Quote:
Originally Posted by Calmom  I'm confused-I thought that was your question i.e. if you should keep the dog...
If rehoming the dog is NOT an option why did you ask? I thought that is what you wanted to know about? That was the only reason I brought it up
In any case, I still I applaud you for the efforts you are making and the fact you are trying to allow Heidi her choices and not force her into giving up this puppy!
That is wise, kind and mature. I am so happy that you are NOT using threats, coercion and demands to make Heidi give up the pup! Many men today are not as decent. (I AM concerned that you seem to "order" Heidi to put the pup down and give YOU attention. You might want to give that some thought. I'm hoping that was out of context and isn't quite as demanding as it seemed?)
AND I AGREE-Heidi should NOT be forced into anything-however perhaps a really frank, honest talk with Heidi about the unsuitability of this puppy at this time? Does she understand that you would rather not have this puppy at this time? Can you convince her of the fact that if she truly cares for this puppy (which I have no doubt that she does) he would be happier and better off with someone who is actually THERE to train him and care for him?
I understand why you want the puppy to like you-OF COURSE you do-that is normal and good-but under your circunstances it may be more difficult to achieve...
I swear to you it is impossible to have a happy, healthy well socialized dog with the little time you two have without outside help. Even with help it won't be easy...
However, if you insist on keeping this puppy-could we first, please have a name for him?
And then here are some ideas:
TRY very hard to bribe the little one with treats and kind attention.
NEVER grab, yell or be harsh with him. If he MUST be corrected try to have Heidi do it, in a firm but gentle manner.
PLEASE find a way to spend more time with him-maybe you will have to sacrifice alone time with Heidi for a while-in the long run it will be worth it.
AND PLEASE, ALSO find a way that the puppy does not spend so much alone time. I am concerned that he will become shy and fearful of everyone, not just you but Heidi. He needs socialization-eventually with other dogs as well as humans! Part of the problem may be that he hasn't spent a lot of time with people-
(I just had a thought that MAY explain the pups shyness-maybe this breeder wasn't quite as sterling as you think) There have been a few "red flags" which if you are interested I will point out, but this pup may not have been socialized well before you got him...)
Anyway, there are bonded pet sitters who can be trusted to come to your home.
Ask around for trustworthy teens who babysit-my daughters have done both babysitting and pet sitting!
Maybe Doggy daycare...many cities have formal doggy day care but if there is none around you I am certain there are other dog lovers there-go to parks, pet stores, vet offices-ask if there is someone who could have the pup at thier house for a few hours a day.
Maybe there is older person who would LOVE to have a puppy around but cannot own one.
A stay at home Mom whose kids are grown or in school might love the companionship of a pup during the day?
Brains-strom! Think! Ponder! Ask around! There is almost NEVER just one solution to a situation... |
You know what...this is an awesome answer. Thank you. I really appreciate that.
(Edit: We don't really know anybody in the area though...we're somewhat new. Of course, we couldn't just trust anybody....I wonder, do they still have programs where you can bring pets in for the elderly?)