What's the right thing for my dog?

[Haribosmummy]

OK, I have a big dilemma here.

I have a (GORGEOUS) chocolate labrador, nearly 6, who is just a great dog and companion.

Ihave a 9 month old son, the dog and the baby are best of friends and I don't have ONE DOUBT about the dog being around the house.

It is fair to say, though, that the dog's quality of life has gone down - he only gets one walk a day (usually an hour to an hour half) and then a shorter (15 miutes) pee stop at night.
He gets left at home a lot more (which he HATES - really suffers from sep. anxiety)
And he is now restricted from several areas of the house, which again, he finds difficult.

So, I've just found out I'm PG with no. 2 (due in August - don't ask about dates - I'm flippin terible at realising I'm pregnant!) and DH is concerned that I won't be able to cope with the dog as well as two babies (My DH works away during the week)

So, I do have an option of sending the dog to my parents...

Positives:

1. Parents LOVE dog
2. Dog LOVES parents and doesn't miss me at all while with them
3. Dog would get 3 lovely walks per day
4. Dog would not be left on his own (not for more than 15 - 30 minutes)
5. Dog would get more positive attention and a better quality of life.

Negatives:

1. I don't WANT to get rid of the dog.
2. The dog has never done anything wrong and is just a lovely, lovely pet...
3. I wonder how easy it would be to take the dog back at some time in the future (he is 6 now)

I think, maybe, it would be better to consider the dog and think, yes, he probably would be happier on a day to day basis with my parents. I still see my parents a lot and talk to them daily, so could keep in touch with the dog...
dog walker is a non starter for me, (and the dog) because the dog has sep. anxiety and doesn't like leaving the house without me (even with DH) - the only other person I've ever seen him comfortable with is my dad.

my parents don't live close enough for them to be able to pop in on a daily basis to pick the dog up and walk him - that would be ideal, I know.

So, for those who know and understand dogs more than me - am I being selfish or would the dog really, truly prefer to stay with me?

I'd really like some advice.
thanks,

HM

Firstly, best of luck Haribo whatever you choose!

tbh I think you need to just consider what will be best for the dog. I think dogs are happiest wherever they get the most attention, rather than being dutifully attached to their original owner.

Very tough decision but you are obviously looking out for your dog's best interests so good luck

I personally think that the dog would be fine staying at home. They generally take their lead from you (not literally) and if you can only fit in an hour a day to walk them they are happy as long as they are still well loved which it sounds like your dog is.

Hope you make the decision soon

Singyswife - that made me ...

My dog always carries his own lead so he does lliterally 'take his lead from me'

I suppose what I'm most worried about is what if I struggle (with two kids) to take the dog for even one nice walk a day?

If that happened, then I would ask my parents to help, because it's the highlight of my dogs day - getting out and about in the fields and being free to kick his heels up...

maybe I should just wait to see how things go?

My dog walking did slip a bit while my 2 dc's were very small - I played lots of frisbee in the garden instead. I won't lie and say it will be easy but if you're not sure don't do anything hasty.

Wait and see is a very viable option

If your DH works away all week surely he can see what good protection the dog will be for you and 2 little DCs.

rofl at labs being protection....

I'm sorry, PortBlacks - didn't mean to be snotty.

It's just my hamster would be better protection than my lab!

.

I'm sure he will be fine you know.

I would just wait until your new baby arrives and see how you cope. There is nothing to be lost in doing this and you may find you manage just fine.

He will be a great companion for your children as they grow. .

I must agree with Bella - the idea of my lab being any sort of protection is a bit laughable... but I can see the point... he has an aggressive sounding bark on him and that at least is something of a deterent!!

is there any chance you could get a dogwalker to take him out once a day ? that way he will get a really good run and you will be guilt free . Or do you have any friends who might be willing to take him out for you ? Its just a thought

Yes, it's a thought - if I could find the right one, but Ddog suffers from separation anxiety and doesn't like to leave without me (will get really quite upset, even if DH holds his lead).. and he tends to be quite scared of other dogs (though this seems to be better in recent months / years)..

I used to use a dog walker when I worked, but in that instance, I wasn't in the house when he was taken out or brought back - I think we'd struggle to get him out of the house if I were still inside.

He is such a wonderful little sissy!!!

My opinion would be to keep him, and make that sort of decision this time next year. By then the little one will be 6 months or so, and you'll have a much better idea of how both you and the dog are coping. There's no need to rush the decision, and you could find that it is much easier than you thought.

Does your dog enjoy chasing balls? I always find 1/2 hour of ball chasing, especially using a ball thrower really tires them out.

My advice would be to give him to your parents. Dog will be happy and the guilt will go. It's not like your dropping him off at a rehoming place with no idea of what will happen to him. He cant lose