.

 

This post makes me sick to my stomach.

[hotgurl]

A trainer/behavior professional is an option I guess. I haven't looked into it. I did look at some of the barking deterrents.. sonic, shock collars.. but not sure they really work? Voice box removal?

 

wow you really hate dogs.

[Billy Bob]

You want to get rid of it and your family doesn't want to learn the right things to do with the dog so it wont be the way you say. To much work right?

 

Please tell me what are the right things to do? We are gone 16 hours a day, the dog has been sufferring from seperation anxiety barking/chewing for 3 months now.. The neighbors are complaining and calling... I don't like being the a-hole of the neighborhood giving my neighbors lip service.

 

At some point, can't you get rid of a dog? Is there ever a set of circumstances where some of you would get rid of an animal? This dog is soo needy it is impacting the marriage. How much is a marriage worth versus a problem animal?

 

Seems some here would divorce their spouse and cut off thier left arm to save their dog??

[JackJack]

Voice box removal?? Holy sh*t!

[Ocean-Blue]

Please tell me what are the right things to do? We are gone 16 hours a day, the dog has been sufferring from seperation anxiety barking/chewing for 3 months now.. The neighbors are complaining and calling... I don't like being the a-hole of the neighborhood giving my neighbors lip service.

 

At some point, can't you get rid of a dog? Is there ever a set of circumstances where some of you would get rid of an animal? This dog is soo needy it is impacting the marriage. How much is a marriage worth versus a problem animal?

 

Seems some here would divorce their spouse and cut off thier left arm to save their dog??

 

If this dog is going to make or break your marriage, you have some serious issues you need to address (and I suspect, none of it has much to do with the dog).

 

People have gone to great lengths to save the life of a poor, innocent animal without expecting anything in return.

 

You can solve this problem (or at least TRY) by allowing him to stay inside while you are all out - but you're not even open to the idea, because it's inconvenient for you.

 

Doesn't that make you sad? The life of a creature is in YOUR hands and you've effectively decided that you will no do what you can to save him, to provide him a safe, happy environment.

[Billy Bob]

Voice box removal?? Holy sh*t!

 

Not saying I would go that far..

 

http://www.barkingdogs.net/debarkingsurgery.shtml