No longer want to have our dog

[ashley1309]

I feel awful saying this but I no longer want our dog. We brought him from a rescue centre almost 3 years ago and he is a very placid and nearly perfect husky dog. He's loving and calm but now I've had a baby I just can't cope with it all. My baby girl is 9 months old and trying to juggle working, running a house, looking after her and managing a dog is all too much. The dog hair is driving me insane. I know I am a house proud person and I have tried to let go of some of my ways however, I won't allow my daughter to be covered in dog hair and having it in her mouth and stuff. I don't have time to hoover everyday, which is what my house needs. He also needs walking at least once day, or more, and quite frankly I just don't have time as I always have more pressing jobs to do related to work, home or baby. My partner works a funny shift pattern so also no longer really helps out with the house or the dog.
Essentially I think it's time we did the fair thing and allow him to move to a more loving home where he would get more time and attention, where he isn't shut out from parts of the house, and where he gets looked after better. However, I just don't think my partner will see this and agree. What do I do?

You took in a rescue husky so you should be aware of how good homes for these dogs are few and far between.
You can have a baby and a dog. Having a baby doesn't stop you going for a walk. Put the baby in the buggy every day and go out with the dog - good for everyone.
If you don't have time for brushing book maybe the occasional groomer's appointment would help.
Hoovering....just has be done.

The problem with saying I'll just rehome him is that we all know rehoming centres are full of dogs and rehoming him privately would probably mean he would be passed around again as there is no way of checking the persons suitability unless they happened to be a close family member unlikely.

The thing is you have so many options before you get to rehoming. First your DP could step up so you become a tag team allowing both the baby and dog to get the right attention from each of you. Second you could look at dog walkers, preferably the paid kind but if not then something like borrowmydoggy.

As for the fur really it's a part of owning a dog so not sure why it's an issue now. It's not going to hurt your DD to get dog hair on her. If it's that bad then hire a cleaner for a few hours. Yes these things cost but that's part of having dogs and children in that they are expensive. It wouldn't be forever but would get you through the initial period.

Get a dog walker to come every day and take him for an hour walk.
Book him in for regular grooming.
Then re-assess the situation.

Your baby is very small and although it’s not ideal you need to put your mental health and your baby’s wellbeing first
If that means rehiring the dog then so be it. Ignore anyone who makes you feel bad about this it’s clear you feel bad enough anyway you don’t need anyone making you feel worse
Circumstances change and when that happens we need to sometimes make difficult decisions

*reHOMING !

Why did you post on here? For sympathy and a pat on the shoulder?

You’re irresponsible at the very least, look after the dog properly, or re-home responsibly - and never get another living breathing creature who depends on you, as you’re just not up to the job

Poor poor dog. And never ever get another pet.

Everyone knows that huskies need a hell of a lot of work. They're working dogs who need loads of stimulation and exercise - in lots of people's opinions they shouldn't be domestic pets because of the work involved in keeping them happy.

Why did you get a high-energy, high-needs working dog when both of you work out of the home and you were planning a child?

You need to step up and take care of your dog. Not walking a husky isn't an option - they need two walks a day at a minimum. So either do it yourself or pay for a walker or daycare so the dog is around other dogs and getting the stimulation and attention it needs.

If you do decide to rehome it, please don't get another one when your child is out of the baby stage. Dogs are a commitment, not something you can give away on a whim because it's hard.

Rehome the dog responsibility using a dog rescue
The poor dog is worth better than you
Then never ever get another animal , your just not up to it

Does the dog have free run of the house? This is not ideal, especially with a young baby, if you limit the rooms he can roam in then that's a lot of work cut out. I would tell your partner he has to walk the dog morning and night, you will take care of feeding and grooming. That's fair I think. Can't you take the dog with you while you push baby in the pram though? Or a dog walker can be a good idea, or will a friend help out? Once baby is a bit bigger things get easier.

Ignore anyone who makes you feel bad about this it’s clear you feel bad enough anyway you don’t need anyone making you feel worse

Why should everyone pussyfoot around the OP?

She took a high energy high need dog when she know she would be starting a family. It was all very much foreseeable. Are we all required to go all “There, there...don’t worry, it’s only a dog”.

knew

I really dont understand why people struggle with a dog and baby.

Put baby in pram, walk dog. What’s so difficult about that

Before anyone shoots me down, yes I had 3 GSD and a baby and a horse. Nobody died and everyone got walked, there’s no excuse other than laziness.

I have a 9 month old too so I know how hard it all can be. My partners family have a dog and I also don't like the thought of my daughter getting dog hair on her. For their house we bought a seat ring thing (I'll try and add a picture), where she sits with all of her toys etc. My daughter usually naps around midday so you could take the dog when your child is due for their nap, using the pushchair. We have wooden flooring so put down a big thick blanket, you could also do this and then just give it a wash once a week or something. I don't think you should give the dog away but I do think you need to explain this all to your partner as he needs to help out! I usually Hoover once a day, after dinner and when daughter is winding down :)

We have a husky op, not an average dog. Did you do no research??

Yes, I'm one of those people who thinks these dogs shouldn't be in suburban homes as pets unless the owners have the time and wherewithal to give the dog the huge amount of stimulation and exercise this breed ideally needs. But he's in your home and has been for 3 years, no doubt living without all his exercise needs being met so would probably be better off staying with you.

However, you don't want the dog any more. If your partner doesn't want the dog rehomed then he has to put the time in to look after it's needs.

The logical thing to do is to rehome him so he can find a loving home where he's not seen as a bloody nuisance, but just bear in mind that this dog may or may not find a new home if you do choose to rehome him and may sit in kennels for ages or be pts.

Posters can give their opinions but ultimately it's obviously your decision. Would agree with pp never get another pet.

Get a cleaner that will also walk your dog.
Would suit me tbh - wonder if you near me??

This is the nest, they do different colours too

Poor dog. I'm gutted for him

Good grief threads like this are depressing. I do hope you don't plan on acquiring another pet in the futureOP.

That poor poor dog.

How irresponsible and selfish you are.

Don't ever get another pet; you don't deserve one. Posts like this sicken me.

I actually think re-homing the dog really is the best thing to do. As an Alaskan malamutes owner/fosterer these northern breeds need more care than the average dog. I think resentment will build and the dog will live an unhappy life feeling that and without it’s full needs being met. As a fosterer dogs settle into new home remarkably well if the transition is done carefully.

Get in contact with a rescue group that is associated with your breed AMCUK or Below8 are some I can think of.

i am sick of hearing people say they want a dog rehomed due to a baby i work for a rehoming charity and it makes me mad when i see this happen your partner wants a boot up the bum and as for the hair he always moulted before why the fuss now? why cant you hoover doesnt take that long pay a dog walker to walk him take him to a groomer but for gods sake dont do the worst thing you can and chuck him out like a pile of rubbish

DP needs to step up and take his share. It’s not “helping”. He helped make the baby, also chose the dog and lives with you.
Never mind the dog hair. Get the poor bloody thing walked. You took this dog on. It’s a responsibility. Live up to it.

Rehome your DH instead?