In a tough position!!
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In a tough position!!
Well guys i have a little dilema and im not sure what the heck i shouls do. I have two small children a two year old son a 6 week old daugther, i also own my buisiness so as you can imagine time is not something i have alot of. Here is the problem i have a 6 year old pure bread with papers choclate lab. I have no time to play with the poor thing im not sure if its just the winter months that are making it more difficult. I dont own a property that she can run free I have a sub division home with a fair size fenced backyard. My question to you guys is am i being selfish to keep her under these conditions or am i irresponsible to even comprimise giving her to a good family?
All you need to do it walk the dog at least once a day. That walk is great for everyone that goes along in every respect and is great for socializing with each other. Dogs get accustomed to what they are given. In a kennel they would be out for a run once or twice a day and in they kennels the rest of the day. I have two dogs and they get a 45 min run each day and they are in great shape.
Some people just like stepping on rakes
Don, I guess what Huntman's saying is that he doesn't have the time to even walk the dog. I can empathize.
Many years ago, before my first daughter was born, I owned a dog, which I kept outside in a kennel. Spring, Summer and Fall wasn't a problem, but Winter was a different matter. Starting work at 7am, I didn't feel like getting up at 5AM to walk the dog, by the time I got home, it was almost dark, and I found it a chore to walk it, so the odd night I'd skip. It didn't take me long to realize that my lifestyle wasn't conducive to owning a dog, especially when my dog, a female, showed signs of jealousy when I gave my attention to my daughter. Needless to say, I had to give her up.
Many years ago, before my first daughter was born, I owned a dog, which I kept outside in a kennel. Spring, Summer and Fall wasn't a problem, but Winter was a different matter. Starting work at 7am, I didn't feel like getting up at 5AM to walk the dog, by the time I got home, it was almost dark, and I found it a chore to walk it, so the odd night I'd skip. It didn't take me long to realize that my lifestyle wasn't conducive to owning a dog, especially when my dog, a female, showed signs of jealousy when I gave my attention to my daughter. Needless to say, I had to give her up.
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sumner4991
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The only thing you are being irresponsible to is yourself. You need to make time to exercise with your dog. It will keep you both healthy. You owe that to your family. In a couple more years, you will have less and less time . . .unless you nip it in the bud now. Always budget time for your body . . .which means time for exercise. Later on you can include the kids and it's a blast. Otherwise, you will have a business that you know extremely well and have family that you barely know and have a body that will quit on you.
Make exercise a priority . . .it's the best investment of time you can ever make.
***edit*** . . .one other note, there are probably a couple of kids in your neighborhood that would love to walk your dog a few times a week. My daughters do it for a couple of folks. They would do it for free(since they do not have a dog), but, they are usually given a dollar.
Make exercise a priority . . .it's the best investment of time you can ever make.
***edit*** . . .one other note, there are probably a couple of kids in your neighborhood that would love to walk your dog a few times a week. My daughters do it for a couple of folks. They would do it for free(since they do not have a dog), but, they are usually given a dollar.
Last edited by sumner4991 on Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
I'd rather wear out than rust out.
Perception trumps intention.
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Perception trumps intention.
2006 Exomax w/Agingcrossbower Custom Stock
20" Easton Powerbolts w/125gr Trophy Ridge Stricknines & 2"Blazers
Boo Custom Strings
2006 Vixen
I worked in canine rescue for years and your situation is fairly common. Rescue is often most busy in late spring (when people want to go on holidays without their dogs) and in late summer (when the kids are going back to school and Mom doesn't want to be stuck with looking after the dog.
Dogs quickly adapt to routine, but once they're in a routine unless you can maintain it, it can drive you crazy. With all the dogs I've had I've fed twice a day, but not always at the same time so that eventually they learn to chill out and wait instead of flipping out when dinner's not served at 5 pm on the button. (I do the same with my husband!
) The same thing with walks. It's tough to deal with a dog that "insists" on a walk at the same time every day.
