DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home *UPATED*

Yogi is our 3 year old German Shorthaired Pointer. He is a great dog, but he has his behavioral problems. He is a VERY high energy dog, to say the least. He was great when it was just me and DH. But, he has become more demanding of our time since our son, who is now 1, started moving around the house on his own and playing with his toys. When DS is playing with his toys or we try to play with him, Yogi steals or is just in our face. I have to say, he is VERY gentle with the baby. he has never been aggressive AT ALL. But, within the last week Yogi started peeing in the house if we don't give him attention.

DH thinks that Yogi needs more attention than we can give him. We tried training and it wasn't very successful. We don't have the money to get the trainin we want (which is $500). What else can we do? DH is at his wits end and I don't want to give Yogi away.

UPDATED:
I'd first like to say, thank you all for your feedback. Like all of you, the thought of even considering rehoming Yogi was very upsetting to me. I consider him my first child and I love him to death. I cried over this situation and talked to DH. I told him that under no circumstances and I willing to find Yogi a new home. I explained to him that its not Yogi that has the problem, it is us, and therefore, he should not be punished. Yogi is wonderful with our son and I want him to be able to grow up with Yogi around. I want to be able to play with Yogi in the lake every summer until he is too old to swim. I want to take him for walks, runs, to the park, swimming in my mom's pool, and lay with him on lazy Sundays. I agree that DH's excuse is NOT a real reason to rehome an animal. I didn't agree with it from the minute he told me. I acutally brought it up at dinner with my IL's when we were there the other night and my MIL and FIL went OFF on DH for even considering it.

In reaility, DH needs to learn more patience for Yogi. Yes, Yogi is demanding and, Yes, he can be annoying when he steals and we are chasing him when he has DS's toys every 5 minutes. But, we need to do what it takes to make it work.

Again, thank you all for your feedback. I hope my original post did not insinuate that this was a final decision OR that I was willing to find Yogi a new home. I just needed some feedback an support to bring back to DH. Thanks again!

Message edited 11/7/2009 10:36:34 AM.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

he might need more exercise if his energy is that high. any way you can take him for longer walks?

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

I'm pretty sure your dog just needs more exercise. Pointers generally need to go for runs, playing in a yard just won't do. I have a young Pointer and I find that if I don't walk her, she is crazy and just looking for ways to expend her energy, such as playing with toys - or whatever is on the floor, and going up and down the stairs. The dog is in your face and stealing toys because he needs way to release that energy.

I know it's not the easiest thing to find time to do, but if you take the dog for long walks or runs I really think you will see a difference in his behavior.
Good luck!

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Bottom line, it sounds like he needs more attention and exercise, and you can find a way for that, it just will take extra work.

I have two dogs that require a lot of attention, I knew that before having DD. My DD is almost one now...some days it's tough. But...I love my dogs to death, they are my furry children. So I do whatever I can to make my dogs happy b/c they were here before my DD and they have needs that need to be met as well. I have to be honest and say that he is your dog all this time, you have to find a way to give him what he needs. He sounds like a very wonderful dog, please don't forget about him b/c you have a child now.

I feel that even if the dog needs more exercise, do the best you can and it will work out. Your dog is only 3. Your son won't always be small. It may be hard now or for a few years, but eventually it will all smooth out. If you love your dog enough, you will find a way to give him the best you can, attention wise and exercise wise.

I take baby and my TWO dogs on walks everyday. I play with my dogs in my yard when my baby is napping. I cuddle and play with my dogs when DD goes to sleep. Yes, I am exhausted most days and am running on empty...but my dogs look at me with such sad eyes and I remember that their are the equivlent of toddlers mentality wise...so I try to keep that in mind and pay extra attention to them. I also make sure to cuddle extra with them at night, take them into my bed as always to sleep at night. We also take them and baby on long walks when DH is home. I walk with one dog and the carriage and DH takes the more energetic one (so they can have free time to walk without the other dog attached). We also still take them to fun things for dogs to do (with baby) and to our families houses when we visit, as we always did. Yes, it is like having 3 kids but I refuse to push them aside for my DD (who loves them btw). And even still....my male dog isn't trustworthy, can be aggressive or nippy, and steals toys, etc but that is who he always was and I am not going to push him aside for DD.

He is your dog, he would be devastated to be rehomed simply b/c a child came after him. Please find a way to meet your dog's needs as best as possible and if you love him, you will find a way.

