Hello all. This is definitely not going to be an eloquent post. It may be totally lacking in intelligence, but I have to ask... how many of you had a difficult time adjusting to the responsibilities of sharing your life with a dog? I grew up completely ignorant of what a dog, companion or working, really needs. I am close to 30 and am just now learning in the past year. (So glad I found this site!) <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
How do you manage kids and full time work and doing everything for your dog that they need you too? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />Any suggestions for coping with this and coping when you only have three hours of daylight and it's on average 0 degrees outside would be awesome.
I haven't given up on myself or my dogs, but I'm flagging a little. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Greg Myers Webboard User Reg: 09-15-2006
Posts: 23
Loc: MI, USA
Offline
Well, it takes a family. I have 3 kids 2,4,7, and 2 dogs 13yr old beagle/terrier mix, and a 4mo old GSD. My wife and I both work full time. I can tell you it takes a lot of time and effort to get it all to work. But anything worth having always does. I'm not sure how old your kids are, or if you have a significant other, but delegation of responsibility is a great tool to make it work. It is hard, but rewarding.
Good Luck
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always have what you've always had.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote:
Well, it takes a family. I have 3 kids 2,4,7, and 2 dogs 13yr old beagle/terrier mix, and a 4mo old GSD. My wife and I both work full time. I can tell you it takes a lot of time and effort to get it all to work. But anything worth having always does. I'm not sure how old your kids are, or if you have a significant other, but delegation of responsibility is a great tool to make it work. It is hard, but rewarding.
Good Luck
And it really helps to stay in the moment when you can. When you pet the dog or feed the dog or train the dog......... think of that bond you are reinforcing and not about other chores you feel you should be doing. It doesn't get the other chores done; all it does is double the time spent on them (worrying PLUS the actual doing). <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
When you're on your deathbed, to paraphrase many wise sayings, the fun you had with family and dogs will be the good memories...... you won't say "Gosh, why didn't I wash that darned kitchen floor more often?"
Motivational training can be pure fun --- and the joy of seeing a dog love to learn. You are building lifelong memories, teaching your kids something invaluable, and making a great and secure life for -- amazingly -- a member of a different species! How can you beat that?! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
And P.S., BTW: We all falter. I don't leap out of the warm bed with joy every morning an hour early for the dogs' "power walk." <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Amber Morgan Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2006
Posts: 1849
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Offline
Can you incorporate your dog into your family activities? Or can you incorporate your family into your dog activities? Kids love learning how to train a dog, they love playing fetch, and dogs love going for rides to the supermarket or, especially, the BANK (where they get biscuits in the drive through)!
Dogs really want to be with you, and it sounds like you want to do more with your dog! You have the same goals! Button up and take lots of walks with your dog and your family! It won't stay cold forever!!
Connie, thank you! I am truly my own worst critic. My Dobe is only 6 months old and she already knows how to sit and knows she has to be calm for food. We are going to be working simultaneously on 'come' and walking on a leash.
Amber, I think I'm going to have to do both. I'm glad you reminded me. I would love to get to the point where the dogs could pull my boys on sleds. (pup isn't old enough) The boys are only 5 and 2, but I grow 'em big.
Just a lot to take on at one time... I've always been like that. I'm good with trying to manage 2 kids and 2 dogs on my own while being in the military. At least I recognize some limit. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I have a wonderful boyfriend who helps as much as he can and also likes my dogs. They like him, too.
I guess I'm just impatient. Once I get it all down pat, I KNOW I won't prefer it any other way. I appreciate all your posts!
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Time... Where does it all go??
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
