I just stumbled upon this thread and I feel sick. How could anyone even think of hitting their dog - espacially a PUPPY? My dogs have NEVER been hit or yelled at. It took a while to potty train them but now they never have accidents! I prefer the praise and reward method of training - not the scream, yell and hit method.
I really hope you can the puppy. Here is what I would do. You said your friend gives the puppy to you, then comes back a week later (w/ her kids) to take him back from you. I would find an awesome home for the puppy so the next time she gives him to you, you can give him to someone else. Then she won't be able to take him back from you because he'd belong to someone else. It may sound sneaky but it's the only way to get the poor puppy out of such a terrible abusive situation. Or, if you really want to keep him for yourself, the next time she gives him to you and then tries to take him back later, simply say NO. Plain and simple. Don't give in to her kids tears because what about the puppys tears? Who dries his tears? Who cuddles him after he has a shoe thrown at his tiny face? It's just heart breaking.
Good luck! Please keep up posted. If you really need to find him a home I'll take him! I just feel so sorry for him! Good luck again!