Message edited 11/3/2009 7:45:12 PM.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

I just reread this whole thread and I am very upset reading this.

I looked at your pictures and saw Yogi's baby pics, that you had him since 8 weeks old. How could your DH (and I hope not you) even think of rehoming him now that you have a DS? He has been your baby all along, I simply cannot imagine no longer having the time or room for him now that you have a DS.

I am sorry if this sounds harsh, I dont mean it to be. But I am sick to my stomach just thinking about ever rehoming my dogs b/c they require too much time or attention.

Look at your pics again. Does your DH recall when Yogi was a puppy? Raising him since he was a baby? Well he is your baby, can't you guys find time to give him what he needs, which is likely just more exercise and attention? Isn't he part of the family/hasn't he been all along so why should that change now?
Pets have a hard time with changes and adjusting too, just as humans do. But we don't just give up on humans or children who act out when trying to adjust to a new situation, so if you see your pet as a family member that you practically raised since birth, can't you find a way to give Yogi what he needs (which is simply a bit more attention right now)? In time, your DS will get older, play more with Yogi, and Yogi will get older and want to play less...kwim?
The thought of this gets me very very upset for Yogi.

Message edited 11/4/2009 12:09:38 AM.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

I just looked at that photo album as well and my heart is breaking for poor yogi

Swimming in that lake!! He looks like the best dog!!! I would show those photo's to DH and maybe he will take more time out with him..

I am having the same issue with Lola stealing the babies toys.. But she is a little dog and doesnt damage them.. the ones she does i just let her keep..

I really am sorry for the baby too he will be missing out on growing up with a great companion.. I really hopethis works out..

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

First off, I looked at your pics and you do have a beautiful family.

I think right now, you need to answer one question definitively, yes or no: Do you want to keep your dog?

If the answer is yes, you must do whatever it takes. No half measures, no trying, you all must do. You must make time for him, not when it's convenient for everyone else and you have a spare five minutes, but when he needs it. Yogi's breed is a working breed and has exercise needs that I'm sure you were aware of prior to having children. You look like you satisfied those needs before, and as far as that is concerned, nothing has changed. He's not more demanding, he still needs the same things he did before but the difference is, that he's not getting it. Their reaction to not getting it is usually destructive or troublesome for humans but that is not their 'fault'. Training will not make them stop needing it.

I think, if you resolve yourself to putting 100% effort into this problem and getting him consistent exercise, you will find that most of the biggest issues will get much easier. But only if it's real, and dedicated work to get him the exercise he needs. My DH runs with our dog. I know someone who's husband taught the dog to stay by his side while he rode a bicycle. A 15 minute bike ride for a person is not that hard, but for a dog, it's great exercise! In good weather, you could get a wheeled attachment for the bike so the kids can come along as well (properly bundled and protected, of course).

I'm not a parent, I know I can't fully understand your situation. However, I have been faced with really tense and overwhelming situations in my life where I was so exhausted that I looked for a way out. Something, anything to make my life easier. A quick fix, a magic solution that would require little of me but would make everything better. I know that feeling of despair. But most of the time, that quick fix doesn't exist and is not always the answer. It may seem completely hopeless at times, but it is not. As PP's have said, they deal with it every day, and you are capable of having it all.

If it is the latter, and cannot or will not put the time and dedication required into him, I implore you to give Yogi one last big gesture of love and get him with a family that can give him what he needs. Look at rescues, no kill shelters, your coworkers, family and friends. Focus on the best family for him to join, one that is prepared to give him his exercise needs.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

This post is truly heartbreaking.
I think I would lay down and die before I could ever make a decision to rehome my pets. Life wouldn't be worth living without them and the grief and guilt I would feel every day would kill me anyway.

I think I'd rehome my husband first if he wanted to do that!

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Posted by greenfreak

First off, I looked at your pics and you do have a beautiful family.

I think right now, you need to answer one question definitively, yes or no: Do you want to keep your dog?

If the answer is yes, you must do whatever it takes. No half measures, no trying, you all must do. You must make time for him, not when it's convenient for everyone else and you have a spare five minutes, but when he needs it. Yogi's breed is a working breed and has exercise needs that I'm sure you were aware of prior to having children. You look like you satisfied those needs before, and as far as that is concerned, nothing has changed. He's not more demanding, he still needs the same things he did before but the difference is, that he's not getting it. Their reaction to not getting it is usually destructive or troublesome for humans but that is not their 'fault'. Training will not make them stop needing it.