With a young family it's tough to keep a routine or a schedule - Life happens. Dogs can adjust to a flexible schedule and can be happier that way. You're the one that says when they eat or exercise and that reinforces your alpha position. Not a bad thing at all.
Also, dogs will adjust to the amount of exercise that you give them. They can can be just as happy with one walk a day as with 4.
Although labs are working dogs that enjoy activity and a job, at 6 yrs old, your lab should be starting to settle a bit and need a little less that she would at 2 yrs. What is important is that your dog feels like she has a job to do, like she has value and significance. I know that sounds a bit weird, but it's true. Let her know that her job is to keep your kids safe - praise her when she interacts with them in a safe and caring way. It's amazing how quickly dogs pick up on that.
Give her some good one-on-one when you can. Toss a bumper while you're watching TV. Entertain your 2 yr son by showing him what your dog can do (fetch, come, roll over, sit, stay, teach tricks) - you're giving them both quality time that way. Feed her evening kibble by hand one piece at a time and have her work (sit, down, stay, fetch, come, whatever you can think of) for each bit - it doesn't take much time, but it's an awesome way to work some training and bonding into her day - and it establishes your alpha position even more.
In a year or two your family situation will be much different and you'll have a great companion for you and your children.
I think that working things out with your lab at home is preferable. Even if the dog has less activity than you think she'd like, it's probable that a change of home would be harder on her, than "toughing it out" with you.
On the other hand, if you decide to find a new home for her, I recommend involving breed rescue - they can screen homes, do follow-up, and help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Dogs quickly adapt to routine, but once they're in a routine unless you can maintain it, it can drive you crazy. With all the dogs I've had I've fed twice a day, but not always at the same time so that eventually they learn to chill out and wait instead of flipping out when dinner's not served at 5 pm on the button. (I do the same with my husband!
) The same thing with walks. It's tough to deal with a dog that "insists" on a walk at the same time every day.With a young family it's tough to keep a routine or a schedule - Life happens. Dogs can adjust to a flexible schedule and can be happier that way. You're the one that says when they eat or exercise and that reinforces your alpha position. Not a bad thing at all.
Also, dogs will adjust to the amount of exercise that you give them. They can can be just as happy with one walk a day as with 4.
Although labs are working dogs that enjoy activity and a job, at 6 yrs old, your lab should be starting to settle a bit and need a little less that she would at 2 yrs. What is important is that your dog feels like she has a job to do, like she has value and significance. I know that sounds a bit weird, but it's true. Let her know that her job is to keep your kids safe - praise her when she interacts with them in a safe and caring way. It's amazing how quickly dogs pick up on that.
Give her some good one-on-one when you can. Toss a bumper while you're watching TV. Entertain your 2 yr son by showing him what your dog can do (fetch, come, roll over, sit, stay, teach tricks) - you're giving them both quality time that way. Feed her evening kibble by hand one piece at a time and have her work (sit, down, stay, fetch, come, whatever you can think of) for each bit - it doesn't take much time, but it's an awesome way to work some training and bonding into her day - and it establishes your alpha position even more.
In a year or two your family situation will be much different and you'll have a great companion for you and your children.
I think that working things out with your lab at home is preferable. Even if the dog has less activity than you think she'd like, it's probable that a change of home would be harder on her, than "toughing it out" with you.
On the other hand, if you decide to find a new home for her, I recommend involving breed rescue - they can screen homes, do follow-up, and help make the transition as smooth as possible.
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Sent from a mobile device - So spelling and grammar may be questionable!
---
"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
Along the lines of what Sumner was saying. Why not take the dog for a walk while pushing a stroller? Could probably find a little field to toss the ball for a few minutes while out with the kids. A quick "around the block" during the week, and then on the weekends make the walks longer.
That's how it was when I had my dog. Mornings were for a whiz, evenings for a ten minute walk. At times it seemed harder to think about walking the dog than the actual walk.
Weekends usually consisted of an extended outing or two.
That's how it was when I had my dog. Mornings were for a whiz, evenings for a ten minute walk. At times it seemed harder to think about walking the dog than the actual walk.
