Need advice please

Our dog, Lexi, is a great dog who isn't getting the attention she deserves.

DH insisted on getting a dog when we got a house and promised to care for her and get her the exercise and attention she needs. With two kids and a full time job, I knew I wouldn't be able to do it alone.

We have a large yard but she digs so I can't leave her outside unsupervised or she will end up next door at the neighbor's house.

DH swore he would walk her after work and on weekends but NEVER does.

He only gives her attention when he walks in the door, then gets annoyed if she doesn't lay down and behave perfectly all night.

When I am home (or the nanny) the gate is up in the living room to prevent the baby from getting out and the dog from chewing on all the kids toys. She doesn't get much socialization during the day at all.

I am so upset, and so at a loss. We just aren't enjoying her at all like we should, and I feel like unless DH helps there is no rectifying the situation. I have tried talking to him about this and all he says is " I don't want to talk about this now" - because he is either working, busy, or tired from working

What the heck do I do?

Re: Need advice please

Can you hire a dog walker? Neighborhood kid?

Re: Need advice please

Have you considered doggie day care so she can play and socialize with other dogs?

Re: Need advice please

If a dog walker is not an option, and he is not willing to put in the work that is needed, I honestly would consider giving the dog to a person/family who could give him the attention he requires.

Also, if he saw you looking for someone to give him to, maybe he'd have a change of heart.

It's tough.......I have had my dog since before we were married with DS and led a completely different lifestyle with more time, so I understand where you are coming from.

We foolishly ended up getting another pug right around the time that I found out I was expecting and she did not get nearly as much attention. Since she was a puppy, she was in the crate a lot of the time, DH worked a lot and I was feeling either too sick/tired to walk her. She actually ended up passing away suddenly at about a year old however, and I know it sounds horrible but it was probably a blessing in disguise.

Re: Need advice please

Like PP's said, a dog walker or doggy day care a few days a wk would be great. Also, I know it sounds crazy but my in-laws breed show dogs and one of the ones they show is very stir crazy and needs a lot of excercise. On the days when they cant take him for a long walk they put him on a tredmill and he loves it! It is a funny thing to see

Re: Need advice please

Posted by Lina

Like PP's said, a dog walker or doggy day care a few days a wk would be great. Also, I know it sounds crazy but my in-laws breed show dogs and one of the ones they show is very stir crazy and needs a lot of excercise. On the days when they cant take him for a long walk they put him on a tredmill and he loves it! It is a funny thing to see