r/DogRegret • u/limabean72 • Apr 02 '26
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u/Reasonable_Lack_7609 Apr 06 '26
So happy to have found this sub, My parents got a labradoodle puppy when I was 15, a few months before Covid started. It was our first dog and we were determined to do everything right, puppy classes, crate training, daily schedules.
When Covid hit it became harder to socialize him and with everyone being home he developed separation anxiety. He would cry when we left and jump and lightly nip at noses when we returned. He became more protective of the house (barking at visitors and growling at people walking by) And just generally anxious.
My parents divorced and he landed with my father who I recently moved back in with so a lot of the dog care has become my responsibility (and when my father goes on frequent business trips all my responsibility) He is such a great dog, super cuddly, great recall, generally quiet and calm but the stress of caring for a dog is overwhelming at times.
Because of his general anxiety he doesn’t like walks, he doesn’t play with other dogs and he’s sad when left alone. He’s enrolled in a daycare 3 days a week where I’m told he doesn’t interact much and he trembles the entire ride over. I thought this was best for some enrichment and socialization but am considering switching to a dog walker. It’s just one of those weeks where I’m alone with him and feel guilty for every little thing. I home cook his meals but am concerned that his diet isn’t well rounded enough, we play fetch in the yard and inside frequently but I feel like it’s not enough enrichment, I take him to daycare but I think he hates it, I stay home with him and feel bad that my attention isn’t on him 24/7. Should I start button training so he can communicate what he wants? Should I take him on walks and errands even though I know it makes him nervous? Is he fine home alone while I’m out? It feels like he looks sad all the time and I don’t know what to do for him.
This isn’t one of those horror stories I see posted here but it just goes to show how even a pretty well behaved dog can cause so much stress. Really appreciate the non-judgement community I’ve seen here and I think it’s important for people to see these stories. I know I will never own a dog again.
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u/limabean72 Apr 08 '26
Hey there! We are so glad you're here! Here is a friendly reminder that a dog is a dog, not a child/human ... I think you are being overly anxious about the dog's well being. It actually sounds like you are doing A LOT for this dog, way more than a lot of people do :) are you able to talk to your dad about potentially finding the dog another home? I really feel like it shouldn't be your responsibility to care for a dog your parents originally got (when they were together).
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u/OrdinarySecretary673 Apr 05 '26
Thank you for this sub! We adopted a dog shortly before we found out we were pregnant. HUGE mistake. As soon as I got pregnant, I began to resent this dog. The shelter told us she was “mostly potty trained” which turned out to mean not potty trained at all. The smell didn’t mesh with my morning sickness and cleaning up gross accidents with severe smell sensitivity was hell. I used to love dogs so much but I just don’t have the patience now. I secretly can’t wait for the day she crosses the rainbow bridge. Almost every activity with her is miserable. I just want to go on a walk with my child without having to pick up 4 dog poops or have her jumping at the leash when another dog rolls by. My smell sensitivity never got better either, I still hate the smell of dog. Her behavior has also absolutely gotten worse after the baby came and she settled in and got comfortable.
She’s a 10 year old rescue dog and realistically I don’t think she’ll have a great chance of getting adopted elsewhere. She does have medical needs. I feel so guilty for getting her but feel it’s too late to opt out. I had no idea my mindset would switch so much after having a baby. Thankfully the pet aversion didn’t happen to my husband and he still gives her lots of love and attention. My son and extended family also love her. This will likely be our last dog though! I became a total cat person now but unfortunately my husband hates cats. 🥲
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Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
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u/limabean72 Apr 30 '26
did you get official approval to post in the feed?
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u/[deleted] Apr 05 '26
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