Hellooo frands.
I'm in need of some assistance today. As I'm sure most of you know, I'm the proud mom to my little Toby Jack. Well, what you probably don't know is that he is a handful. He's still a baby...only 10 months, but it's like he's got an unlimited amount of energy.
little man...in rare form :)
Here's my problem-
I have such a hard time trying to balance having a dog and having a life. I know that sounds extremely selfish but it's the truth. Lately I've been feeling like a slave to the little guy. {insert laughter} Now don't get me wrong; I love him to death! But when I got him, I was still in a relationship and I thought I'd have someone else to help me with him....and I was way more of a homebody. Anyway, I know a lot of you single girls have pups and I just didn't know how you managed to balance it all out. And on top of it all, I'm trying to relocate to a completely different city and I can't even fathom the thought of giving him away. I don't want him to have to stay in the crate all day and when I want to do things after work so I'm just curious as to how you all do it.
Thanks so much girls!!!
xoxo.
9 comments:
Dogs are definitely a handful, and sometimes makes it hard to have a life. We keep sane by mostly going out on the weekends, and not weeknights when they are locked up 10 hrs a day already. However, those rare nights we do go out we feel a bit better knowing it's not EVERY night they are home alone. If it's an option, you could possibly hire a dog walker for days you know you're going out, so at least he gets walked. I read in a dog book that dogs dont have a concept of time like we do, so they don't know if you're gone ten minutes or ten hours. Just make sure they have a safe toy to keep them occupied while you're gone. Good luck!
Aww I feel you! I am married now, but when I first got my dog she was a HANDFUL. I tried to take her on as many long walks as possible to keep her happy and her energy level a bit calmer! And when we are with our dogs now, we try to make it the best quality time we can... My parents help my sister and brother with their dogs while they are going to be out late- maybe find someone that can dog sit on nights you go out? Good luck with Toby Jack!! You will figure it out:)
The best thing ever about big cities is dog parks- take him, grab a cup of coffee, let him play for an hour, and he will be so exhausted when you go out that he won't even notice you are gone. Plus, you won't be out every single night so he will be fine! Its the not-sleeping-in thing that suckkkkksss but I think the pup's love makes up for it:-)
I'm not single, but the best things I've found to help with my dog are trips to the dog park and visits to doggie day care. Both wear him out so I don't feel as guilty if we go out at night! Good luck!
hey doll! i felt your pain at one time. it is so hard to juggle it all and not feel like you are walking back out the door as soon as you get home. I took Bailey to daycare 2-3 days a week and it was the best thing I could have ever done for the both of us. It would completely wear him out. He goes to a place where they don't cage him and it is all day indoor and outdoor play. He was getting exercise all day and I didnt feel bad leaving him in the evenings because I knew all he would be doing was sleeping. He still goes, even though KR works from home. We also do dog parks when the weather is nice. I would always commit certain evenings to him and then others to myself and my social life. I felt like that way you get a good balance.
You just being concerned about it shows what a good dog owner you are. So many guys/gals get dogs and dont realize what a big responsibility it is. As long as he is getting exercised, you cant beat yourself up. Some days you may not be able to be the “perfect mom,” but you just try harder the next day. I know lil Toby Jack is so lucky to have you.
I have this same issue every time that Will is gone. He's usually the one that wears Weiser out, so when he is gone I have to rough house with him, take him to the park, take him on long walks, and make sure that he isn't left alone too much. I'm not too worried about him being at the house alone because he is pretty good and sleeps a lot BUT I don't want him to get prostate cancer later in life because he didn't get enough potty breaks (not sure if that's even a doggie issue, but it worries me anyways). I am lucky that I have a few friends I can call that live in our neighborhood that will watch him if I know I am going to be gone awhile or will at least go by and let him out. I think they are the only way I can get by some times. Like when I end up getting stuck at work late. Yours is small enough that you could train him to use the pee pads and maybe keep him contained in a bathroom or safe room...PS> the other main issue with not giving them enoug attention is that they will begin chewing things. We give Weiser a kong filled with peanut butter or hooves to chew. Those keep him entertained for hours!
Not sure what your thoughts are on roomies... but maybe find a fun roomie who also has a small dog and then you guys can help each other out and the pups can keep each other company?
I don't have any advice at the moment, but I just wanted to say that that is theee cutest freakin thing I have ever seen in my life, what breed is it?
Hello! I just found your site and love it already. Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you :( I desperately want a dog but haven't gotten one yet. I just wanted to post and say that I love your blog and I think that may be one of the cutest dogs I've ever seen! Adorable!!!! I hope you figure it soon :)
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