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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

I can't cope with my dog anymore.

11 replies

Dawggawn · 04/08/2017 15:07

I've had him 8 months and I love him to pieces but I just cannot handle him anymore. He is only a small breed but he is such a handful.

I got him after I had a really bad time mentally and I felt suicidal. I needed someone there when my kids were at their dads. To distract me but its just added so much more to my plate. I was selfish.

I now have a partner and she has MH issues too (we met through a support page) and she can't deal with him either.

Hes a good dog. Its just me and my illness and my situation changing (had to stop working and am skint now) my kids are being difficult

I feel like i am drowning. I have the NHS MH crisis team involved its that bad.

He didnt ask for this but I dont know what to do

No one in my family can take him.

OP posts:

SpareChangeDownTheSofa · 04/08/2017 15:12

When you say you can't cope with him why is that?
Is it his behaviour or something he is doing?

BloodWorries · 04/08/2017 15:16

It doesn't sound like there is any specific thing that could make it easier, or anything that a bit of training/time/money can solve. It sounds like you are simply over loaded and cannot cope.

Where did you get him from? A reputable breeder or rescue would take him back and would have that written into contracts.

If not, what breed is he? Pretty much all breeds have registered breed rescues, a quick google could help you find it. Some will take dogs quickly whilst others (such as staffies) have a waiting list. Some will take cross breeds that include their breed too.
Otherwise have a look into Dogs Trust, it might be a drive to get to your nearest one, and there might be a waiting list to take him off your hands but they will find him a loving home. There are many other good rescues out there but they are many many more (including big names) that aren't always so great.

I used to think that people who gave up their pets were horrible, but it's not that simple and I can understand your issues OP. Sometimes life just throws too much at us and something has to give. It's a shame when it's something we love so much but it's better for him to be in a home that can meet all his needs with pleasure, than with someone who is really struggling to care for themselves and their family never mind him as well.
As long as you go about it in the right way (reputable breeders/rescues and NOT gumtree or any random down the road) then I can't see an issue with rehoming. But please please don't get another one.

Original poster

Dawggawn · 04/08/2017 15:17

It's mostly because of my illness. Everything feels so hard. I have to put so much energy into keeping it together for the kids that by the time it comes to him I have no energy or patience left at all.He gets walked twice a day but is still so full of beans. He never keeps still.

All I seem to do is say no to him these days and shout :(

OP posts:

SpareChangeDownTheSofa · 04/08/2017 15:18

I think its best that you return him to a breeder/take him to a rescue. Especially if you're shouting at the dog. Sorry Op.

Original poster

Dawggawn · 04/08/2017 15:18

He is a pedigree breed. KC registered and a 'popular breed' too.

I just don't know if I can do tjat to my kids. I feel like evil personified

OP posts:

pigsDOfly · 04/08/2017 15:20

If you really can't cope with him and having him is affecting you badly then you need to re home him obviously.

However, please make sure you do it in a way that's best for him.

If he's a particular breed then try to rehome him through a breed specific rescue otherwise get in touch with a local rescue or one of the larger rescue groups. You need to do your best for him and a proper rescue will find him a new loving home.

Don't whatever you do advertise him on the internet, or anywhere else.

LilCamper · 04/08/2017 15:22

10 minutes of mental stimulation is with 30 of physical exercise to tire him out.

Things like scatter feeding him in the garden, puzzle toys instead of food bowls and trick training can make a huge difference.

pigsDOfly · 04/08/2017 15:25

Just seen he's a pedigree. The breeder should take him back in that case or as I said in my pp breed specific rescue.

At 8 months he will be full of energy and will be going through adolescence so will be very challenging and hard work.

If you're shouting at him and it's too much for him please rehome him. Your children will get over it. It can't be making them happy to hear the dog being shouted at and it's making you miserable.

Sound like it would be better all round for the dog to be rehomed.

Have you spoken to the breeder.

pigsDOfly · 04/08/2017 15:27

*If you're shouting at him at he's too much for you, that should be

TheHodgeoftheHedge · 04/08/2017 15:34

Please, please, please speak to the breeder. If they are a decent, responsible breeder they will help advise you with the problems you are having and take him back if you decide you need to rehome him.
If for any reason you do not get joy there, contact the breed specific rescue.
I feel for you - 8 month old pups can be very hard work and you are obviously really struggling here.

I own several small breed dogs and have worked extensively with rehoming and fostering dogs. Please feel free to message me directly if you want to chat without it being so revealing on here.

Sending you big hugs in the meantime.

Dwilso · 26/08/2024 16:34

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

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