I should never have gotten the dog. What to do? - Page 5

[3boobykins]

Good for you, Tara, for giving it another try. You sound very motivated and hopeful, and you obviously love the puppy and want to make this work. Wishing you the best, and keep coming here to ask for help and encouragement.

[daekini]

crate, yes, yes.

my pup is being housebroken, he stays in his crate a lot of the time right now. he gets vigorous exercise outside with us; his crate is in our living room. he does get upset sometimes, but rarely. he has toys and eats in the crate (at specific times). he's never really alone except when we all leave for an hour or two during the day, and at night - but the crate is always in the house.

ignore the barking; the pup will learn to love it's crate and it's the only way you'll learn to love the pup.

[thismama]

Originally Posted by Melda

but for all you americans I would like to tell you that most dogs that are brought to shelters as owner turn ins are put to sleep within days of being brought there ... so if your fine having someone else kill your dog that is your option. This is just sad and sick ... and the reason i have 4 dogs and have rescued many.

Actually I think this particular dog would be at very low risk of being put down in a shelter. A puppy, small breed, purebred pug... I'd be surprised if it spent more than a few days in a shelter.

I agree with your point about not acquiring dogs lightly, but I think sometimes we can overstate the case, which compromises the message.

[Potty Diva]

After working on several horse farms I have seen dog canine and equine bond closely.

The best bond I have seen was between ab lue heeler and an old Belgian mare- now THAT was a pair

When I lived in Arizona all our dogs were outside (except at night) including the neighboring farm dogs.

At 5:30 am we would get a visit from 4 neighboring dogs and after breakfast at 6 (we fed them all-including our two) they would head off for the day.

I would call Tyler (my lab/terrier) mix in at about 6-7 pm and he would come running from some distant hill.

They all had a good time and were lean and fit (but they did have the company of other dogs).

We never pastured a horse alone, seems like that would be the fastest way to crazy, colic and a twisted gut.

[Lady of Z Lake]

We agreed as a family (including dh, though I'm not holding my breath on how much real help he'll be) that we're willing to spend the energy and effort to get Bacio house trained.

So we've kept him in his new set-up now for two days with no accidents! We put the pen around double doors on the inside that lead to the outside terrace. We've mostly been able to keep the doors open with the exception of a storm yesterday evening that blew over petty quickly.

My main question now is about if/when to let him out of his new space while we're inside. He is definitely in a place where he sees just about everything happening in the main living areas. But he whines and barks some while we eat dinner, and although we take him outside (or he goes on his own when doors are open) to play and hang out (like this weekend), we haven't let him out inside the house. Can I get some direction on if/when to let him out. For example, if I'm cooking, can he be a free dog with me in the kitchen? Currently we do not have the kitchen blocked off preventing him from wandering farther. Plus it's a big open space, so we'd have to figure out how to block it anyway.

I've been reading up on the crate links and wondering if the pen is an equivalent to the crate? Does it matter? We have both and he often goes into his travel carrier/crate to sleep, but we have it in his pen right now so he has the choice to go in or not. I may actually need to get a new one because he gets in, turns around, and sleeps, but he can't do anything else, including standing (he is cramped for standing).

And, sorry for the long questions, but what do you think of bringing his carrier to our bedroom after his early a.m. pee... Is this a good idea to keep him company or a bad habit to start? We have slept with our other dog and kids for years (kids are still a regular feature) and decided with this puppy we want to have some peace in the bed!

[boricuaqueen327]

I'm glad to see you're trying things out your pup Lady of Z Lake. Good for you!

[limabean]

Originally Posted by Lady of Z Lake

So we've kept him in his new set-up now for two days with no accidents! ... Can I get some direction on if/when to let him out.

That's great about no accidents!! As for letting him out indoors, I'd say as much as you'd like! If he's more reliable about pottying outside and isn't much of a chewer, he might as well be with you! If he starts being a nuisance you can always put him back in his pen to chill out.

I've been reading up on the crate links and wondering if the pen is an equivalent to the crate? ... I may actually need to get a new one because he gets in, turns around, and sleeps, but he can't do anything else, including standing (he is cramped for standing).

I think the pen is equivalent to the crate, as long as he isn't soiling in his pen (sometimes if the area is too big they'll potty on one side and sleep on the other). If you do decide to keep using the crate, definitely get one that he's able to stand up comfortably in.

what do you think of bringing his carrier to our bedroom after his early a.m. pee... Is this a good idea to keep him company or a bad habit to start? We have slept with our other dog and kids for years (kids are still a regular feature) and decided with this puppy we want to have some peace in the bed!

We've always had our dog sleep in our bedroom. At first she slept in her crate in there, and now she just sleeps on a soft doggy bed in the corner. I get too hot at night to allow her to sleep on our bed, but I don't mind her being in the room, and she really likes it. But that's up to you as an individual dog owner -- if you've decided to make your bedroom off-limits, then that's okay.

[Sarahbunny]

As far as letting Bacio be free when you are cooking or whatever, I would recommend you leash him to you when you are in the house. That way, he can be with you but he can't sneak off to have an accident.

Although rethinking that, i am not sure while you are cooking is a good idea...hot pans, boiling water, little puppy underfoot, etc. But, it is a good suggestion otherwise, I think. I don't believe it crating a dog all day when you are in the house as well, it wouldn't help with his socialization, imo.

I think it is great you are trying different things with him, rather than just straight re-homing. Pugs are so loyal and sweet...just really stubborn. The first year can be really tough with them and I can see you not realizing that if your other pug came to you at a year old. They are smart little dogs though...they just want to do things their way.

I can't give you any advice about bringing him into your room...ours sleep on (or rather IN) our bed.

[lokidoki]

I have been away for a few days and just returned to read a few posts...boy, did it take me a long time to get through this one!

I am glad to see you giving your dog and your family a chance at making it work. While I do think that finding reputable rescue or a home that you know will be a good one when the only option is rehoming ~ I think you miss a valuable lesson if you do not first get your family to rally and keep your pet. I agree with your 8 year old when she says that the dog is already in her heart. That is important and it is important to support as a family. When we take these pets in ~ we owe it to them to give them what they need and sometimes that is not easy. Last summer I had a 4 month old baby and one of my 7 dachshunds went down in her back and required constant crating. She whined and cried and fussed and made a huge drama over it. When we let her outside we had to carry her out and use a towel as a sling so that she didn't put weight on her back end. Between that and breastfeeding ~ it was all I could do to find some time for me to rest for 5 minutes. It wasn't easy ~ but I compare it to having a child that is unexpected ~ you wouldn't give them up to an adoption agency after a few months when you discover they are more work than you anticipated ~ you make it work and figure out a way to make it thru. BUT all of that being said ~ if it cannot be worked on and a better home awaits your puppy then rehoming is better than neglecting or not training!

Good for you on the family meeting and getting everyone involved ~ I think that sends a powerful message to your children and will hopefully get everyone more involved!

[AngelBee]

: Glad you are all working on this as a family