Weekends usually consisted of an extended outing or two.You can take the man out of the woods but you can't take the woods out of the man.
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I don't know what your lab is like on a leash, but if she's strong then walking her with a stroller can be difficult.
When our son was born we had two large dogs that both had very high prey drives. We used prong collars on them and it made all the difference. The dogs were happier because it was clear to them what they could and couldn't do (no more testing and pulling) and they got longer and more frequent walks. I could easily handle both of them and the stroller.
For anyone that thinks prong collars are cruel I encourage you to try one on the next time you're at a pet store. Put a prong collar and a slip chain collar on your arm or leg and give each a pull. It's an educational experience! Although the slip chain looks gentle - it's far more cruel than the prong. I will never use a slip/choke chain on our dogs again.
Sorry for rambling again...
When our son was born we had two large dogs that both had very high prey drives. We used prong collars on them and it made all the difference. The dogs were happier because it was clear to them what they could and couldn't do (no more testing and pulling) and they got longer and more frequent walks. I could easily handle both of them and the stroller.
For anyone that thinks prong collars are cruel I encourage you to try one on the next time you're at a pet store. Put a prong collar and a slip chain collar on your arm or leg and give each a pull. It's an educational experience! Although the slip chain looks gentle - it's far more cruel than the prong. I will never use a slip/choke chain on our dogs again.
Sorry for rambling again...
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---
"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
Sent from a mobile device - So spelling and grammar may be questionable!
---
"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
A few things to remember. The dog that grows up with your kids is the best to be around your kids. They eat all the garbage that hits the floor! 
They great for your growing kids to occupy their time with. Labs are great durable dogs for young kids. Dogs teach kids empathy and love. Last but not least is that they are man's best friend. BTW, I was told by someone that you can tell that they are by putting your wife and your dog in the trunk. Close the lid and come back in an hour and open the trunk. Who do you think will be happy to see you?
They great for your growing kids to occupy their time with. Labs are great durable dogs for young kids. Dogs teach kids empathy and love. Last but not least is that they are man's best friend. BTW, I was told by someone that you can tell that they are by putting your wife and your dog in the trunk. Close the lid and come back in an hour and open the trunk. Who do you think will be happy to see you?
Some people just like stepping on rakes
Dogon
My lab keeps me active I take her for walks at least every other day she is my excuse to get out and active and that keeps me in shape for hunting season she also comes out with me in the summer when I take my mountain bike on the trails.That time is my time and I need it as much as she does
The best things in life are not things!!
" I was told by someone that you can tell that they are by putting your wife and your dog in the trunk. Close the lid and come back in an hour and open the trunk. Who do you think will be happy to see you?"
That's funny!!!!!!!!
A good dog, especially one with kids is hard to find.
Maybe play fetch in the back yard for a few minutes.
Depends on how close you are with your dog.
My kids, young as well really love my dog.
Tough decision.
That's funny!!!!!!!!
A good dog, especially one with kids is hard to find.
Maybe play fetch in the back yard for a few minutes.
Depends on how close you are with your dog.
My kids, young as well really love my dog.
Tough decision.
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Lab eh... sounds like you might have even less time once you train that dog to find sheds in the spring on the weekends.
Here is an easy way to teach that dog to finds sheds.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/article_gall ... 1000014194
Go Sens Go
Here is an easy way to teach that dog to finds sheds.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/article_gall ... 1000014194
Go Sens Go
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00 Buck - Licensed to kill
00 Buck - Licensed to kill
Dogs and Kids... A match made in heaven... I have fond memories of my childhood with dogs! I also had a pointer through University and I lived in some small places. What I did do was get the dog out for walks and hunting. You might not have alot of time, but taking the kids and the dog on a walk is one of the fondest memories I have from childhood...
Also consider that your beloved pet might not end up with the best "new owners"...
For me, it's a no brainer, dogs are family...
Cheers
Jay
Also consider that your beloved pet might not end up with the best "new owners"...
For me, it's a no brainer, dogs are family...
Cheers
Jay