I don't know how to explain it, I'm just kind of over her. I guess I'm burned out or something and find myself having a really short fuse. Does this happen to you? I'm really not sure where it's coming from, it's been going on the last three days. It's for no particular reason. I'm sure it'll pass, but I feel bad about it.
Edit: I'll tell you right now it's not gonna be a friendly conversation if you try to shame me for needing some time away from my dog. She's extremely high maintenance, and she's not being neglected either. I'm just burned out. She's a great and loving dog, but she's also a lot of work. I'm not gonna give her up or neglect or whatever. Just gonna take it easy for a few days. It's about time we teach her how to settle down anyways.
You have: Your friends, family, job, school, social activities, phone, computer, TV, car, bike...
Your dog has: You!
Not trying to shame anyone here who is burnt out with a pet. I get frustrated with my dog too, but I try to remind myself that she's a part of my world, while I'm her WHOLE world.
It's been a few days for the person who obviously is having a bit of a hard time. Try encouraging the human to figure out what's happening instead of trying to guilt trip them out of their funk.
What would we do with our dogs when we have two days of really bad pouring rain? Or a blizzard? Or 110° weather where it's not safe to exercise a dog a lot? That's the type of advice this person needs.
When I'm feeling very through with the world, I find it very hard to level with my dogs excitement. Little things she does will piss me off disproportionately and I tell myself she's just a dog and doesn't know better. It's not her, it's me. Take good care of yourself so you can take good care of your dog!
Dogs can have a day or two off. Think what happens if they are boarded.
It's only been a few days that you've been feeling down. If you are concerned that you are letting your dog down, you can get her a new chew toy or bone for enrichment.
Take care of your mental health first, you have plenty of time to figure out what's best for your dog since it's only been a few days. Right now, figure out what's best for you.
I have an old dog with Cushing that is in the end of life stage. He’s old and mostly blind.
Have another who is young, but has really bad environmental and food allergies.
The 3rd is young also. She doesn’t take any special needs, she’s just REALLY dumb. Doesn’t care about food or treats or anything except play.
My partner and I have decided that these are going to be the last dogs for us and we are sticking with cats. We have 2 cats and they are very easy to care for.
hey, I honestly get this. there were points when my guy was a pup and pushing the boundaries it was miserable. they are hours and hours a day of work and they can be kind of jerks, esp when they're young. he's settled down so much and I'm proud of him, it was worth all the work. don't be down on yourself for feeling the burn out though. I started paying a dog walker to take him out for the day once a week and it helped even having one extra day where I didn't have to worry so much.
edit: also when I got covid he went a week without a walk and didn't even complain. they can go a day if you're burnt out. it might be nice to watch a movie with her, just play with a ball inside or something.
If you're finding it hard to get out after work maybe try a doggy daycare or a local dog walker who can take over that responsibility for a couple weeks to give you a break. I have 3 at home, 2 have some special needs and it can be a lot sometimes.
I totally understand how you're feeling. I have a year old beagle and a 12-week goldendoodle puppy and sometimes I really need a break from them.
Every so often, I'll go visit my grandma or my parents or my friends for a few hours on a Saturday and leave the dogs at home. They're more than happy in their crates and I need the time to myself for my mental health.
I used to spend as little time away from home as possible because of my dogs, and I ended up having breakdowns and it upset my beagle greatly to see me so distraught. Eventually I realized the dogs will be fine at home alone for a while on a Saturday, since they're fine while I'm at work.
Giving yourself breaks is important. Dogs can pick up on your emotions, so it's important to take care of yourself. Don't feel bad about needing to get away for a bit.