Issue with the care of our puppy.

McKneff

This is just the same as a baby, it needs total commitment.

If you all as a family cannot give it this it would be wise to rehome it.

Perhaps you would be better getting another pet that doesn't need that level of commitment,

trevorsminted

Never ceases to amaze me the amount of people that get a dog when they clearly can barely get themselves sorted, no disrespect but next time get a cuddly toy dog, poor puppy especially in a house with elderly people with health issues!

megan01

Can I just point out here that my dad is against kennels because one time in the 90's my parents had our old dog in a kennel for a holiday and he came away with PARVO. It's nothing to do with the cost or anything and I would quite happily pay for it it's just they think all kennels are bad and not safe.

I understand what everyone is saying but for example, what if I were going away somewhere when my parents were going away somewhere, what would happen then? Why would my parents get a puppy without the option of putting it in a kennel? There is noone else who could look after him apart from me. It's my parents dog not mine.

dibuzz

Really all this should have been discussed and sorted before you got the puppy.
If you (meaning all 3 of you) can't work something out then rehoming him is the best thing for him

NervousHomeowner

Kennelling is expensive and can be stressful for dogs, I'm not surprised your parents would rather leave it at home with you than pay for someone else to do it. Unfortunately if you wanted the puppy & it was bought in part for you, you should have prepared for the responsibility of caring for it or at least discussed this before you got one, rather than just assumed.

What specifically about caring for the puppy do you find worrying? I know you said the puppy isn't fully trained but no dog is ever 'fully trained'. Why do you feel that is a problem for you? With regards to the dog throwing up because it ate too much bone - that is easily avoidable! A 5 month old dog shouldn't be left to eat a bone in its entirety, anyway. Either use it as a treat & take the bone away when the dog has had enough or use smaller chews that the dog can eat in its entirety like Dentastix, or a milkbone. Sorted!

Start preparing now by telling your parents that you want to take care of the puppy until they go away, as preparation. Then you can get used to the responsibility but with your parents around to keep an eye on you. Your parents obviously think you're capable of this, otherwise they wouldn't be leaving you

ETA:

I understand what everyone is saying but for example, what if I were going away somewhere when my parents were going away somewhere, what would happen then? Why would my parents get a puppy without the option of putting it in a kennel? There is noone else who could look after him apart from me. It's my parents dog not mine.

I presume your parents wouldn't arrange to go away at the same time if you were also going on holiday? Or would find someone else to take care of the dog like a house sitter or people who board dogs in their homes. You said in your first post that the dog was bought for your dad & because you wanted a puppy. That means it is your dog too.

FatVonD

megan01 wrote: »

what if I were going away somewhere when my parents were going away somewhere, what would happen then?

Responsible people would discuss their holiday plans before booking a holiday to make sure there was someone around to look after the dog.

It makes me so angry when irresponsible people take on pets they can't/have no intention of looking after properly :mad:

GBNI

megan01 wrote: »

Can I just point out here that my dad is against kennels because one time in the 90's my parents had our old dog in a kennel for a holiday and he came away with PARVO. It's nothing to do with the cost or anything and I would quite happily pay for it it's just they think all kennels are bad and not safe.

I understand what everyone is saying but for example, what if I were going away somewhere when my parents were going away somewhere, what would happen then? Why would my parents get a puppy without the option of putting it in a kennel? There is noone else who could look after him apart from me. It's my parents dog not mine.

That's what vaccinations are for. You clearly stated in your first post you wanted a dog too. I'm sorry, but I agree with others that say rehome. I am picking up the mess of a dog that wasn't cared for correctly and was also abused. It is a long and tiring round but I do it FOR HER. People need to realise the implications of making such a big commitment.

Sorry to be harsh, but I am sick of people not taking responsibility for their actions.

arbroath_lass

megan01 wrote: »

It's my parents dog not mine.

It was bought, in part, because YOU wanted it why is it now your parents' dog and not yours?

Can I ask how old you are because you sound like a petulant child!

Rehome the dog whilst it has a chance because none of you actually appear to want the poor animal.

balletshoes

Megan you live in the family home, you are not going away when your parents are on holiday, and in part the puppy is there because you wanted one. So I don't think theres anything unreasonable, on the face of things, in your parents expecting that you would look after the puppy when they are away.

I don't live with my mum, she has a dog (its definitely not mine) but I'd think nothing of looking after the dog (even moving into her house if that made more sense) while she was away.

Pixiechic

You said in your first post that you wanted a puppy too. Yet, as you say, you don't seem to be able to look after yourself, let alone a puppy. You can't have all the fun and love of a puppy without the work and responsibility too.

I'm not sure why this wasn't discussed before getting a puppy. It just seems totally irresponsible and very unfair to a poor 5 month old puppy.

You know the various issues in your family and given that, I just don't know why it was decided that getting a dog was a good idea to you all. Especially as your Dad said that he would 'just get rid of it' later down the line and you knowing that you are unable to be responsible for it.

If kennels are the only option whilst they are away then find a good one and do that. Then find a responsible and able pet owner who is willing and able to provide the continued responsibility, love and care that a puppy needs, this is the best bet for the puppies future.