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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to say no? A question for dog owners

51 replies

Hearterama · 29/12/2010 08:05

My brother has asked me to feed and let out his dog which would involve him being left for up to 13hours at a time in a 48hr period.

He was let down at the last minute by a neighbour but I feel this is not fair on the dog. I have never had dogs so I am not sure what is ok? I have looked online and it says that up to 8hrs is ok. He stays in a fenced off part of the kitchen so during that time would be in a space about 2mx1m day and night.

AIBU to say this is not ok and that he needs to find a kennels for him? He goes today so wd that even be possible?

OP posts:
charliesmommy · 29/12/2010 12:17

Could you not have him at your house overnight if the kids will be in bed.

VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 29/12/2010 12:18

Whereabouts are you, Hearterama? The chances are very small given the time of year but I might be able to suggest someone. (Am a dogwalker and carer with contacts in rescue).

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:20

We are in Warrington, in the North West

OP posts:
VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 29/12/2010 12:24

Bloody miles from me, dammit, or I'd say bring the pooch over here, the more the merrier!

Will see if I can come up with anything but TBH I think it unlikely.

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:27

Charliesmum- had not thought of that, yes I could do that. Then it is only the 6 hours form 2-8 on thu that he would be alone for.

OP posts:
TheBrandyButterflyEffect · 29/12/2010 12:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PeeringIntoAFestiveVoid · 29/12/2010 12:27

Utterly unreasonable and cruel to leave him for 13 hours at a stretch, particularly a young dog - if he's housetrained to any degree it will be upsetting for him to soil in the house, and you'll have to clear up all the shit. If I were you, I'd be furious with your brother, wedding or no. Angry

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:28

Valhalla- thank you so much for trying. xxx

OP posts:
VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 29/12/2010 12:32

No problem though the closest dog walker and sitter I personally know of anywhere near that area is South Yorks. :(

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:37

Right so this is how it looks;

Wed after noon- walk at about 4pm,
pick him up at about 8pm for eve then he sleeps in the kitchen. Would it be ok to leave him in a babydan playpen in the morning from about 7am til 10am, letting him out into the garden when and as much he wants?

If I can do that I can take him back to his own house at 10am, my friend will pop in at about 2 then bring him back to ours at about 8pm. Then if garden/playpen plan ok he can stay here til my brother gets back. Then he is only along 10-2 then 2-8.

OP posts:
Toughasoldboots · 29/12/2010 12:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Toughasoldboots · 29/12/2010 12:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DooinMeCleanin · 29/12/2010 12:50

Is there a reason you can't have the dog when the children are awake/there?

Sorry if I have missed something obvious here.

PeeringIntoAFestiveVoid · 29/12/2010 12:57

Hearterama That sounds much better. Xmas Smile I hope you have really stern words with your brother at a later date.

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:59

doinmecleanin- The kids are frightened of him and they are only young (2.3 and 5). If I can keep him in playpen even for a bit, then they might get more used to him and it might be ok to let him out. They are used to their grandad's dog and fine with him but he is older and calmer.

I presume that on the thu I would be better to leave him at my brother's house as that is what he is used to?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 12:59

And please dont worry, I will let rip with him on fri when it is all over!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 13:01

doinmecleaning- sorry, that was 2,3 and 5!

OP posts:
DooinMeCleanin · 29/12/2010 13:08

Ah right. Well what you sugested sounds far better than leaving him alone and having him conatained but in the same room might help your children overcome their fear.

He should be going for a walk during the day if he is alone that long. I am surprised your brother has nothing in place for that if he is leaving the dog alone all day, normally. He doesn't sound like a very responisble owner. It's little wonder the dog is bouncy and exciteable if he is left alone that long.

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 13:12

doinmecleenin- you are not saying anything I have not said before. Their neighbour usually lets him out at lunchtime but she is the one who has let them down.

OP posts:
charliesmommy · 29/12/2010 13:12

what you suggest sounds great. If you take him a walk, take the kids too if you can during the day time.. as much controlled contact with the dog as possible is always best, as lots of little people will probably make him nervous too.

a new toy for the dog to occupy while he is in the playpen will also help to stop him trying to get out of it too...

Original poster
Hearterama · 29/12/2010 13:16

Thank you all so so much for your help. Feel alot better about it now. Still Angry Angry Angry with DB for putting me in this position but at least I feel like dog will be happier. If the one good thing to come out if this is that the kids are ok with him, it will make my life so much easier on visits!

OP posts:
christmaswishes · 29/12/2010 13:32

You could ring professional dog walkers and get them round a few times. Your brother can reimburse you when he gets back.
But if I was you I would have the dog at mine. You will find a way to cope! Also kids won't be frightened of him if you handle the situation properly, they wiLl get used to the dog. I am sure. You can find a way to keep them apart a lot. Dogs hate no company. Your brother should not be aloud a dog !

HaveToWearHeels · 29/12/2010 13:34

If you leave a young dog for that amount of time he is likely going to distroy the kitchen out of sheer bordom !

VeryStressedMum · 29/12/2010 13:37

When I got married, I had the dog booked in teh kennel about 3 months before.

Maybe he thought the dog would be ok - who knows what he thought but it's really not ok for it to be left so long. Can he get a few more people to look in on it during the day?

StarlightWonderStarlightBright · 29/12/2010 13:41

I hate dogs, but....poor dog!