I think, if you resolve yourself to putting 100% effort into this problem and getting him consistent exercise, you will find that most of the biggest issues will get much easier. But only if it's real, and dedicated work to get him the exercise he needs. My DH runs with our dog. I know someone who's husband taught the dog to stay by his side while he rode a bicycle. A 15 minute bike ride for a person is not that hard, but for a dog, it's great exercise! In good weather, you could get a wheeled attachment for the bike so the kids can come along as well (properly bundled and protected, of course).

I'm not a parent, I know I can't fully understand your situation. However, I have been faced with really tense and overwhelming situations in my life where I was so exhausted that I looked for a way out. Something, anything to make my life easier. A quick fix, a magic solution that would require little of me but would make everything better. I know that feeling of despair. But most of the time, that quick fix doesn't exist and is not always the answer. It may seem completely hopeless at times, but it is not. As PP's have said, they deal with it every day, and you are capable of having it all.

If it is the latter, and cannot or will not put the time and dedication required into him, I implore you to give Yogi one last big gesture of love and get him with a family that can give him what he needs. Look at rescues, no kill shelters, your coworkers, family and friends. Focus on the best family for him to join, one that is prepared to give him his exercise needs.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

What about Petsmart doggie day camp? Maddie goes to the one by the Walt Whitman Mall (but we've also taken her to the one in Farmingdale). She goes twice a week and when she comes home those nights, she is EXHAUSTED!! It's well worth the $25/day ... she gets extra excited on the mornings she knows she's going to camp.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by dilb712

OUTSTANDING! YOU HAVE LEARNED HOW TO ELOQUENTLY APPROACH THIS SUBJECT! BRAVO!!!

*takes a bow*

Thanks honey, you know I try so hard to walk that line.

The end justifies the means, I'm trying to focus on that. If Yogi gets what he needs from her family or another, that would be the best outcome for him. I keep thinking of Rudy and the life he has now.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

you can try dog parks too , that burns a ton of energy

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

My dog requires a lot of attention and I don't have kids. Are there some days when I'm so tired from walks and playing and training? Yes. But I knew that going into it. What human would want to wander around all day alone without any interactions?

When you have another child, you'll see that your first DC will begin to "act out" and regress back to old behaviors because they are seeking more attention. It's the same with animals.

I think you should feel lucky that you do not have an agressive dog that is threatening to your child. Your dog wants to play when you all are playing, what's so wrong with that? Wouldn't you do the same?

I have a wonderful dog walker who is VERY affordable. He trains Maggie as well on the days that he comes. Where are you located? Maybe he can help out.

Please think twice.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Posted by Wendy

What about Petsmart doggie day camp? Maddie goes to the one by the Walt Whitman Mall (but we've also taken her to the one in Farmingdale). She goes twice a week and when she comes home those nights, she is EXHAUSTED!! It's well worth the $25/day ... she gets extra excited on the mornings she knows she's going to camp.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

what about a dog walker? Even once or twice a week? This isnt too expensive and can burn off excess energy. You would be surprised what a 30 minutes walk can do..We also try to divide and conquer whe we are home one plays or walks the dog while the other takes the baby.. I have a similiar situation I have a 3 year old Spinone and a 14 month old. It is not easy but we make it work.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

your pics of him make me SO sad

and I have to say, I can understand if the dog is aggressive and training did not help, I can understand if your ds had life threatening allergies that the dog was contributing to...BUT, to think of rehoming him cause he is energetic just breaks my heart

tell your DH to take another look at the pic of him and Yogi in the lake, it looks like you guys were great fun doggie parents to him. My heart breaks thinking of him having to go to a new home,

I think the PP idea of getting a dog walker a few times a week may help

good luck

Message edited 11/6/2009 3:54:54 PM.

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home

I agree with the PP.
If hes a great dog & just needs to release some more energy help him out.
Here is a website to another Doggie Daycare type place. They have 2 locations, Port Jeff & Ronkonkoma.
A friend of mine takes her dog there so he isn't home alone all day & he loves it. Always tired when he gets home too.
Its called Houndstown.
www.Houndstownusa.com
I think its like 25/day.
Good luck!!

Re: DH thinks we might need to find Yogi a new home *UPATED*