Feeling guilty for not enjoying my dog

[Paige]

I love Bandit. He sleeps in my bed, we spend a lot of time around each other, I walk him daily, I always talk to him nicely... but I don't feel like I truly enjoy having a dog right now. Life has gotten so busy with my kids. I feel like I can't keep up and poor Bandit has been getting less attention because of it.

Here is to hoping it passes. I feel like a shadow of the dog owner I once was. I feel like I don't even deserve the guy lately.

 

[CaliTerp07]

Honestly, this is a major reason I'm putting off having a kid, as silly as it sounds. I don't think I would be able to handle giving Lucy the attention she needs and being a good parent. Something would have to give

Sorry you are dealing with guilty feelings. Hopefully when your kiddos grow up a little they are no longer quite so needy and you have some extra time and energy again.

 

[Kootenay]

Honestly, this is a major reason I'm putting off having a kid, as silly as it sounds. I don't think I would be able to handle giving Lucy the attention she needs and being a good parent. Something would have to give

Sorry you are dealing with guilty feelings. Hopefully when your kiddos grow up a little they are no longer quite so needy and you have some extra time and energy again.

This! Except I'm not sure I'll ever have kids (though who knows). I am just SO into my dogs, they are completely my life and total focus, I just can't imagine having a kid and working it all out. I feel like the dogs would definitely end up getting the short end of the stick, and I can't quite imagine doing that.

That being said, I've seen lots of people who seem to manage parenting and dog ownership just fine, and Paige I'm sure you're doing a good job! It sounds like you are more than covering Bandit's needs, so I wouldn't beat yourself up over it too much. So many dogs have it WAY worse!

 

[CaliTerp07]

That being said, I've seen lots of people who seem to manage parenting and dog ownership just fine, and Paige I'm sure you're doing a good job! It sounds like you are more than covering Bandit's needs, so I wouldn't beat yourself up over it too much. So many dogs have it WAY worse!

Absolutely! Heaven knows that all of us have had times where school was intense, jobs had long hours, or, like you, kids took up our time. Our dogs adapted, and we came out on the other side.

He's well fed, has a warm bed to sleep in, and you aren't just locking him in a kennel all day with no mental stimulation. He'll adapt, and you'll make it work.

 

[noludoru]

I love Bandit. He sleeps in my bed, we spend a lot of time around each other, I walk him daily, I always talk to him nicely... but I don't feel like I truly enjoy having a dog right now. Life has gotten so busy with my kids. I feel like I can't keep up and poor Bandit has been getting less attention because of it.

Here is to hoping it passes. I feel like a shadow of the dog owner I once was. I feel like I don't even deserve the guy lately.

This is how I feel lately. Just no kids.

 

[Yorkie Mom]

This Too Shall Pass

You know what? You're not alone and I don't even have kids but this happens to me at times too.

Life gets way too busy sometimes. Stuff happens.
Depending on schedule I can always get up an hour or so earlier to spend with my dog.
Instead of sitting here posting to this forum I am going to get off and take my girl for a walk. Truth is she ate not long ago after her last walk and rests for at least 20 after meal times.

When I feel like you have described and it is riding on me, I sometimes just drop what I am doing and go hang with my dog with her toys and some treats. Even if for five minute. It makes a difference.

I make concessions, I will stop what I am doing even if it is a must do and go take my dog for a nice long walk together.

I try to avoid too many "I'll make it up to you". I feel way too bad otherwise.

I know a family who had a dog and would see them out at night during summer time walking with the kids and stroller. I wondered where's the dog?

Since you have kids and I know how busy that can be, why not schedule park dates or beach dates, a family walk, leash up Bandit and take him with you's? That way Bandit gets to go to.

It's a great time of year to get out with the kids and Bandit would like it too.

If you can swing it I bet it will make you feel way better. Even just once a week if possible.

All the Best.

I love Bandit. He sleeps in my bed, we spend a lot of time around each other, I walk him daily, I always talk to him nicely... but I don't feel like I truly enjoy having a dog right now. Life has gotten so busy with my kids. I feel like I can't keep up and poor Bandit has been getting less attention because of it.

Here is to hoping it passes. I feel like a shadow of the dog owner I once was. I feel like I don't even deserve the guy lately.