To not chase after the fucking dog

[paradisechick]

We have a little west highland terrier. He's 3 and a bit of a pain in the arse. I wasn't keen on the whole dog thing but DH convinced me. It's an escape artist. Since I've been on maternity leave (14 weeks) I've had to search for him no less than 7 fucking times. Once when I was a week of my date he got out of the garden, across the fields and some kind person had him in their garden.

3 weeks ago he got out and was in the field opposite, I had to leg it halfway across said field to get him whilst the baby was sleeping.

Last week I realised he was missing just as I was heading out. Cue a wasted hour driving round the town until somene called me (his number is on my collar) and I went to meet the man to get the dog back. He was really pissed off and shouty at me.

So, my DH assures me he's made sure the garden is secure (again) and this morning I'm hanging out the washing. Dog with me. I came in to make up bottles then went to get the dog in before I sit down for 10 minutes. He's gone.

Baby sleeping, we've got plans today and I don't know what the fuck to do.

The dog obviously doesn't want to live with us. I phoned DH, he swore at me, like it's my fault for leaving the dog outside. DH never walks the dog (as was agreed) so it's not wonder the little shit takes itself out for a run. I didn't want a dog. Why do I have to spend my days running after it?! DH is working only about 5 miles away.

Would it be unreasonable for me to get on with my day as planned, if someone phones saying they've got him I'll pass the number onto DH. Or do I put the sleeping baby in the car and spend another day looking for him?

One of my beautiful westies passed away last week :( If you can get your unwanted westie to Sweden, he can live with me.

The Doctor whom took my rabbit contacted me via Gumtree. Just be selective, not all on Gumtrre are evil animal abusers.

omg do not advertise yhour dog on gumtree, terriers are the main dogs used for fighting bait, nice responsible people who are looking for a dog do not look for a free one on gumtree. please please please do not advertise on gumtree.

terriers are the main dogs used for fighting bait

:(

horrible again if anyone ever considers utting a dog on gumtree please read.

Spuddybean, your dog experiences growing up sound bloody awful. Dogs need leaders and if there isn't a leader about they will become one. It isn't their fault really but that's beside the point. Take comfort in the following story:

When I first moved to the deepest, darkest countryside I was at a school PTA dinner where the conversation eventually got round to pets. The farmer's wife opposite me said that their Jack Russell was mad. "Oh?" I said cheerily "How so?" Apparently it had got into DS's rabbit hutch and eaten yet another rabbit. "Ah" I said, "you'll have to keep him tied up in the garden from now on I suppose?" "No need" she said through a mouthful of salad, "We shot him instead."

At the time I was so horrified my mouth hung open in a big O and my DH had to kick me under the table. Now, years later, I understand that he was an unpredictable working dog ( apparently there were a string of other offences), who would have hated being anywhere else than the farm he was born on. I'm not sure rehoming him would have been a real kindness.

(BTW, this is not a recommendation that naughty dogs should be shot willy-nilly, before certain posters get all knicker-twisty. Personally I find banning them from the lounge sufficient)

I will have a look over in the dog house, thanks.

I don't think we will re home but the fact I seriously considered this and mentioned it to dh was enough to make him realise how serious I am about the need for change.

I won't re home for a number of reasons. He'd probably get a new home quick because he's cuter than the hundreds of staffies looking for a home. But he's our dog. I've got to start looking at him as our dog, not just dh's. We need to do what's right for him.

Dh is going to be more consistent with the walks. Twice a day, no excuses. I.ye said I'd like to do the evening walk. I might enjoy getting out without a child and hopefully the dog will get better on the lead for me. I won't take him through the field etc because of how I feel about other dogs. I will stick to the streets but I'm sure he won't mind. Dh does proper rugged off the lead walks.

We were out checking the garden last night and it's a total mystery how he's getting out. Dh is going to double up the slats at the weekend just in case. We're not going to leave him in the garden at all. Will get a stake and a long lead as I think its a shame he can't sit out and bask in the sun.

We've got to work at me building up a relationship with him. He's always been a one man dog so I've kept out of it but it's time I embraced being a dog owner. I'm just not getting a fleece!

When he went missing for days last year I was distraught. I'm not a total ice queen. I would never have not looked for him despite what I said. I was angry. Thanks to everyone that saw through that and thanks for all the advice.

Lovely post OP.
Best of luck with him, and I'm sure you'll get lots of help and advice on here, there's a lot of doggy experts around.
Bet you'll learn to love him. Keep us informed how it goes .

Could he be...climbing the fence?

You do know that things and threads like this would never happen if only people would stop insisting on owning dogs?

naughty Buppy !

Bad Buppy, in your bed.

Is it possible to put him on a long lead in the garden? I don't have a dog so I don't know if this is the done thing.

OP simply buy a treadmill and put it front of the telly. Play a video of a park. Put dog on treadmill. Switch on. Bonio will think he's larking about in the park. Winner.

Having a runaway dog is no joke , it can make life incredibly stressfull . Mine will climb a 10 foot fence to run away and has even jumped out of windows .

A stake and a long lead is no good as he will simply chew through it . You need a long chain that is anchored to the wall and ideally a kennel . My dog does not go in the garden unless she is put on the chain . She is not allowed to follow me out when i hang the washing or put the bins out unless she is on the chain . If the door is open even a inch she will bolt out of it and the same goes for the windows .

External doors have to be locked instead of closed as she can open them by pawing at the handle . If i want to spend a hour in the garden with freinds i have to either put the dog on the chain or keep locking and unlocking the door everythime i go in or out , same for putting the rubbish out or hanging washing . It restricts my movements around my house and causes me a lot of stress . The very worse thing is when family visit with small children as they are running in and out and leaving doors open . The dog can not be outside with the children as she gets stressed and therefore i have to keep my eyes on her constantly .

It wont be long before your baby is toddling in and out of your garden and unless you are super vigilant i think it will become intolerable . I couldnt cope with my dog and a small child . If your H doesnt become more commited i would rehome the dog regardless of how he feels about it as its not fair on you or the dog .

I would expect him to come home with a long chain and take serious steps to prevent this from keep happening .