Mom Needs Advice on What to Do with Crazy Puppies

Updated on September 27, 2008
F.H. asks from Simi Valley, CA
5 answers

Hi. My husband talked me into letting him get two adorable boxer puppies about three months ago. He had been pushing to get a puppy for several months but I refused repetedly because I just was not up to it. We have several other pets that I feel were already not getting enough attention. Not to mention our toddler who was learning how to use the toilet! He found two adorable white boxer puppies and I agreed to keeping them with the stipulation that he would take full responsibilty in caring for them. Well, I've had more than my share of stress because of these puppies. I know I'm a big sucker for giving in. I think that the puppies deserve a better home, where they are appreciated and given a lot more attention. My husband doesn't want to give them away but he hasn't taken the time to train them yet and I'm at my wits end with puppy problems. They really are wonderful dogs and I love them, so I feel horrible about considering to find them a new home. Not to mention the message it will send my kids about treating a life as something you can just give away for convenience. We've fenced off part of our small backyard to contain them but they've proven to be excellent escape artists. My youngest son absolutely loves them. I've lost my patience countless times and end up yelling at my husband about the pups. It's not a pretty situation. I told him I couldn't handle having puppies right now. I don't know what to do. If anyone out there has been in a similar situation and can offer helpful advice, Id really appreciate it. Thanks.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for your responses everybody! My sons are old enough to help out with training and we've decided to work together to train the puppies. My husband is still responsible for the bulk of this training and is taking them to a training class. I admit that I was a little resentful about having to take on any part of training puppies I didn't ask for. I realize they are a gift and I love them so I will make a happy home for them. Thanks again everybody!

More Answers

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D.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Give your husband a deadline to train them by. If he really cares enough to have them then he will get the work done. Can the kids get involved in training them? Are they old enough to help out? Make it into a lesson about responsibility and correcting mistakes with your kids. Research how to give them away to a good home that is ready for them and not just drop them off at the pound. If it's really about what's best for the dogs then it won't send your kids the wrong message. Good luck!

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have spend years training dogs, mainly the basic obedience, and my partner would do the more advanced stuff. You have bitten off (no pun intended), way more than you can chew.d This is a very labor intensive time of any dogs life, and 2 is not just twice the work, it's exponential. I also noticed that you have a small yard. As these dogs get older they will require alot of room to move about, even if they're walked regularly. Clearly your husband has no interest in training them, and even if you had the interest, I doubt you'd have the time. It sounds like you have youngish kids.

If I were you I'd find a more appropriate home for them. Frankly, I think you'd be sending the more responsible message to your kids. It's important for kids to know that we must all look out for the welfare of our pets, not just keeping them with us because it's what we want to do. Them seeing you making a responsible decision would be great modeling. Good luck - maybe next time you want to adopt an older dog who is already trained.

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A.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm not sure if this is helpful advice, but it definitely sounds like you need to get them into a puppy training class. Most discipline issues with dogs is because no one ever established the alpha position with them. Also, I personally believe dogs shouldn't be outdoors all the time. You will create a better bond with them if they are allowed indoors, sleep indoors, etc and are treated as part of the family. Of course, you'd need to go through potty training with them, but if done properly that shouldn't take too long. I'm also a big believer in properly using crate training (indoors, in case you aren't familiar with the concept). Not only can it simplify the potty training process, but dogs view it as their den, a safe place to be when not with their masters. They can't be left in them for endless hours, but it's a good way to keep them out of trouble and let them feel secure when you can't have them integrated with the family or while away from the house. It sounds to me like you and your husband need to sit down without the emotional charge and make a gameplan on how best to train and integrate them into your family. It sorta sounds like once you got them they were given a little spot in the yard to live, but I'm hoping that's not the case. If it is, that's likely the root of your problem. I highly suggest picking up a book on raising puppies and looking into getting them into a training class. That should be a good start! Dogs can be such a wonderful addition to the family, they just need some good guidance just like a baby. In many ways, puppies are like babies and need similar guidance, rewards, etc.

I hope that helps!

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T.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

The only solution I can see that would make everyone happy is for your husband to train the puppies - starting immediately. What he is doing to you is completely unfair. He started this little project, now he has to finish it. That is, if he cares at all about the quality of his wife's life.

Only you know how he will respond to this request. If you must, make it an ultimatum. Train the puppies in 30 days or you'll be forced to find them another home. This will teach your boys to take responsibility for their choices, while they watch their father deal with the aftermath of his own choice.

Best of luck to all of you.

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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

We just got a puppy. I have an almost 5 year old and and 18 month old. The puppy is like having a new baby! I highly recommend crate training. Some people misunderstand what it is and think it's cruel, but it's the complete opposite. Just like human babies, you can't let a puppy have run of the house or yard unattended. There are lots of books about how to properly crate train. It will still be work, but will make it so much easier. If you have the money, you could invest in private training and/or a dog run for the backyard so they can't get out. Hang in there... if they are well-trained than this stage will go by fast! Best of luck.

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