Should my family help with my new dog?
By DJ9020
@DJ9020 (1594)
United States
June 13, 2007 4:32am CST
We had two dogs. One has bonded with my husband and the other with my daughter. So I did not have a dog that was really mine. So I got a new dog (well, she's six years old, so not a puppy). She is still getting used to our house, our yard, and our rules. Should I expect my family to help take care of her when I am at work? After all, I take care of the other two: walking, feeding, cleaning up after, etc. I really don't think it's too much for them to put forth a little effort right now in getting her used to our home. But all they've done so far is complain (we've only had her 3 days!) Am I expecting too much?
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2 responses
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
13 Jun 07
Yes, not only because of fair responsibility but because the negative vibes will affect all the dogs.
Dogs work on a pack hierarchy, and your new dog, if not accepted by the other two humans, will be way down the social scale, in the wrong way.
It's tough enough on a new dog to move in to a new place with resident dogs, anyway.
Adult dogs are pretty easy to look after. It's not like they're being asked to do anything above and beyond.
You have rights, too, you know. Time to put the foot down, if it's got difficult in only 3 days.
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@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
13 Jun 07
of course they should help take care of her, you help take care of their dogs, and besides which; dogs are members of the family, and family looks after family.
im sure they will "warm up" to her in time. just remind them what YOU do for THEIR dogs.
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