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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Too soft with our dog?

34 replies

heatseeker14 · 12/08/2020 20:23

My father-in-law thinks that we pander too much to our dog. I’ve changed a few things around the house because ddog has just been castrated.
I’ve put the stair gate back up, blocked off the sofas and have been sleeping downstairs with him. I didn’t think it would be a good idea for him to jump up on our very high bed while he has stitches in. Does this sound sensible or over the top? Am I a crazy dog lady?!

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 12/08/2020 20:25

I am a crazy dog lady as well as I slept on a mattress on the floor with BiteyDog after neutering and all his other operations Grin

Feralkidsatthecampsite · 12/08/2020 20:26

When our ddog was recovering from cancer surgery last year I slept downstairs for a fortnight..

tabulahrasa · 12/08/2020 20:27

Well I don’t sleep downstairs after neutering... but then they’re used to sleeping downstairs alone anyway.

Does it matter what your FIL thinks if you and the dog are happy enough with how things are going?

MonkeysAllGoWoo · 12/08/2020 20:29

How have you blocked off the sofas?

Mostly seems fair but the dog will be able to tell what he can and can't do.

nicky7654 · 12/08/2020 20:30

No your a wonderful Mummy! I have slept downstairs with my furbabies after their operations and will carry on doing so. One of mine age 3 has just had her hip and ball joint taken off as riddled with arthritis . Mattress was bought downstairs for when I carried her outside for a wee at night x

icedaisy · 12/08/2020 20:32

No I think you have maintained comfort for him. He's used to you at night and you have continued that. I would have done the same and have done in different circumstances.

missyB1 · 12/08/2020 20:35

We do whatever it takes to keep our pets safe and happy. Our dog sleeps on our bed most nights, and tonight there will be thunderstorms, she will be terrified and I will be up all night with her no doubt.

charlaz · 12/08/2020 20:42

Not at all! They are like children! I would be exactly the same and have been. They need looking after just as much as humans. Sounds like you're an amazing dog mummy Smile

Original poster
heatseeker14 · 12/08/2020 20:48

Lots of like-minded people out there. ☺️
@tabulahrasa, I’m not particularly bothered what my father-in-law thinks. I just wondered if other people do the same type of thing with their dog.
@MonkeysAllGoWoo, I’ve turned them to face each other then used dpup’s playpen to block off the ends. It looks horrendous in my lounge at the moment!😄 Our dog is allowed on our sofa, so I didn’t want to confuse him by telling him no.

OP posts:
whishtyournoise · 12/08/2020 20:51

My dog is best beloved, he has own super comfy bed and does not go on sofa or our bed. His bed is his special chill out zone where disturbing him is banned, he is so happy and settled in his space.

Feralkidsatthecampsite · 12/08/2020 20:51

I would sleep on that sofa still to have my ddog back..
Sad

tabulahrasa · 12/08/2020 20:53

“I’m not particularly bothered what my father-in-law thinks. I just wondered if other people do the same type of thing with their dog.”

Ach, I know... I just more meant...

Pandering is kind of subjective, if you’re happy, the dog is happy - it’s causing you no issues - then bash on Smile

Original poster
heatseeker14 · 12/08/2020 20:54

@Feralkidsatthecampsite 💓

OP posts:
Dreamersandwishers · 12/08/2020 20:54

@Feralkidsatthecampsite 💐

Smallsteps88 · 12/08/2020 20:56

Not sure why your dad is bothered. Confused how does it affect him if your dog is comfortable after surgery?

Dreamersandwishers · 12/08/2020 20:56

I got the same nonsense from my Dad, but boy did he like the cuddles when mum died.
I think you get back what you give, in spades.

Smallsteps88 · 12/08/2020 20:57

Sorry, FIL!

Original poster
heatseeker14 · 12/08/2020 21:17

My FIL has never had a dog. I don’t think he understands how they can work their way into our hearts. I consider him to be a member of our family. His GF used to have a dog many years ago, but it was kept outside a lot. I think that might have something to do with his opinion. They both think we are making things harder for ourselves than necessary.
@tabulahrasa, I’m not particularly good at explaining things very well. Perhaps wrong choice of word on my behalf.

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 12/08/2020 21:26

“I’m not particularly good at explaining things very well. Perhaps wrong choice of word on my behalf”

No, I think it was me... It was supposed to be reassuring, lol

IncrediblySadToo · 12/08/2020 21:27

dogs, cats, rabbit, guinea pigs, hamster....I've slept in the lounge with all of them (not all at once, thank god!). It wasn't even my hamster! 🤣

I wouldn't leave an animal upset, in pain or alone anymore than I'd leave a human - more likely to leave a human as they can call for you. ‍🤷🏻‍♀️

You're not odd or if you are, you're in good company xx

UnfinishedSymphon · 12/08/2020 21:35

Have you posted this before, it's very familiar, even down to the sofas

Original poster
heatseeker14 · 12/08/2020 21:43

No, I haven’t posted this before @UnfinishedSymphon. Perhaps I’ve mentioned it on another thread.

OP posts:
winetime89 · 12/08/2020 21:45

Sounds like your a great dog owner and really care, it's not too much. when mine got spayed I didn't leave her side. I didn't sleep downstairs as I lifted her on the bed and carried her about up and downstairs ect (she's the size of a Labrador)

doodleygirl · 12/08/2020 21:49

When my girl had cruciate surgery no one in the house sat on any couch for 6 weeks. We all stayed in the floor with her. Totally normal Grin

justasking111 · 12/08/2020 21:56

Done the same for dogs after surgery over the years. It seems to comfort them that you are there when they are in pain.