Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
You might be able to find a neighbor to walk your dog during your working hours. Also, a high school student might want to earn extra money. Pets are a major responsibility. I don't know any person who can go 12 to 14 hours without using the bathroom, so why would you ever think that a dog could do that. Most employers today will allow you to adjust your schedule, and maybe instead of a gym you could actually exercise yourself and your dog at the same time.
I took us just over a year to finally housebreak our Mastiff, Motley. This was a test of faith as he weighs over 250lbs and pees about two gallons at a time. He finally got it and soon I get new carpet.
I took us just over a year to finally housebreak our Mastiff, Motley. This was a test of faith as he weighs over 250lbs and pees about two gallons at a time. He finally got it and soon I get new carpet.
can you post a picture of your dog. I would like to see what a 250lb dog looks like. Oops nevermind found a picture...danggg!! http://www.mastiffgilardi.com/gestione/.%5Cupload%5Cgalleria%5CAbbraccio%20Mastiff%20copi a.jpg (broken link)
I'm sorry but you are neglecting this animal. If you somehow thought you were going to get suggestions on how to continue neglecting him to ease your conscience I think you came to the wrong place. Dogs shouldn't be left alone for that amount of time and no dog should be expected to hold their urine/feces for that long either. If you can't be there for the dog then I suggest you invest in a day care program or walker. I know you say you live in Harlem and can't find one, but I don't believe you've actually looked because a quick google search located many when I did it. Full grown healthy dogs can hold their urine/feces for about 8 hours, you are asking your dog to go much longer which is unreasonable.
You either really care about your dog's welfare or you don't. If you do care make arrangements for him to have some exercise and social time at a day care or with a walker, if you can not afford to do that then find him a home that can. To continue the schedule you have is unfair to the dog, there are many homes that would be better suited for him and sometimes loving your pet means giving him up to someone who can do it better.
There is no doctor going to say you have to go to a gym. You get exercise just by walking. Go home & walk your dog! Run & jog with your dog....Now you both are getting exercise!!!! Now pick a place in the apt put down papers for when you are not home...doggy litter box. Yep quietly clean it up when doggie goes...cause when you gotta go you gatta go!
If there's a chance that he can go back to Long Island, that's what I'd do. Otherwise your relationship with your dog is going to suffer.
I've lived in a 5 floor walkup in Manhattan, and I cannot even imagine having a large dog with me (I too lived in a small studio). I had a cat (still have her now ) and even a cat was a lot to care of with a busy NYC lifestyle.
You can't correct him after the fact, you will confuse him by doing this which is going to make housetraining all that much more difficult.
Crating could be considered, but from what I've read, adult dogs should not be crated for more than 8 hours a day (and who can work fulltime and commute inside of 8 hours??).
There are mobile dog-walking services in Manhattan that would probably come to you, albeit for a hefty fee since you are in Harlem. I had a friend who did this as a side gig for a large doggie day care place and she drove all over Manhattan picking up her dogs, and this was years ago, so they're out there.
But you're losing your patience, so I would say if you can't resolve this quickly and painlessly, explore the idea of sending him back to your parents in Long Island. The dog's quality of life takes priority over your wanting to be with him .
I agree with Riveree and some of the other suggestions. There's definitely ways to address this, but bottom line, your schedule is a big factor. Please understand the reality of that. I haven't seen any attacking on this thread thus far so I don't think anyone has been too harsh on you. Sounds like you are pretty stressed yourself regarding this schedule, but I could be wrong.
Crates are good and set space for the dog. But, it is correct in saying past 8 hours is hard for a large dog. As a dog trainer, you never use punishment for accidents in the house in the learning-phase of housebreaking. A dog must have a clear understanding of your expectations to be able to use negative reinforcement to any obedience training. Especially if the pup has never really been taught that inside #1's and 2's.
Getting help someone or a friend is a great idea. I would persue that one for sure.
My daughter and her roommates have little boxers. They all work and some have second jobs. They put in doggie doors and that has been a blessing. The dogs use them faithfully and so far the only drawback is that they will occasionally drag in a dead lizzard or a bird.
You can also hire a pet service to come and let your dog out for you during the day....or how about a good neighbor?
My daughter and her roommates have little boxers. They all work and some have second jobs. They put in doggie doors and that has been a blessing. The dogs use them faithfully and so far the only drawback is that they will occasionally drag in a dead lizzard or a bird.
You can also hire a pet service to come and let your dog out for you during the day....or how about a good neighbor?
great ideas! I forgot about the doggie door. Silly me.
I have to agree with Irishmom--This is an unbelieveable situation. How can anyone expect a dog to go with only a morning walk? This lack of awareness does need to be addressed to the OP. The lack of time spent with the poor animal is another point. Even if the defecating is resolved with pads and it seems that is the only option, what happens to the dog sitting in an apartment all day, day after day? Get this dog a loving home and get a cat or two. They would be much better able to handle this situation.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
.
