Family/Dog advice greatly needed

[lizbud]

I'm with Karen.

I read your post and what through to me was, not only are you allowing the dog to do whatever she wants, you are handling your family the same way. Time to teach rules and consequences. With 3 children and a new baby, you will not have the time to be the only one handling the dog. Get them all in line now.

Also, look into an obedience class and have ALL the children attend with you and the dog. Ensure THEY do all the homeworks and practices. This will put all of you on the
same page with dog commends and training. Make sure it is a positive reinforcement training school.

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time just now.

I'd second this advice. Time to have a family sit down (Including Dad) & get things back on track. I'd personally thank your coworker for offering & tell her what's going
on at home. If Hubby & the kids follow through with traing & care for the dog, fine. If not, better to give the dog to some one who will commit to the care & raising of the
dog. Best of luck with this problem.

[pomtzu]

I also agree with the advice that has been given so far. If the family isn't willing to do their part now or at any time in the future, then I truly feel that the dog would be better off in a new home where it will get the discipline and love and attention that it needs and deserves. Dogs are really no different than children and they will do anything for attention if it is lacking, and perhaps this little furry kid is acting up because she does get attention when she misbehaves. Attention is attention afterall - be it good or bad.

[Asiel]

I agree with the above post--- I htink if everyone in the family got involved in training this dog and taking it for walks and such she would become a different dog--- we've all seen dogs who will do just about anything for attention. You've been given some great advice from everyone and I bet if you try it that dog will be much happier also. Dogs feel vibes , good or bad--- Don't forget the treats for every little improvement, works wonders at speeding things up.

[Cataholic]

While I think the above advice is great, I can't imagine having 3 active children, with another on the way, and no spousal support. I would lovingly re-home the dog. I have too many cats, a dog and a child. To think about adding another activity to our life- like obedience class- no way.

Sorry, it is time to re-home the dog.

[lizbud]

While I think the above advice is great, I can't imagine having 3 active children, with another on the way, and no spousal support. I would lovingly re-home the dog. I have too many cats, a dog and a child. To think about adding another activity to our life- like obedience class- no way.

Sorry, it is time to re-home the dog.

I hear you Joanna. Since we're talking about what we would do, I wouldn't want to miss a opportunity to teach my children
about responsibilty & commitment, especially where pets are concerned. At their ages, they would be able to learn these lessons.

If after giving it annother shot, I could say then, do what's best for the dog & give her to someone whould would provide all the
care the pet needs & deserves.

[pomtzu]

Lamb76: This thread makes me very sad, having lost my loving little Shih Tzu to heart failure not even 3 months ago. I would do most anything if I could have him back, but of course that's not possible.

In thinking more about your situation, I personally see from what you have written, a dog that is absolutely starving for attention, and the only one she gets it from is you, and it seems that you don't even like her much. After a year, I really don't see the kids stepping up and helping with the dog that they pleaded for. If they don't do it willingly, then obviously the dog really doesn't mean that much to them. Shih Tzu's are very loving and people oriented dogs, and they want and need and thrive on the attention of their care givers. It doesn't seem that at this point in time, that your family or lifestyle can give any dog the care and attention that it needs to be happy and healthy and thrive in it's environment. Perhaps at a later date and time it would be more likely to succeed.

If the kids want a pet, have you ever considered a cat? They are very independent and self sufficient and don't require near the "work" that a dog does. But maybe your family isn't suited to a cat, for any number of reasons - it was just a thought.

Please know that I am not speaking badly of you - you certainly have a lot on your plate right now - and I can understand how/why you feel as you do. You are one person trying to shoulder a whole family's responsibilities, which is a huge task even under better circumstances.

If you have any feelings at all for this little dog, then let her go with your co-worker where she sounds like she is wanted, and will get the love and attention that she craves and deserves.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.