RANT: People at work and my dog

[Gerald]

It's no secret to anyone at my job that I have a dog now. I talk about Rocky every five seconds, and other people at my work have dogs too, so it makes for good converstation. The thing is though, just about everyone "thinks", that I am going overboard on taking him out of the crate during the day.

Everyday at lunch I go home so he can relieve himself, have some playtime, and a little snack in his Kong w/ peanut butter once I leave and crate him for the afternoon. I use to go out on lunch and stuff all the time with friends from work, but not since I have had the dog. I tell these people that he is just 4 months! and he NEEDS attention and to be let out. They won't hear it; they say ahh he can hold it for 8 hours, he does at night! He will be fine, your being a cushy daddy.

You can't reason with these people and it's starting to get annoying! They don't read up about dogs needs, and they leave their dogs in the crate probably for 8 hours or longer and they do no training whatsoever. I'm just upset b/c I know what I'm doing when it comes to taking him out of the crate for lunch, etc, but they insist I don't!

Oh well .. had to vent thx

[YK Shepherd]

You are being a responsible dog owner and tell them that. If they don't like well too bad because right now that is the way it has to be.

Most people just do not understand that you cannot leave a dog alone all day and all night too. THey need companionship and playing time and love. You supply this.

[mrsgrubby]

I know what you mean, and to tell you the truth, a few years ago it would have been me "jeering" you for doing it.

Many people just dont' know any better. Vets dont' do a good job telling us, and neither do any of the dog trainers I have worked with until the last one.

The truth is, and you already know this, you are right and they are wrong. Period!

The other truth is that over time your dog will be better behaved and happier than their dogs are. Period!

Dogs need to be with their people, they are not solitary animals, but many people think of them as "just a dog, just an animal".

Keep up the good work, your puppy loves you for it!

[FarCritter10]

You are doing the right thing Gerald. You just keep following your heart & you will always be the good daddy that you are.

[Gerald]

Thanks everyone!! I've been having one of those "weeks" at work, and this was just a cake-toper. It's really frustrating b/c you look to your friends and co-workers for support and when they give you grief about something it sucks. But you all are right, and I know that I am too with what I am doing with Rocky, therefore Rocky and I will be better in the end for it!!

[Kade]

Sorry everyone's being a pain in the neck. Just be confident that you are doing the right thing.

I mean, so what even if you were being a cushy daddy? Just because you can do something doesn't mean you ought to. Just tell them you have figured out a system that works with your young puppy and you will re-evaluate when he gets older. If need be, pretend to take a day off, have a trusted friend go by and play/walk/feed him, and then come in the next day and report that it was a total disaster and there's no way you are ever doing that again.

[bigdoglover]

I would just tell them that Rocky is turning out to be a better friend than they are!! LOL

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Sounds to me like your the perfect daddy. Pay no attention to those people and go right on doing what your doing, Rocky thanks you for it and so do I!

[GSD]

Originally Posted by Gerald

.

They won't hear it; they say ahh he can hold it for 8 hours, he does at night! He will be fine, your being a cushy daddy.

:

My dog can hold it for 8 hours too, what's their point??? It doesn't mean she should be forced to everyday. If they think I'm a cushy daddy they should see what I put her through, and how she enjoys doing every bit of it. Do as others here have said, and pay no attention to them. OR,They don't need to know you're going home to let the dog out. Tell them you go home and have a beer with your dog and chase women, that should improve your standing with them

[Cassiepeia]

Just keep in mind that when your dog is an adult, he'll be a billion times better behaved than any of their dogs and they'll all be asking you "Wow, how did you get your dog to have such good manners?", then you can tell them.

You're doing the right thing. But isn't it amazing how little your 'average' person actually knows about looking after their dogs?

Cass.

[Mellie]

Wow, those people sound crazy!
If I was your co-worker, I'd offer words of respect for all your effort and desire to be a caring, responsible doggy dad.

[bigdoglover]

I will say this, and no offense to any of the "guys" on this forum, but it is sort of rare to find a single man who actually cares for his dog and takes time out to do it. Kudos to you!!

[Raised By Wolves]

Never underestimate the power of a chance to educate.

[Shadowkins]

You are being a good, responsible and loving Dad. No sense trying to educate those that will not hear. I think you are to be commended!!!!

[mulroony]

Good to hear I am rare. No offense taken, but I know a majority of families around where I was raised pay little or no attention to their dog or its needs.

The only problem I could see with what you are doing is developing a pattern, and if you will not be heading home in the future it will take some time for your pup to get used to that. (We all know how dogs love their schedules..) That said I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, and I would be doing the same.