Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[pagesguineas]

My dog, Copper, has been looked after my nan on a daily basis since I started uni. My mum drops him off in the morning and picks up in the evening. However, recently I have been noticing that he is developing such naughty behavioral problems and is putting on weight. This all started since he's been going up there. His weight has increased by 20% from 5kg to 6 and he is now having difficulty jumping into our 4x4 and we have to lift him in. He also barks constantly, jumps up onto the sofas, and just generally doesn't listen to anything you tell him anymore. We don't let him near other dogs anymore as he tends to growl at them and as he is little I want to avoid a dog fight. The other day I was giving my grandparents a lift to the supermarket with him in the back and even though I told him 2 times to stay he tried to jump out of the car after my nan when there were cars passing and everything. I managed to grab him before he ran out but was very

 

I really wanted to gain a bit of advice. I have repeatedly told her that she needs to control him more and stop feeding him, but she doesn't listen (I have been telling her that for the past year with no change).

 

I really have two options, both quite sad. The first is to carry on as we are, unknowing of how much weight he will put on in future (he is 7) and having to cope with his behavioral problems.

The second is leaving him at home every day. He would be alone for usually three days a week for about 8-9 hours at a time. He is fine to leave on his own but I think he would get so bored. However we could then control his weight and behavior.

This really is a horrible situation to be in, and aside from taking him to uni with me and hiding him when the landlord came around, there's not much I can do.

 

Sorry to sound all depressed about it, but I am

 

Thanks,

Catherine

 

I'm at my wits end with this. If I thought there was anything I could do to change how he is treated in the day I would do it, but there really isn't.

[bellekatz]

If you felt you had to keep him at home for those days, are there any local dog walking services who could come and take him out whilst he is on his own? My CKC Jack is on his own for 2 days a week and we have a service who come and pick him up, take him for an hours walk and then bring him back. He is often out 2-3 hours in the middle of the day and also has the company of other dogs? Don't know whether as a student you could manage the £10 per walk they charge here, presumably they charge more down south?? Just an idea

[Chucky Mama]

I think that he is better off at home where you an control his weight and behaviour. You could end up with a serious behaviour issue otherwise. People worry so much about dogs getting bored but you will probably notice that when you are at home with a dog they sleep pretty much all day Of course some breeds and young dogs may get a little bored but it depends what they are used to and how they are bought up. I have a neigbour who has 2 dogs that run them ragged every evening demanding to be played with. When we have them they settle on their beds and sleep If you are worried, as suggested, you could get a walker or a neighbour to pop in and let him out halfway through the day. Leaving him with your nan does not sound like a good option. I would advise consistency with exercise though. It is not good for dogs, particularly those that are overweight to go for a 5 mile yomp one day and a 20 minute walk another. It is not good for their joints etc. It is better to meet somewhere in the middle and give a more balanced amount of exercise every day.

[beach chick]

I think the at home & get a dog walker is the best option. it sounds as if your nan is overdoing what she sees as 'love', whereas what your dog needs is consistency, rules, and def. no over-feeding. if you cant afford a dog walker (as you are a student) could a neighbour at least pop in and let him out for a pee on your uni days, and you walk him early & late?

hope you can get it sorted.

[The Dogmother]

I'd keep him at home and get a dog walker too.

[majuka]

I agree with the others, leave him at home, if possible get a dog walker sorted out (make sure they are insured and check whether they will be walking other dogs with him if he is getting a bit growly). Give him a good walk before you leave him and he will be more relaxed. It will be strange for him at first but he will adjust. I'm very fortunate that I work for family and my dog comes with me. Most of the day he just snoozes, exactly what he would do at home by himself.

 

A 20% increase in body weight is quite shocking really and it goes without saying you really need to get on top of it, just like people, overweight dogs are at a far greater risk of skeletal problems, diabetes, cancer and heart disease to name but a few. I know that you want what is best for him by giving him the extra company but unfortunately it is seriously damaging his health.

 

It might be worth you enrolling him in a training class (positive methods only!) to try and nip his problems in the bud. At the moment it sounds as if they are training issues rather than actual behavioural problems. I'm guessing he has a bit of a fuss made of him at your nan's and if she allows him on the furniture there, it stands to reason that he will try and get on yours.

 

Good luck with him.